Choosing the Better Part

 Choosing the Better Part

Reflection on Luke 10:38-42

In today’s Gospel from Luke, we encounter a familiar scene: Jesus visits the home of His friends, Martha and Mary. It is a short passage, yet it offers us profound insight into discipleship, service, and the heart of prayer.

Martha, ever the diligent hostess, is busy with preparations. She is doing what many of us would do when an important guest arrives—ensuring everything is in place, the food is ready, and the house is in order. Meanwhile, her sister Mary sits at Jesus’ feet, listening attentively to His words.

Martha becomes frustrated, understandably so. She feels overwhelmed by the workload and perhaps a bit underappreciated. She appeals to Jesus, asking Him to tell Mary to help her. 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.”

At first glance, it might seem like Jesus is dismissing Martha’s efforts. But He is not condemning service or hospitality—those are good and necessary. Rather, He is calling attention to what is most essential: being with Him.

This scene reflects a tension we all experience—the balance between doing and being. In a world that constantly demands our activity and productivity, it is easy to fall into Martha’s shoes, becoming anxious and worried about many things. Even in our spiritual lives, we may become preoccupied with doing “for” God rather than simply being “with” Him.

Mary represents the contemplative heart, the one who makes space to listen, to rest in the presence of Christ. She shows us that prayer and stillness are not passivity but acts of love and deep attentiveness. It’s in this space of silence that God speaks most clearly to our hearts.

The Lord’s response also reveals something about priorities in the spiritual life. There will always be tasks and responsibilities, but there is a “better part” that should never be neglected—our relationship with Jesus. That relationship is nourished by prayer, by the sacraments, by reading His Word, and simply spending time with Him.

We are called to imitate both Martha and Mary, but in the right order. Service must flow from prayer. Ministry must be rooted in intimacy with Christ. When we first sit at His feet like Mary, we will serve like Martha—not with anxiety, but with peace, joy, and love.

As Roman Catholics, we are blessed with many means to choose the “better part”: the Eucharist, where we receive Jesus Himself; the Liturgy of the Hours; Adoration; the Rosary. All these help us cultivate a spirit like Mary’s—a heart that listens before it acts.

Let us ask ourselves today: Are we making time each day to sit at the feet of Jesus? Or are we so consumed by our tasks that we forget to just be with Him? Christ invites us not to neglect our responsibilities but to root them in a relationship that gives them meaning.

Key Takeaway:
In the busyness of life, we must not forget the “one thing necessary”—to sit at the feet of Jesus and listen. When we prioritize time with Him, everything else falls into its rightful place.