Choosing the Better Part
Brethren, Jesus was close friends with Martha, Mary and Lazarus and frequently visited their home, which was only a short distance from Jerusalem. This time when he visited them, Mary sat at Jesus’ feet, listening to Him and conversing with Him. Martha was busy preparing and doing the serving alone which made her angry and complained to Jesus, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? Tell her to help me." Little did she know that she was trying to dissuade Mary from the better part she had chosen.
The call to use our energy and passion for the greater good is found in the lives of these friends of Jesus we read about in the gospel of 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. Though our days will be filled with many necessary duties, such as cooking, cleaning, working, entertainment, and caring for others, we must never forget that which we were made for and that which we will be doing for all eternity: adoration of our glorious God.
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. In our lives must dedicate daily a time to be with God, to praise and adore him and listen to him speak to the depths of our hearts.
Sometimes we may think of the many other tasks we could be doing rather than taking an hour with the Lord. We may decide that you do not have the time for extended prayer every day. But is that true? Perhaps we are actually being Martha to ourselves, saying to ourselves that we should do more important things with our time and that Jesus will understand if we do not spend time with Him alone every day; an attitude which is very dangerous to the growth in spiritual life and in relationship with God. Extended prayer and time with Jesus every day is worth it! Go for it!
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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