The original exegetical work was done some time back and the specific sources of the quoted material is not available. Much thanks for the sister - sister dynamic that is a big piece of this sermon. It came after a much drier sermon was passed by Charlene for review. Some parts of life are temporary - some are eternal.
Wisdom knows the difference.
This if the fundamental issue at stake in the story of Mary and Martha. Other people of course look at the story of Jesus' visit to the home of Mary and Martha from Mary's point view. They say that Mary did the right thing when she chose to sit by him and learn from him, that Jesus was, after all, the Lord - that he was very special, and that Mary was correct to take advantage of his presence and sit with the guests in her home and listen to his teachings. This then is the dilemma of today's gospel reading. Two individuals, both women, are portrayed welcoming Jesus, they both respond to his presence - one by working for him, by serving him, and the other by listening to him and learning from him.