Pars Optima | Better part

Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her."  - Luke 10:42

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Martha and Mary and Lazarus their brother, were close friends of Jesus Christ. However, it is not mentioned clearly how Jesus was so close to them, but he visited them to renew their friendship when he was making trips to Jerusalem or was preaching around those regions.

This time, when Jesus and His disciples were on their way, they entered the village of Martha and Mary. The sisters were happy to receive Jesus, while one sat at His feet to listen to Him, the other went into the kitchen to serve the guests. Then there was a disagreement about Mary not helping Martha in the kitchen, to which Jesus said Mary had chosen a better part that would not be taken away from her.   

In every culture, we take up the role of being hospitable hosts to the guests. Martha was right in going into the kitchen and Mary was right to sit at the feet of Jesus and listen to Him. It talks about priorities. It is good to get engaged in life-giving works, good works, and social works. But first, it is important to spend time reading the Word of God, reflecting on the Word of God, participating in the Holy Eucharist, and adorations. This is the better part, says Jesus (Lk 10:42).

Holy Mass, adorations, and prayer services are the place where Jesus comes to meet us because He has said, "For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them (Mt 18:20)". We come to know more about Jesus and know Him better in our personal lives. Our works without knowing Jesus, without listening to Jesus will be no different than a work done by a social worker. It becomes a secular work and not a work of Charity which the Church talks about.

This text invites us to prioritize our Christian duties to spend time with Christ, listening to His teachings, and then going on to do good works in His name. Amen.

Reflection on Luke 10:38-42 by Fr. Hanson

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