This oft-misinterpreted reading is not an active vs. contemplative debate. Both are necessary. Martha is not inferior to Mary. Both are beloved friends of Jesus. The issue wasn’t Martha’s activity but her being “anxious and worried about many things.” The message of Jesus was clear: Pray more. Worry less.

How do we know if we’re not doing this? First, like Martha, we think Jesus doesn’t care (“Lord, do You not care . . .”). So we worry. Second, instead of listening to Jesus so we can do His will, we command Jesus to do ours! (“Tell her to help me.”) Doing good works is right. But doing God’s work is our calling. 

The difference between the two is listening. Good works can be sincere social work. God’s work is authentic discipleship. 

Jon Escoto (jonmaris@yahoo.com)

reflect

Just stop today. Pray slowly. Breathe in Jesus’ presence. See Him smile while you do this.

Jesus, I won’t say anything. I’ll just sit beside You. Feel Your presence. Enjoy Your embrace. Listen to Your silent but profound love.

Our Lady of the Holy Rosary, pray for us.

First Reading | Jonah 3:1-10 (or Acts 1:12-14)

Jonah nearly caused the shipwreck, but he had the courage to take responsibility for the effects of his actions. In a similar situation, George Washington owned up to cutting down his father’s apple tree. Let us face our responsibilities, which are consequences of our actions. Let us be faithful in owning our works—both the good and bad—and be examples of integrity.

¹ The word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time: ² “Set out for the great city of Nineveh, and announce to it the message that I will tell you.” ³ So Jonah made ready and went to Nineveh, according to the Lord’s bidding. Now Nineveh was an enormously large city; it took three days to go through it. ⁴ Jonah began his journey through the city, and had gone but a single day’s walk announcing, “Forty days more and Nineveh shall be destroyed,” ⁵ when the people of Nineveh believed God; they proclaimed a fast and all of them, great and small, put on sackcloth. ⁶ When the news reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, laid aside his robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in the ashes. ⁷ Then he had this proclaimed throughout Nineveh, by decree of the king and his nobles: “Neither man nor beast, neither cattle nor sheep, shall taste anything; they shall not eat, nor shall they drink water. ⁸ Man and beast shall be covered with sackcloth and call loudly to God; every man shall turn from his evil way and from the violence he has in hand. ⁹ Who knows, God may relent and forgive, and withhold his blazing wrath, so that we shall not perish.” ¹⁰ When God saw by their actions how they turned from their evil way, he repented of the evil that he had threatened to do to them; he did not carry it out. 

Responsorial Psalm | Psalm 130:1-2, 3-4, 7-8 (or Luke 1:46-47, 48-49, 50-51, 52-53, 54-55)

R: If you, O Lord, mark iniquities, who can stand?

1 Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord; Lord, hear my voice! 2 Let your ears be attentive to my voice in supplication. (R) 3 If you, O Lord, mark iniquities, Lord, who can stand? 4 But with you is forgiveness, that you may be revered. (R) 7 Let Israel wait for the Lord, for with the Lord is kindness and with him is plenteous redemption; 8 and he will redeem Israel from all their iniquities. (R) 

Gospel | Luke 10:38-42 (or Luke 1:26-38)

Busyness can be a curse. We can get so busy that we miss living our lives. We have probably experienced coming to the end of the day and not remembering anything we have achieved. Everything is a blur of events and responses to those events. We need to take time to reflect on the day’s events and draw on the lessons of life and grace that God wants to give us.

Gospel Acclamation 

Blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.

³⁸ Jesus entered a village where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him. ³⁹ She had a sister named Mary who sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak. ⁴⁰ 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.” ⁴¹ The Lord said to her in reply, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. ⁴² There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.” 

Reflect:

“We need to find God, and He cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is a friend of silence.” (St. Teresa of Calcutta)

Read the Bible in one year! Read HOSEA 11 - 14 today.

What Is More Important?

The Gospel scene today occurred in the home of a family that was dear to Jesus: the siblings from Bethany—Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. Notably, Jesus wept when He learned of Lazarus’s death and later raised him from the dead. Martha’s familiarity with Jesus was evident in how she spoke to Him without hesitation, unlike most others who conversed with Jesus. Meanwhile, Mary remained quiet and just listened to Jesus, feeling His actions. There’s no doubt about His closeness to them.

The scenes in the home suggest a message about the Church. As mentioned, Martha represents Christians who are actively serving God and others through their unique gifts. However, today’s Gospel reminds us that in our active work, we might forget that our strength comes from God’s grace. Jesus said that Mary chose the truly important thing. What is truly important—silence and listening, not acting, or staying “at Jesus’ feet”? In Hebrew culture, “staying at the teacher’s feet” means recognizing the teacher and learning from Him. The Lord doesn’t disregard Martha’s work, which is indeed important, but invites her to calm her mind, for her worth isn’t measured by her contributions or abilities. For Jesus, what matters more is that we keep our eyes on Him in everything we do. Our work can make us focus on ourselves or seek recognition, losing sight of the true purpose. This is the trap that Jesus doesn’t want us to fall into.

We’re not asked to choose between being Mary or Martha. Both should be in our souls. The desire to serve and act should be done with the awareness that it is for Jesus and God. And while we are in action, we should always be aware of His grace at work in us. Only one thing is important—not Martha or Mary—but Jesus who should calm our souls. 

Fr. Franz Dizon

reflection question

How do you make sure that you remember God in all that you do?

Lord, amidst my busyness, may I always see You. Amen.

Today, I pray for: ___________________________________