A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 10:38-42)
“Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? Tell her to help me.” The Lord said to her in reply, “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.”
In today’s Gospel, Luke gives us a view into Jesus’ friendship with Martha and Mary. He tells us that Martha welcomes Jesus as he enters a village. Without Luke describing how, we see Jesus in the house of Martha and Mary. At that moment, Martha is burdened with much serving while Mary is “beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak.” Where would Mary be without Martha? She has welcomed Jesus into her home and served him hospitably with food and drink. Because of this, Mary is able to give wholehearted attention to the words of the Lord. And where would Martha be without Mary? Although Martha is anxious and asks, “Lord, do you not care,” Mary holds up for her a fundamental choice—the better part. What is the one thing needed but to quiet yourself in the presence of the Lord?
God, I want to be in your presence today. Whether I am aware of you, I will go on with the day regardless, busy with many things and anxious to accomplish them. Martha, in her frustration, said, “Lord, do you not care?” Yet, that in itself is a prayer for your presence and an expression of need. When I forget you today, bring me back through your grace to recognize that I need you. Call me back, Lord, to sit at your feet and hear your voice. Help me remember today’s Gospel acclamation as a way to return to you again and again: “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.”
From the responsorial psalm: “Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD. LORD, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to my voice in supplication. If you, O Lord, mark iniquities, who can stand?” Lord, hear my voice!
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.