Reflection
There are many ways we can follow the Lord; we can proclaim the Good News and we can serve others. But one method usually gets overlooked; we can just listen to Jesus, like Mary did.
In the time of Jesus, the disciple sat at the feet of a teacher to learn. In Matthew's gospel, for example, Jesus taught the Beatitudes as His followers and the crowd sat below Him (Matthew 5:1-12). However, all the followers were male.
Mary caused controversy when she stepped out of her social role as a woman to sit as a disciple at the feet of Jesus. Martha expected her sister to play host as she was doing. Jesus answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is needed. Mary has chosen the good part, which will not be taken away from her."
Jesus isn’t saying service is bad or that Martha’s hospitality did not matter. The Greek word for “worried” is merimnao— means to be anxious, distracted, pulled in multiple directions. Martha wasn’t just serving; she was anxious about serving. She had let the work consume her to the point where she missed the whole reason for the work…Jesus Himself was in her house.
“The better part” that Mary chose was not about being lazy. It was about priorities. Mary recognized when Jesus is teaching, you drop everything and listen. The dishes can wait. The meal can be simple. But this moment—His teaching, His presence—is everything.
Before we can share the Good News and serve others as Jesus would, we must be filled up with Jesus. His words, His thoughts, His love, His plan. Without this important step, we might glorify ourselves or serve others with frustration and distraction.
I saw a powerful movie last night, Adore Him – He Is Here, which is in theaters until October 8. Adore Him is a documentary film exploring what happens when Catholics rediscover the gift waiting for them in every tabernacle. Through stories of conversion, healing, and renewed faith, it makes the case for what the Church has always known: that time spent before the Blessed Sacrament changes everything.
We all have busy lives. We tell others about our faith and we serve our family, friends and community. But when do we take the time to simply listen to the Lord? St. Elizabeth Seton is blessed to have a Eucharistic Adoration Chapel. Have you been there? It is located next to the front office at the southwest corner of the property.
Make a commitment this week to spend one hour with Jesus in the Adoration Chapel. Sit at the feet of our Lord and Savior, as Mary did. Gaze into His beating heart, fully present in the Blessed Sacrament, as He lovingly gazes upon you. You do not need to do anything. Just come, sit and encounter our Risen Lord. His Presence changes everything.