Martha, Mary, and the Power of Showing Up

Have you ever felt like no matter how much you do, it’s never enough? Maybe your calendar is packed, your house is loud, your prayers are distracted. You try to be faithful, but you’re running on empty.

You’re not alone.

Genesis 18:1-10a, Colossians 1:24-28, Luke 10:38-42

In this Sunday’s Gospel, we meet two sisters—Martha and Mary—who both love Jesus. Martha is busy, making sure everything’s just right. Mary sits and listens. And surprisingly, Jesus says Mary “has chosen the better part.” Not because Martha did anything wrong, but because presence matters more than performance.

That’s hard to swallow in a world that praises busyness. But what if the heart of the Gospel isn’t about doing more—but about being present, like Mary, like Abraham, like Christ in us?

The Sacred Pause: Why Presence Matters

We live in a noisy world. Notifications, responsibilities, worries—they never stop. But in the Gospel of Luke (10:38–42), Jesus invites us into a different rhythm. One that values attention over activity.

“Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things; there is need of only one thing.” (Luke 10:41–42)

Jesus isn’t shaming Martha. He’s gently redirecting her. She’s serving him, but missing him. Mary, on the other hand, is simply present—sitting at his feet, listening. In Jewish tradition, sitting at someone’s feet meant being their disciple. Mary chooses not just affection, but formation.

Lesson: Love isn’t just in service; it’s in attention. Your presence is your prayer.

Abraham’s Unexpected Encounter

In Genesis 18:1–10a, Abraham sees three travelers and rushes to welcome them. He offers food, water, and rest. In doing so, he unknowingly welcomes God.

Abraham paused, and in that pause, he encountered the divine. This moment reminds us:

• Hospitality can be holy.

• God often appears as the stranger.

• Slowing down creates space for grace.

Christ Within: A Deeper Presence

St. Paul takes it even further in Colossians 1:24–28. He writes:

“…the mystery hidden for ages and generations…is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (v. 26–27)

Not just beside you. In you. The Christian life isn’t about earning God’s love—it’s about awakening to it. Through baptism, prayer, and especially the Eucharist, Christ is alive in you. The Catechism of the Catholic Church calls this the indwelling of Christ, the mystery that makes Christian life possible (CCC 2715, CCC 521).

You don’t have to chase God. You only need to make space.

Common Misconceptions—Gently Reframed

Let’s pause to address a few gentle clarifications.

“But shouldn’t I serve, like Martha?”

Yes! The Church needs Marthas. But even service must begin from love, not anxiety. The question is: Are we doing it with Jesus—or just for him?

“If I just sit, am I wasting time?”

Not at all. Silence is not inactivity—it’s intimacy. Prayer isn’t only words; it’s attention, stillness, and presence. As St. John Vianney said, “I look at Him and He looks at me.”

“I don’t feel holy enough to sit with Jesus.”

Holiness isn’t about perfection—it’s about relationship. Jesus came to be with us, not because we were ready, but because we were beloved.

Practical Ways to Sit, Listen, and Love

Want to try the better part? Here are a few simple ways:

• Start your day with 5 minutes of silence. No agenda. Just breathe and say, “Here I am, Lord.”

• Light a candle before dinner. Pause to remember Christ’s presence before the meal.

• Read the Sunday Gospel slowly. Ask: What word or phrase speaks to me today?

• Receive the Eucharist with full attention. Imagine Jesus saying your name—like he did to Martha.

• Listen deeply to someone you love. Eye contact. No phone. No rush. That, too, is holy.

Presence isn’t passive. It’s powerful.

The Better Part Is Still Available

This week’s readings remind us that God doesn’t demand constant motion—He desires communion. When we sit, listen, and love, we make room for God to speak, heal, and transform.

Like Mary, like Abraham, like Christ in the Eucharist—we are invited to a life rooted not in performance but in presence.

So this week, try choosing the better part. Sit with Jesus. Linger in silence. Welcome the unexpected guest. Let love be your starting place—not your reward.

Closing Thought or Prayer

Jesus, help me slow down. In a world full of noise, teach me to listen. Let me find you not in the rush to do more, but in the quiet gift of being with You. Amen.