Reflections on Luke 10:38–42
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by responsibilities while others seemed to have the luxury of rest, then you’ll resonate with one of the most relatable stories in the Bible—the Gospel encounter between Martha and Mary.
In Luke 10:38–42, Jesus visits the home of two sisters. One is busy serving, the other quietly listens. It’s a scene that captures a timeless tension: action vs. contemplation.
“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)
It’s easy to sympathize with Martha. She’s doing all the work, trying to make everything perfect for Jesus. Many of us live in that space—running households, managing ministries, juggling jobs. I’ve often wished Jesus would pat Martha on the back and say, “Well done!” But he doesn’t.
Instead, Jesus gently redirects her attention. His words aren’t a scolding. They’re an invitation: Let go. Be still. Listen.
What Does This Gospel Story Mean for Us Today?
In our fast-paced, productivity-obsessed culture, this Gospel reading is a much-needed pause button. It’s not about choosing between being a “Martha” or a “Mary.” It’s about learning to live in the balance between action and stillness, service and presence.
The great saint and mystic Teresa of Ávila offers this deep insight:
“Believe me, Martha and Mary must be together to accommodate the Lord and keep him with them forever. Otherwise, he will be served poorly and remain without food. How could Mary, who always sat at his feet, offer him food if her sister had not jumped in? And his food is our gathering souls, that they may be saved and praise him in eternity.”
What a beautiful reminder: both Martha and Mary are necessary. Jesus is not rejecting Martha’s service—he’s reminding her (and us) that love is the goal, not performance. And love often begins in stillness.
Reflection Questions for Today
- Which part of you is like Martha—anxious, overworked, distracted?
- Which part of you longs to be like Mary—still, attentive, at peace?
- What would it look like to hold both in sacred tension?
Final Thought
Jesus’s response to Martha is not a judgment, but an invitation to wholeness. The Gospel is calling us not to abandon our responsibilities, but to anchor them in presence, prayer, and peace.
So this week, take a moment. Be still. Listen. Be present. Like Mary, choose the better part.
by Virginia Ryan
Sunday Gospel Reading: Luke 10:38–42
Jesus entered a village
where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him.
She had a sister named Mary
who sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak.
Martha, burdened with much serving, came to him and said,
“Lord, do you not care
that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving?
Tell her to help me.”
The Lord said to her in reply,
“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.”