While Mary sits at the feet of Jesus listening to all he says, the other sister, Martha, devotes herself to cleaning the house and making the meal. The pace catches up with Martha, and she complains to Jesus. She wonders why her sister doesn’t help her in the kitchen, according to the cultural practice of the day. “‘Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her’” (vv. 41–42).
