Let us envision the scene:
Martha, the ever-diligent hostess, bustling about, her mind awash with to-dos,
and Mary, serene and attentive, seated at Jesus’ feet. We might sympathize with
Martha, understanding the pressures of hospitality and the weight of
expectation. Moreover, in a family of two receiving a visitor, we can imagine
what the situation would look like if both hosts are to be busy, running up and
down, leaving the visitor alone. We sometimes fell the weight of our daily
duties, torn between what we feel we should be doing and what our hearts yearn
to do.
Jesus’ words to Martha
are not a reprimand but a gentle redirection. “Martha, Martha,” He says
with loving emphasis, “you are worried and upset about many things.” In
these words, Jesus acknowledges the reality of our daily struggles. Life is
full of tasks, decisions, and distractions that pull us in myriad directions.
And while these duties are not inherently wrong, they can easily become
all-consuming. Offering hospitality, as exemplified by Abraham and Sarah to
their visitors (Genesis 18:1-15) is commendable.
Yet, the climax of the
story in today’s Gospel is found in Jesus’ next words: “but few things are
needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be
taken away from her.” Here lies the heart of our meditation: in the
midst of life’s ceaseless demands, what is the one thing we need? What is the
better part?
Mary’s choice was to sit
at Jesus’ feet, to listen, to be present. In the act of choosing Jesus, Mary
demonstrated where her priority lay. The one necessary thing wasn’t the
perfectly set table or the impeccable meal but the words and presence of Jesus.
The finest hospitality we can offer to Jesus is staying with him, (maybe before
the Blessed Sacrament), immersing ourselves in the Word of God and allowing it
be part of us, to transform us, conversing with God in prayer, etc.
So, as we wade through
the myriad choices each day presents, let’s remember the words of Jesus. Let’s
make room for moments of stillness, for sitting at His feet, for choosing the
better part. For in those moments, we are reminded of what truly matters, and
we find the strength and clarity to make choices aligned with God’s heart.
In the end, the choices
we make daily reflect our priorities. As Christians, may our choices echo Mary’s,
always seeking the better part, the very heart of Jesus.
Heavenly Father,
In the midst of our busy
lives, where decisions abound and distractions are plenty, center our hearts on
You. As Martha busied herself, and Mary chose to sit at Your feet, guide us in
our choices, that we might prioritize Your voice above all else.
Lord, in our daily tasks and decisions, help us to remember the one thing that truly matters: Your presence and Your Word. Let us not be consumed by worries or duties, but grant us the wisdom to choose the better part, to seek You in all things, and to find rest in Your embrace.
Strengthen our resolve to
draw near to You daily, ensuring that in every choice, we reflect our desire to
know and love You more deeply.
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