Mary and the One Thing Needed (Luke 10:38–42)

Jesus entered a village. A woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Her sister Mary sat at his feet, listening.

Martha, busy preparing, said, “Lord, do you not care that I am left to serve alone?”

Jesus replied, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious about many things. Only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen the better part, and it will not be taken from her.”

Commentary:

This simple story reveals a great truth: presence is greater than performance. Mary listens. She is not passive — she is present. This is the mystical act: deep receptivity.

Martha is not wrong. But she is distracted by doing, while Mary is devoted to being.

Psychological Reflection:

Many of us live like Martha — busy, helpful, anxious. We serve but forget to receive. Mary reminds us that sitting still, listening, is not lazy — it is sacred.

Awakening often begins by slowing down.

Closing Reflection:

• Am I constantly doing at the cost of being?
• Can I allow myself to stop and simply listen?

Pause & Reflect:

🎧 (10 seconds of silence)