God, the One Thing

Luke 10:38-42

July 21, 2013

16th Sunday in Ordinary Time

We read in the gospel that Martha was “distracted by all the preparations.” And Jesus gives this advice to her: “You are worried and upset about many things, but one thing is needed.” But what is that one thing?

It could be said that the one thing that Martha, and all busy people, need is time. In a sense Jesus is saying: slow down. In your busyness you are missing out on life. It is not so much that you’re busy, but that you’re exhausted. Today, it is busy Martha that most of us identify with. I think that we all recognize the need to slow down for more quality time in our lives - with spouses, parents, children, and friends.

It could also be said that Martha needs discernment. Her fault in this story is that she failed to discern that all her bustling activity was out of place at that particular time. Jesus, whose time was fast coming, needed something else - perhaps a quiet meal and time with non-anxious friends. Today, with all our activity, we never find ample time to reflect on our lives. We make the wrong decisions and we lose direction. We lose sensitivity to the real needs of others, especially our families.

But neither quality time nor discernment is the one thing necessary, but God. The lesson is not just that busy people should slow down; or that busy people can get so disoriented that they make bad decisions. One thing is needed, and when we get that right, all the other things follow. That one thing is surely God. When GOD IS OUR PRIORITY, then quality time with others, and discernment about when to act and when to be will naturally follow.

In the gospel, Martha chose the many parts, but Mary chose the one part that is best of all. By setting aside everything else to sit at the master’s feet and listen, Mary exemplifies what it means to love the Lord will all your heart, soul, strength and mind.

Lord, when you are not on our side, everything is in vain. Come to us, be the center of our lives. Amen.