Choosing the Better Part

This past Sunday, the Gospel reading was the well-known story of Jesus’s dinner at the home of sisters, Martha and Mary, and the Lord’s advice to Martha about choosing the better part. On the way out of Mass, as I led my entourage of family and friends from the church, someone remarked to me that it looked like I could relate to the reading and the homily that weekend! I had been thinking the same thing as I sat in the pew with my husband, three daughters, my son-in-law, Katie’s boyfriend, two of Rebecca’s friends, Rebecca’s mother-in-law, and my bestie, Anne, from Illinois. These were just the last bit of people staying with us for Rebecca’s baby shower weekend.

Many know the story of Martha–cooking, cleaning, serving–and Mary, who quietly sits and listens to Jesus. Poor Martha, doing all the hard work and planning and then being admonished by the Lord for it! If only she could be more like her sister, Mary (how many siblings have heard that before?).

“Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her” (Luke 10:41-42).

This story holds so many lessons for us, but the true meaning, the better part of the lesson, is lost on so many. It’s a lesson I often have to remind myself, including this past weekend…

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Are you a Mary or a Martha


This past Sunday, the Gospel reading told the story of Martha and Mary, a story that I assume everyone familiar with the Gospels knows by heart. No matter your religion or creed or background, I’m sure you agree that within each of us lies a Martha or a Mary. Those who possess the characteristics of both women are truly the smart ones, the ones who understand that life is a balance. In the story of Martha cooking and cleaning and Mary sitting at the feet of Jesus, Martha always seems to get the bad rap, but I would argue that the world needs both Marthas and Marys, and that we should all strive to be both. Here’s why… Read more