Charras Marysol, youth leader, Union of Protestant Churches of Alsace and Lorraine, France, and regional coordinator of the LWF youth network in Europe. Photo: Private
In Luke 10:38-42, we encounter two sisters, Martha and Mary. Martha is busy with many tasks, serving and organizing the household, while Mary sits at the feet of Jesus and listens to his teaching. When Martha asks Jesus to intervene, Jesus replies: “Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.”
This passage is often interpreted as a contrast between action and contemplation. Yet it also reveals something deeper about women’s place in the theological space. In the cultural context of this time, sitting at the feet of a teacher was the position of a disciple. Mary, a woman, takes this place of the disciple, and instead of asking her to leave to do domestic tasks, Jesus – in welcoming and even praising her actions - affirms that women, too, belong among those who learn, interpret, and reflect on God’s word.
By allowing Mary, a woman, to remain at his feet, instead of asking her to do domestic tasks, Jesus affirms that women, too, belong among those who learn, interpret, and reflect on God’s word.
Charras Marysol, Union of Protestant Churches of Alsace and Lorraine
Today, however, there is a phrase that seems to be trending again: “traditional womanhood”. But what is “traditional”? Because the story of Martha and Mary resonates deeply with the subject. I am a woman who grew up in a family where theology was part of daily conversation. Around the table, my parents —both theologians—often discussed complex questions about Scripture, faith, and church. Listening to those conversations awakened in me a deep curiosity and love for God and for theology. Later, as a young woman, I started my own theological studies, yet I quickly realized that my presence in these discussions was not always fully taken seriously.
In the European context, we might think that because many churches ordain women, and women are, in fact, the majority pastors in some countries, this would mean that their positions and spaces would be secure and recognized. Yet, for many, being recognized as women theologians, or even as women who hope to become pastors, is still a daily struggle. Having to explain that female leadership in the church is possible, that your feminine voice will still carry the solemnity of a sacrament. What if traditional womanhood is also being Mary? Mary’s story reminds us that this calling might be challenged again by a colleague, even a friend or family member.
But let’s be careful in this reflection. This passage should not lead us to diminish Martha’s role. Her work: preparing the house, welcoming guests, and organizing a meal, is not insignificant. Hospitality is a deeply valued ministry throughout Scripture. In fact, the Son of God himself gives a powerful example of this when he washes the feet of his disciples (John 13:1-17). In this light, both Martha and Mary reveal something essential about discipleship. Mary shows that women belong among those who learn and interpret the Word of God. Martha reminds us that the work of hospitality and service is also a needed vocation.
Gender justice in the light of God’s Word exhorts us to construct a community where both forms of ministry are honored: where each person can flourish in their calling and serve with dignity, where expressions like “traditional womanhood” cannot be reduced to a linear expression, but recognized as taking many forms, many vocations, and all of them valued and supported, as equal in front of God and in Christian community.
Questions:
- What does it mean for our communities to ensure that everyone can “sit at the feet of Jesus” as a learner and disciple?
- In what ways might young women today still feel unrecognized or questioned on their church position in your church?
- How can you actively within your church encourage both Martha's service and Mary's discipleship as equal expressions of womanhood and ministry in the church?
This post is part of the LWF Youth theological series called “Global Faith Unfiltered.” It features reflections from young theologians on the most pressing issues and topics across their communities, from a perspective of the priorities highlighted at the 2023 LWF Assembly.
