The Better Part

A Reflection on the Gospel for July 21st, 2019:
​Sixtenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Luke 10.38-42

Now as Jesus and his disciples went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying.

But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me.”

But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.”

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Some people love to cook. Not me. In my opinion, food always tastes better when someone else prepares it. That said, I do plan and produce multi-course meals on a regular basis. Why? Because I love to have people over, and offering to feed them is just an excuse to get them in.


Few things give me as much pleasure as relaxing on the couch, my feet tucked up and a mug of tea in my hand, talking with company. For me, shopping for the groceries, cleaning the house and preparing the meal are just the means to this delightful end.


I wasn’t always this way, however. I recall years ago receiving an unexpected visit from a member of my family. After welcoming her in and getting her settled on the couch, I set about fetching water, tea, fruit and cushions. Mesmerized by this flurry of activity, my guest finally said, “Donna, just sit down and talk to me!” I had been so wrapped up in making her comfortable that I lost sight of why she was there, which was to visit me. In Biblical terms, I was much more a Martha than a Mary.


In this week’s Gospel, Jesus, who has been travelling the countryside, arrives at Martha’s home where He is warmly welcomed. While her sister Mary becomes engaged by what Jesus is saying, Martha enters “hostess mode,” her attention and energy quickly focussing on honouring Jesus by providing for His every comfort. Jesus, noticing this, observes, “You are worried and distracted by many things.”


I have encountered interpretations of this passage suggesting that Martha’s motivation is to impress her guests and keep up appearances, so Jesus scolds her for it. I am unconvinced. Martha loves Jesus. She wants to do whatever she can to ensure His comfort. Similarly, Jesus loves both Mary and Martha, which is why He has come to visit them. Moreover, He loves Martha for her acts of service, which is why He does not chastise her but instead says, with gentleness, “Martha, Martha.”

"We need to spend time in the Lord’s presence because it refuels and enriches us."

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It is notable that, in comparing Martha’s actions with those of Mary, Jesus says, “Mary has chosen the better part,” but He never says Martha has chosen the wrong part. Jesus is saying just what my own guest said: “Donna, sit down and talk to me!” This week’s Gospel reminds us of what is most important, that being with Jesus is the better part. We need to spend time in the Lord’s presence because it refuels and enriches us. Yes, we are His hands and feet, but prayer will teach us what to do and where to go. 


However, this is not just passively killing time with Jesus, either. Jesus wants us to talk with Him and also to listen. We get our instruction by listening to the Lord, who will reveal to us His plan for us. In His presence is where we love Him and rest in His love for us.

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Donna Davis

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