Lk. 10:38-42: “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things; only one is necessary.”

Today we are before a simple and profound scene where Jesus visits the house of Martha, Mary and Lazarus. Martha is concerned with serving, preparing, attending, while Mary sits at the Lord’s feet to listen to him. Marta, tired, complains about her sister’s behavior.  Jesus responds to her with tenderness and does not confront Martha with Mary or action with prayer. Both are necessary in the Christian life. Jesus reminds us that there is an order; before doing, it is necessary to be and be with Him. Action without prayer becomes empty activism, and prayer without action becomes sterile.

Martha symbolizes our daily worries such as work, problems, rush, obligations. How many times do we feel like her, overwhelmed and with a restless heart? Mary, on the other hand, reminds us of the essential; to stop, listen, and let ourselves be filled by the love of God through his Word.

This passage invites us to review our rhythm of life. Are we so busy that we can’t find time to listen to it? Do we allow ourselves to be absorbed in doing and forget to be disciples who sit at his feet? The key is not to choose between Martha or Mary, but to integrate contemplation and action, love and service.