Psalm 139:1-3.13- 14.15,
Choosing the Better Part
Dear brethren, Today, Paul continues with his emphasis on truth. He recounts the true story of how he was enlisted by God to do is work. The story of Paul’s conversion and initial life in Judaism affords us an opportunity to examine our lives. Our story might not be exactly the same as that of Paul, but the bottom line is the invitation to a new life of grace that God gives all of us. Sometimes it is good we examine the passion and energy we put into planning and executing certain evil deeds. We can consciously put this same energy and passion in use for good purposes.
The call to use our energy and passion for the greater good is found in the lives of the friends of Jesus we read about in the gospel today. Each had a unique role to play as a disciple of Christ: Martha was passionate about her duty, just as Mary was passionate about the desire to listen to Jesus. We too can put in so much passion about the affairs of God. However, in going about our work for Jesus, we must never leave the feet of Jesus, because that is the fountain of knowledge and the source of our passion.
Martha and Mary have become the classic figures in the Church representing two different styles of life, the active and the contemplative vocation, an active apostolate or a life of prayer. Carried to an extreme, this opposition is, of course, merely silly. No active apostolate can thrive unless it grows out of a life of prayer, for we cannot draw others to the knowledge and love of a God whom we do not ourselves know and love. Nor can a life of prayer be genuine unless it leads to care for others and concern for the salvation of all those whom the Lord loves. Even a strictly enclosed community cannot claim to be a part of Christ’s body unless its fabric is one of love and concern for all the members, and especially those in need, the elderly, the sick and the young.
Both lives are very important that one has to take some priority. If we are to live and serve God and His people either in contemplative or active life, we have to first listen and be devoted to the Word of God and prayer. We cannot show the Love of God to others without us first experiencing it and savouring it. We savour it through prayer, contemplation, listening to the Word of God and meditation. These arm us with virtues and move us to be active in real life.
Therefore, when Jesus said that Mary has chosen the better part, He didn't mean the other of Mary is nothing, otherwise He would have used, "the best part." Instead, He is encouraging us to prioritise the Word of God and prayer before doing anything, for it's through them that God will give success to whatever we are doing.
Reflect today on the two styles of life. Where do you fall most? What's your priority among the two? Do you stop what you have been doing throughout the day so that you can pray, or you are too busy 24/7? Ask the Lord to send His Spirit to guide in prioritising the Word of God and prayer.
Let us Pray.
Lord, help me always to choose the better part of listening to you and conversing with you which will help me in my active ministry. Amen.
Be blessed.
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