Martha and the Three Lies

October 7, 2025 // Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary

Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Gospel: Luke 10:38-42 

Reflect on the Word //

I can feel it in my chest. The pressure. My shoulders ache from tension. I notice that my breathing is shallow. My body is in well-designed sync with my mind and heart. I have placed the weight of the world—which isn’t mine to bear—upon myself in the form of to-do lists, illusions, unfair expectations, and sorrow. 

I catch myself, blessedly, and begin to unwind what has me entangled physically and spiritually. 

Today’s Gospel is a familiar one. I have previously quipped that I have a Mary heart in a Martha life. But as I’ve lived longer with the Lord, and have returned to this passage more, I wonder if these two sisters reveal to us the battle that occurs in the heart of every disciple of Jesus. 

Martha’s sincere complaint to Jesus reveals three lies that threaten every human soul (see Luke 1:40):

1. I am not loved. (“. . . do you not care?”)

2. I am alone. (“. . . left me by myself”)

3. No one will help me. (“. . .  to do the serving? Tell her to help me.”)

When I labor at the service of these lies, the pressure moves in. I bear the weight of the world. I don’t breathe freely. 

But Mary’s posture reveals the three truths that dismantle these temptations (see Luke 1:39):

1. I am loved. (Jesus wants to be in my house.)

2. I am close to Him. (I sit beside Him, at His feet.)

3. He always helps me. (I listen to Him.)

Both women are deeply loved by Jesus. And Jesus deeply loves me, even when I struggle against the same temptations as Martha and bring my complaints to Him. He kindly, calmly, lovingly points to Mary, reminding me of the truth of His love. 

Perhaps this is why Jesus calls it “the better part” (Luke 1:42). When we choose to believe that we are loved, that Jesus is close to us, and that He always helps us, we go about the busy work of our hands with lightness and security. 

Friends, we have been given the better part, and it will not be taken from us.

Relate to the Lord // Take a deep breath. Relax your shoulders. Repeat and agree with these three truths:

1. I am loved. (Jesus wants to be in my house.)

2. I am close to Him. (I sit beside Him, at His feet.)

3. He always helps me. (I listen to Him.)

About Olivia Spears

View other posts from the author

Olivia Spears lives in Kentucky, where sweet tea and bourbon flow like milk and honey. She holds degrees in Theology and Catechetics from the Franciscan University of Steubenville and works from home while enjoying her children and husband. She curates relevant and inspiring content for Catholic women as Blog Manager. She is the narrator of Set a Fire, And Hay Became Holy, and All She Had as well as a contributing author for Rise Up. Find out more about her here.