Guide for the Journey

Meister Eckhart (c.1260 - c.1328) is the most common name given to Dominican Eckhart von Hochheim, a German theologian, philosopher, and mystic. Although he was an accomplished academic theologian, Eckhart’s best-remembered works are his sermons.

In his Sermon 86 on Luke 10:38-42, Eckhart hails Martha, not Mary, as the example to follow, departing from the usual interpretation that, because Mary has "chosen the better part," the contemplative life is superior to the active. He tells us that Mary, who sat at Christ’s feet, was absorbed by the desire to satisfy her soul. So the spiritually mature Martha, who was able to "accomplish external works with the perfection that love demands," was concerned because she wanted Mary to move beyond pleasant feelings in order to grow spiritually.

The following excerpts help us to see that the Christian life demands a combination of "Martha" and "Mary."

Our Lord Jesus Christ entered a little town where a woman named Martha received him. She had a sister named Mary who sat at the feet of our Lord and listened to his words; but Martha hurried about, serving our dear Lord.…

Now Martha says, “Lord, tell her to help me.” Martha did not say this out of spite. Rather, she said it because of endearment; that is what motivated her.…She realized that Mary had been overwhelmed by a desire for the complete fulfillment of her soul. Martha knew Mary better than Mary Martha, for Martha had lived long and well; and living gives the most valuable kind of knowledge.…

When she says, “Lord, tell her to help me,” it was as though she were saying: “My sister thinks she can do what she pleases while she sits by you filled with consolation. Let her find out whether this is true, and tell her to get up and leave you.”…

Mary was so full of longing. She longed for she knew not what, and wanted she knew not what. We harbor the suspicion that dear Mary was sitting there more for enjoyment than for spiritual profit. Therefore Martha said, “Lord, tell her to get up,” because she feared that Mary would remain stuck in this pleasant feeling and would progress no further.

Then Christ answered her, saying, “Martha, Martha, you are careful, you are worried about many things. One is necessary. Mary has chosen the best part, which can never be taken from her” (Luke 10:41).

Christ did not speak these words to chasten her. Rather, he responded by giving her the comforting message that it would turn out for Mary as she desired.…

Martha was afraid her sister would remain clinging to consolation and sweetness, and she wished her to become as she herself was. This is why Christ said, “She has chosen the best part,” as if to say, “Cheer up, Martha; this will leave her. The most sublime thing that can happen to a creature shall happen to her: She shall become as happy as you.”…

“Mary sat at the feet of the Lord and listened to his words,” and learned….But afterward, when she had learned,…then she really for the first time began to serve.…Thus do the saints become saints; not until then do they really begin to practice virtue.