Most of us know the story of Martha and Mary. When Jesus visited their home, Martha busied herself with preparing and serving, while Mary sat at His feet, listening.
Eventually, Martha became frustrated and asked Jesus to tell Mary to help her.
But Jesus responded:
“Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things; one thing is needful. Mary has chosen the good portion, which shall not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41–42, RSV-CE)
We hear a lot about Mary and Martha, and most of us have the one with whom our hearts somehow sympathize. And yet what struck me recently is that the story is in Scripture at all. We know everything in Scripture is meaningful for us in some way. So we seek understanding from this story. But have you ever wondered why it is told at all?
On the surface, nothing of monumental importance happens in this story. It is really a simple situation. Jesus is invited to dinner. He comes, and Martha works hard to serve Him while Mary sits at His feet. Frustrated, Martha asks Jesus to talk to Mary, who, in Martha's mind, hasn't been helpful.
Yet if we reflect on the Incarnation of Christ, I believe we can gain a better understanding of why this story is told and even why it is an essential one for us to hear.
Jesus became man. He dwelt with us. He experienced life on earth, from infancy to adulthood. He showed us how to live. Even in the small, mundane things of life, we can look to Jesus for help.
Fr. Paul Dumais, a priest in Farmington, Maine, once said in a homily that Jesus wasn't condemning Martha for her work, but pointing out something Martha had momentarily forgotten, and that we all forget from time to time. We can easily become anxious or worried when we don't pause to rest with God; when we don't prioritize time with Him. Even good and necessary things can distract us from the One for whom we are doing them
.While this can be difficult for us, it is necessary.
Whether pausing in the middle of a busy day, sitting with Jesus in Adoration, or simply carving out a few moments to be with Him away from our obligations, making time to rest with God is essential to our spiritual lives.
We can relate to the story of Mary and Martha because it is our story. We want to pray. We know we should pray. But our minds are crowded with responsibilities, worries, and the endless list of things that need our attention. Even when we finally sit down to pray, it is not easy to quiet our thoughts.
The Catechism offers a beautiful insight into this struggle. Describing contemplative prayer, it teaches:
“Contemplative prayer is a gaze of faith, fixed on Jesus.” (CCC 2715)
Prayer isn't measured by how many words we say, how much we accomplish, or even how peaceful we feel afterward. Simply turning our attention toward God and remaining in His presence is sufficient.
Of course, this doesn't mean that silence automatically produces an experience of God or that distractions indicate failure. The Catechism also reminds us that prayer requires perseverance, even when it feels difficult or dry. It requires some vigilance:
“When Jesus insists on vigilance, he always relates it to himself, to his coming on the last day and every day: today the bridegroom comes in the middle of the night; the light that must not be extinguished is that of faith: ‘Come,’ my heart says, ‘seek his face!’” (CCC 2730)
In the midst of whatever we have going on, do we think of Jesus? Do we prioritize Him in our daily routine? Do we seek His face?
In Prayers of REST: Daily Prompts to Slow Down and Hear God's Voice, author Asheritah Ciuciu offers Scripture-based reflections and guided prayers to help us develop this habit. Through worship, confession, stillness, and surrender, the book encourages us to make room for God amid the demands of daily life.
Purchase your copy today at The Catholic Company!
