Today’s Gospel with Mary and Martha is a familiar passage that often causes a bit of tension within ourselves. For those who have ever hosted a party before; you know exactly what I mean. There is a lot of work involved in hosting a gathering. It doesn't seem fair that Martha does all the work while Mary sits. Frustrated, Martha appeals to Jesus to send Mary to help her. But instead of scolding Mary, Jesus gently corrects Martha, “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.” But how do we reconcile this sense of unfairness with the words of Christ, who affirms Mary has chosen the better part?

Many commentaries on this passage highlight both the active and contemplative side of prayer as reflected by Martha and Mary. Martha is active in serving those around her while Mary chooses to spend time listening to the words of the Lord. In this way we see the importance of both aspects of prayer, both contemplative and active. And while this is helpful it doesn't get to the heart of the matter. If we look at the words of Jesus, it becomes clear. Martha is corrected by Jesus because she had become “anxious and worried about many things." Jesus reminds all of us there is only need of one thing. Rather than being worried about many things, Jesus calls us to focus on one thing, namely God himself. 

This passage is not a dismissal of Martha’s service, it is a call to balance and refocus. In our busy lives, filled with work, responsibilities, and distractions, it is easy to become like Martha: anxious, overextended, and focused on doing. But Jesus reminds us that above all, we are called to be with Him. Mary’s posture, sitting and listening, teaches us about the importance of prayerful attentiveness, of making space in our hearts to hear the voice of the Lord. 

As we reflect this week, let us ask ourselves: Are we making time to sit at the feet of Jesus? Are we anxious about many things? Do we give priority to His Word in our lives, or do we allow the busyness to drown out His presence? May we, like Mary, choose the better part, not to neglect our duties, but to anchor them in the peace and presence that only Christ can give.