The story of Martha and Mary is dangerous material for preachers. By the very nature of the story, it can offend hard-working cooks. And as much as I enjoy eating, that is the last thing I want to do. A minister I knew in Illinois told me that after he preached on this passage, there was a woman in his church that exploded in anger at him, "How could you preach a sermon like that after you've eaten so much of my cooking!" So let's be clear from the beginning -- no offense intended!

But some other things also need to be clear. This passage is not primarily about cooking nor is it only directed to the Marthas and Marys of the world. The Marks and Mikes and Matthews are addressed by this story as well. This portion of Scripture is likely to touch a sensitive nerve in any of us who take seriously the work we do. Those of us who are conscientious and take pride in our work don't appreciate having someone else come along to tell us we could have put our time to better use. It makes us feel put down and devalued.

Yet that seems to be what Jesus did to Martha. At first glance, we might see Jesus as insensitive. I have no doubt that any normal person in Martha's place would feel stung. But Jesus didn't intend to hurt her. He sought to help her to refocus her life on the one thing that is of utmost importance.

Who is Martha? Not who was Martha. She was a first-century Jewish woman, a homeowner who lived in the city of Bethany with her brother, Lazarus, as well as her sister, Mary. That's ancient history. But the story of Martha and Mary is not found in our Bible because these women were of great historical interest. Their story is told because Martha can still be found here and now. Maybe you know her. Maybe you are her. I suspect most of us are at some time or another. Mary can be found among us as well but not as often.

Martha is the perfectionist. She wants everything to be just right. She dots the "i's" and crosses the "t's" in all that she does. Nothing is halfway done with Martha. She leaves nothing to chance. At work she double-checks every figure. She does original research rather than depending upon other people's conclusions. Her projects are never late and usually she does more than is asked of her. She plans ahead and deals with unforeseen mishaps with confidence and grace. Martha is intense. Whatever she might lack in natural talent is more than made up by her dedication and determination. She hasn't much patience with people who are halfhearted. She expects others to give as much of themselves as she does. Do you know her?

Martha is an activist, not a contemplative. She gets the job done. Without Martha's efforts, much of the work that gets accomplished in the office or at home or in the church would grind to a halt. She supports and enriches life. The office is organized, the home beautified and the church energized by Martha. She deserves a lot of thanks for putting herself out in order to help other people and accomplish what needs to get done. Who can blame her for getting ticked off at the Marys of the world? How dare Mary sit down and leisurely listen and think and learn while Martha is bustling and hustling to get some things done.