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Choosing the Better Part

– 27th Week in Ordinary Time –

‘Mary has chosen the better part’ [Luke 10:42]

Today’s Gospel reading is one that I really struggle with. As a busy mother and wife, I know the value of caring for one’s family by working your way down the family task list of cooking, cleaning, meal planning and the list goes on. I really feel for Martha. Her complaint probably comes from the heartache of not being able to sit at Jesus’ feet because there was so much to do when hosting guests.

 

Mary, though, is a good example to busy people who find validation in the hustle culture of productivity. The world screams busy is better but pausing and being present can be a profound practice. When we look at the life of Jesus, we can learn how to balance rest against effort, calmness against strain. Jesus, by his example, shows us that there is virtue in work and there is virtue in rest. Both are important and neither can be overlooked.

 

Jesus says that Mary has chosen the better part. How can we too, choose the better part? I have found that intentionally setting aside time each day to bring awareness to and connection with God, a very fulfilling habit. It is a time for investing in the most important relationship of my life. Jesus restores me and fills me up. Our time together is the fount from which I can pour myself out into my work and my family.

 

Dear Jesus, thank you for highlighting that time with you is our priority. May our quiet moments with you enrich our lives in order that we may be present to others and serve the world with our gifts. Amen.

 

By Vanessa Comninos

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