Choose The Better Part

There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her. // Luke 38:42

I can’t tell you how many times I have read today’s Gospel and have tried to make a case for Martha. I know Jesus says, “Mary has chosen the better part . . . ” (Luke 38:42), but I’m secretly rooting for my girl because I identify with her struggle. Is it really that bad that she is so hospitality oriented? 

To be honest, I’m slightly jealous of Mary. Her disposition to receive Jesus and be at his feet is a posture that doesn’t come naturally to me. Although I wouldn’t have called out my sister to help me, I would have felt the lack of help festering and boiling up within—and pretended to be okay with it all. 

Perhaps it’s people pleasing or a misguided sense of control, but I can’t help but feel compassion towards Martha. It’s not because I lack faith or a deep reverence for Jesus, but I’m used to living in service of others. However well-intentioned my service-oriented heart is, it keeps me from choosing the better part in my daily life. 

Maybe the part that Martha and I are missing is that while Jesus wants us to serve Him, we cannot do it well without spending time like Mary. The better part is being present to Jesus in times of prayer and learning how to be present to Him even as we serve. 

Jesus probably knew how our human minds would be wired for productivity instead of learning to be in His presence. He knew that distraction was a fast-track way to distance ourselves from Him. 

Distraction is disguised as many good things: volunteering for your parish community, hosting playdates for your toddler(s), being a room mom at your child’s school, signing up to take snacks for the next soccer game, leading a book club, etc. All good but when left unchecked, can lead us away from Jesus.

Sister, let’s give the Holy Spirit permission to inspire us to choose the better part like Mary, of being with Him in our daily lives.  Let’s learn from Martha and allow Him to serve our hearts, remembering He is our one need.