The story of Martha and Mary and the potential for transformative engagement: Luke 10:38--42

This study in biblical spirituality focuses on Luke 10:38--42, the narrative account of Jesus' visit to Martha and Mary. It sheds light upon two foundational questions. First, historically, what has been the relationship between the interpretation of Luke 10:38--42 and Christian spirituality? Second, how can an individual or community engage in a dialogue with this text in a way that is fully responsible to contemporary biblical scholarship and that at the same time enhances the potential for transformative engagement with the text?;Part one of this study examines the relationship between biblical hermeneutics and spirituality in the ancient and modern periods, periods of great contrast. The exploration of the ancient period focuses upon the work of Origen, Chrysostom, and Augustine while the analysis of the modern period focuses upon the work of Alfred Plummer and Joseph Fitzmyer. The hermeneutical principles developed during these periods are described, analyzed, and evaluated, and representative "precritical" and "critical" interpretations of Luke 10:38--42 are examined in light of the interests and concerns of Christian spirituality.;The second part of this study offers constructive readings of Luke 10:38--42 from narrative, feminist, and psychological perspectives. Each reading of the text highlights distinct aspects of Luke 10:38--42 from the perspective being employed. The aims and interests of each approach are delineated, and each reading concludes by suggesting how the approach is related to the interests and concerns of Christian spirituality.;This study suggests that narrative, feminist, and psychological approaches are responsible to contemporary biblical scholarship and are particularly beneficial in promoting transformative engagement with biblical narratives. It also suggests that the discipline of Christian spirituality pays particular attention to the language of mystery, i.e., the language of metaphor, image, and dramatic narrative, that it notices manifestations of transformation in the direction of God, and that it raises significant questions about the nature of the divine-human relationship.