[Greek] ἐκλέγομαι (eklegomai), [Latin] electos, [Latin] eligere: to make a choice, to single out, to prefer over another choice, to select; Mk.13:20, Lk.6:13, Lk.10:42, Lk.14:7, Jn.6:70, Jn.13:18, Jn.15:16,19, Acts 1:2,24, Acts 6:5, Acts 13:17, Acts 15:7,22,25, 1Cor.1:27-28, Eph.1:4, Jas.2:5
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means to choose something for oneself, to make one’s choice, and to pick. Xenophon’s Memorabilia 3.5.2 states “Do you think that the larger of fine, well-developed men could be selected from the Boeotians or the Athenians?” Herodotus’ The Histories 3.38 states “For if it were proposed to all nations to choose which seemed best of all customs, each, after examination, would place its own first, so well is each convinced that its own are by far the best.” Plato’s Symposium 198d states “For I was such a silly wretch as to think one ought in each case to speak the truth about the person eulogized; on the assumption I hoped we might pick out the fairest of facts and set those forth in their comliest guise.”
Old Testament:
What was the prevailing cultural attitude toward women (girls)? This essentially was a patriarchal society, with women and girls having little true freedom. Women essentially were seen as vessels for producing children. Daughters were transacted like property in marriage contracts between families.
“Do nothing or two months that I and my companions may go wander in the mountains to weep for my virginity.” Jdgs 11:37
Jephthath was unwedded and childless. There was nothing more painful for a Hebrew maid than to experience this state in life.
“Seven women will take hold of one man on that day saying, ‘Only let your name be given us, put an end to our disgrace!’” Isa.4:1
There evidently was a shortage of men available. The women were willing to marry anyone to avoid the disgrace of remaining unmarried.
“Raise a glad cry, you barren one who never bore a child, break forth in jubilant song, you who have never been in labor. For numerous are the children of her who has a husband.” Isa.54:1
Jerusalem, pictured as a barren wife, now suddenly finds herself with innumerable children (the returning exiles). Gal.4:27 makes reference to Sarah who will become a spiritual mother to numerous believers (children) in the future. This also foretells the many spiritual mothers caring for their ‘children’.
New Testament: This term, meaning to choose (select), refers to followers (Apostles, disciples, the lowly, the foolish, the elect, and others), places, and ancestors. Jesus chose the Twelve, yet still also knows that Judas’ betrayal will fulfill prophecy. Jesus explains to Martha that Mary has found a better path beside Him. God (Yahweh) chose the ancestors (of Israel) during their sojourn in Egypt. God chose Paul to speak to the Gentiles. God chooses the foolish and the lowly to shame the wise and strong. God chooses the poor in the world who become rich in faith. Jesus teaches those to find their place at the table with humbleness.
Scripture:
“There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.” Lk.10:42
Martha, concerned with serving others, is upset that Mary, sitting at the feet of Jesus, is not helping her with serving the others. Jesus tells Martha that Mary has chosen a higher calling. Jesus indicates this preference for Mary’s vocation.
Mary: In contrast to Martha’s active Christian (and secular sense) of serving others, Mary’s path represents a contemplative, reflective, and prayerful vocation. Mary represents the one who focuses on the spiritual realities, setting aside worldly concerns. Mary represents the one, sitting beside Jesus, who focuses all her attention on Him. As Martha has the privilege of receiving the earthly Jesus, Mary prepares herself to receive the heavenly Christ. Mary’s vocation provides the basis for those women who become nuns, sisters, consecrated virgins, and “spouses of Christ”.
Conclusion:
Elect, eligible, eligibility
This term not only involves choosing, but also choosing out from a number of choices. The Greek adjective eklektos (elect) means “the chosen out ones”. This involves an election for an object or goal.
For purposes of brevity, I wanted to focus on the calling (vocation) of women. The Old Testament patriarchal view primarily regarded women as vessels for bearing children. Family contractual agreements often included marrying off daughters to another family. This provides the basis for the expression ‘giving away the bride’. It was a highly held cultural value to perpetuate a family line with many children. Virginity and singleness were both seen as curses. Jephthah mourned her virginity. Women were willing to marry to avoid the shame of remaining unmarried.
However, the introduction of the prophets bring about a new cultural paradigm regarding the single state. God tells Jeremiah that he must remain single in serving Him. Isa.54:1 makes reference to the barren one, who never bore a children, receiving far numerous children. This also describes Israel, a deserted and barren country, receiving numerous exiles. This scripture foreshadows women who will become spiritual mothers to many children.
In the New Testament, Martha represents the active Christian (and secular desire) in serving others. This role, often filled with distractions and competing interests, is contrasted to Mary’s single-minded efforts to focus on Jesus. Mary represents a contemplative and reflective prayer life focusing on the spiritual realities. And yet, Jesus calls Mary’s path the better part. St. Bernard of Clairvaux states “The best part belongs to the Virgin Mary in which the active and contemplative parts are perfected.”
Time and time again, women who chose to single-mindedly love and serve the Lord consistently say that they have received great joy and fulfillment in their respective vocations. Perhaps, this is in part due to the emptiness, shallowness, and difficulties that many find (in seeking purpose in the world). It is also interesting to note that those religious orders (who visibly wear their habits (garments) are actually increasing and thriving. Prospective interested candidates are very much attracted to this visible image. Many women in these single vocations (serving the Lord) have become spiritual mothers to children, kids, and adults.
Back again to the Brady Bunch:
Jan: “I am tired of being in Marcia’s shadow all the time!”
Mom: “Jan, find out what you do best. And do your best with it.”
And some will shine bright at Jesus’ side (like Martha’s little sister) saying, “Lord, Lord, Lord!”