A contribution from a member of the congregation, who is sharing their thoughts on Sunday's upcoming Gospel reading about Mary and Martha. Thank you for your input:
“Sitting Still in a Busy World: A Reflection on Mary and Martha
This Sunday’s Gospel reading brings us into the home of two sisters, Mary and Martha, who welcome Jesus into their lives in very different ways. Martha, ever the attentive host, is busy preparing the house, cooking, and ensuring everything is just right. Mary, on the other hand, chooses to sit at Jesus’ feet, listening to His words with quiet attentiveness. When Martha, overwhelmed by the tasks at hand, asks Jesus to tell Mary to help her, He responds with gentle clarity: “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.”
This story is not a criticism of Martha’s service. Hospitality is a sacred and beautiful act, deeply rooted in our Christian tradition. But Jesus’ words remind us that being with Him must come before doing for Him. In our modern lives, filled with noise, schedules, and responsibilities, it is easy to become like Martha—busy, distracted, and anxious. Yet Jesus invites us to be like Mary, to pause, to listen, and to be present.
At St Chrysostom’s, we are a community that values both action and contemplation. We serve our neighbours, support one another, and open our doors to all who seek welcome. But we are also called to be a people of prayer and reflection. In the quiet of the church, in the rhythm of our liturgy, and in the stillness of our hearts, we are invited to sit at the feet of Christ and listen.
As we move through this week, we might ask ourselves: Are we making space to hear God’s voice? Are we valuing presence over productivity? And how can we hold together the call to serve with the call to simply be? These are not easy questions, but they are holy ones. And in asking them, we draw closer to the heart of Christ.
May we, like Mary, choose the better part—and may we find in that choice a peace that cannot be taken away.”
