It is interesting to see where Luke places this story of Martha and Mary. It is inserted between the story of the Good Samaritan and Jesus’ teaching on prayer. In the Good Samaritan we concentrate on service. In the passage that follows, we will reflect on prayer. In today’s gospel we have a picture of both, Mary who is absorbed in prayer, Martha who is taken up in work. Our life as a follower of Jesus requires both action and prayer.