The Word God Spells

Luke 10: 38-42
Jon 3:1-10 / Ps 130

You are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen the better part, and it will not be taken away from her.
(Luke 10:42)

In all the things we say and do
Lead us to ‘choose the better part’,
Grant us Lord the grace to serve You
With Martha’s hands and Mary’s heart.

As Jesus and His disciples were on their way, He came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to Him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what He said. But Martha was distracted by all the prepara-tions that had to be made. She came to Him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen the better part, and it will not be taken away from her.”

For sure, Jesus appreciated the efforts of Martha in making their stay as comfortable and satisfying as possible. It was only when Martha started to complain to Him that He questioned the necessity of her labors, and praised the decision of Mary instead.

Reflection

What is the “better part” that our Lord is telling the Marthas among us in this Gospel passage? It is what most of us have been neglecting in our obsessively driven culture of working hard to be ahead in our chosen career, or the common excuse of insuring our children’s future. We forget that “One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.” (Mat.4:4) The “better part” is simply the Word of God. If Martha’s main concern was to provide nourishment for Jesus and His apostles, her sister Mary’s sole concern was to be nourished by Jesus’ teaching, which was more important than anything else in the world.

Quite often, we get so worked up with our responsibilities as parents, providers, team leaders, husbands (or wives), civic or civil servants, (the list goes on), that we forget to ‘re-charge our batteries’ by setting aside a time for contemplation with God and His Word. Eventually, we experience ‘burn-out’ and wonder why our pursuits in life no longer seem to be as meaningful as before. Every once in a while, we need to “sit at the feet of Jesus”, and allow His words in Scriptures to envigorate our soul. When we are “worried and upset about many things”, the soothing words of our Lord can lift our burdens (Mt.11:28-30), and lead us to green pastures (Ps. 23). It is our intimate relationship with Jesus that can put all our activities into proper perspective.

Lord, may we be like Martha, serving You faithfully through others in need; but may we be more like Mary, meditating on Your Word to grow deeper spiritually. Amen.