Choosing the Better Part

In today’s Gospel, we find Jesus welcomed into the home of two sisters—Martha and Mary. It’s a story that many of us know well. Martha is busy, bustling around, making sure everything is in order. Mary, meanwhile, sits at the feet of Jesus, listening to His words.

And then Martha, understandably frustrated, says to Jesus:
“Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her to help me.”
But Jesus gently responds:
“Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, and it will not be taken from her.”

This Gospel speaks to the tension we all live with—the balance between doing and being, between service and prayer, between activity and contemplation. Martha represents many of us who work tirelessly—at home, at church, at work—trying to do everything right. And that’s not a bad thing! In fact, hospitality is deeply valued in our faith, and in the first reading, we see Abraham receiving divine blessing for welcoming the three visitors at Mamre.

But here’s the point: Jesus is not criticizing Martha’s service. He’s reminding her—and us—that we must not lose sight of the most important guest: Himself. That in all our doing, we must not forget to listen, to sit, to be present with Him.

How easy it is to be consumed with responsibilities and busyness—even good things done for others and for the Church. But we must ask: Do I make space to sit at Jesus’ feet? Do I pause and listen to His voice? Or have I become so anxious and distracted that I miss the peace and wisdom He offers?