Our focus is drawn to Mary and Martha’s two activities in the gospel reading for today. While reflecting, I found it hard to choose between the two which I could relate to better because I could see myself in both of them. But the action of Martha struck me more and led me to an event in my life where anxiousness hit me.

As a former youth leader, there were times when I had many things to do. I was like Martha. I always felt uneasy. I worried so much that I put pressure on other people. Sometimes I complained to the Lord and blamed others for their lack of initiative and help.

When everything that we have set out to do were accomplished, I realized that my brash actions had hurt others. And worse, I felt disconnected from God because I was too focused on the things that needed to be done. I failed to recognize His presence and providence during those times.

When Mary recognized the Lord, she did nothing but sit and listen to His life-changing words. Being a ‘Martha’ will always be a part of our lives and we will always have our own worries. But if we stay connected to Jesus, we will be able to bear and control these demands and the stress of everyday life.

In the Gospel, Jesus seemed to urge us to imitate Mary. Everything will be in its proper place if we learn to detach from unnecessary things in life and set our minds on the Kingdom of God.

By: Sem. Roldan B. Baliano

Today’s Gospel

Luke 10:38-42

Jesus entered a village
where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him.
She had a sister named Mary
who sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak.
Martha, burdened with much serving, came to him and said,
“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.”