The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to examine the process of our drawing closer to Christ and the necessary stages that bring us, like Martha’s sister Mary, to choosing the better part.
In the Reading from the Letter to the Galatians, Paul shares His Call by Christ.
* [1:11–2:21] Paul’s presentation on behalf of his message and of his apostleship reflects rhetorical forms of his day: he first narrates the facts about certain past events (Gal 1:12–2:14) and then states his contention regarding justification by faith as the gospel message (Gal 2:15–21). Further arguments follow from both experience and scripture in Galatians 3; 4 before he draws out the ethical consequences (Gal 5:1–6:10). The specific facts that he takes up here to show that his gospel is not a human invention (Gal 1:11) but came through a revelation of Jesus Christ (Gal 1:12) deal with his own calling as a Christian missionary (Gal 1:13–17), his initial relations with the apostles in Jerusalem (Gal 1:18–24), a later journey to Jerusalem (Gal 2:1–10), and an incident in Antioch involving Cephas and persons from James (Gal 2:11–14). The content of Paul’s revealed gospel is then set forth in the heart of the letter (Gal 2:15–21).
* [1:12] Although Paul received his gospel through a revelation from Christ, this did not exclude his use of early Christian confessional formulations. See note on Gal 1:4.
* [1:13–17] Along with Phil 3:4–11, which also moves from autobiography to its climax in a discussion on justification by faith (cf. Gal 2:15–21), this passage is Paul’s chief account of the change from his former way of life (Gal 1:13) to service as a Christian missionary (Gal 1:16); cf. Acts 9:1–22; 22:4–16; 26:9–18. Paul himself does not use the term “conversion” but stresses revelation (Gal 1:12, 16). In Gal 1:15 his language echoes the Old Testament prophetic call of Jeremiah. Unlike the account in Acts (cf. Acts 22:4–16), the calling of Paul here includes the mission to proclaim Christ to the Gentiles (Gal 1:16).
* [1:16] Flesh and blood: human authorities (cf. Mt 16:17; 1 Cor 15:50). Paul’s apostleship comes from God (Gal 1:1).
* [1:17] Arabia: probably the region of the Nabataean Arabs, east and south of Damascus.
* [1:18–24] Paul’s first journey to Jerusalem as a Christian, according to Galatians (cf. Acts 9:23–31 and the note on Acts 12:25). He is quite explicit about contacts there, testifying under oath (Gal 1:20). On returning to Syria (perhaps specifically Damascus, cf. Gal 1:17) and Cilicia (including his home town Tarsus, cf. Acts 9:30; 22:3), Paul most likely engaged in missionary work. He underscores the fact that Christians in Judea knew of him only by reputation.
* [1:18] After three years: two years and more, since Paul’s call. To confer with Cephas may mean simply “pay a visit” or more specifically “get information from” him about Jesus, over a two-week period. Cephas: Aramaic name of Simon (Peter); cf. Mt 16:16–18 and the notes there.
In the Reading from the Letter to the Galatians, Paul shares His Call by Christ.
* [1:11–2:21] Paul’s presentation on behalf of his message and of his apostleship reflects rhetorical forms of his day: he first narrates the facts about certain past events (Gal 1:12–2:14) and then states his contention regarding justification by faith as the gospel message (Gal 2:15–21). Further arguments follow from both experience and scripture in Galatians 3; 4 before he draws out the ethical consequences (Gal 5:1–6:10). The specific facts that he takes up here to show that his gospel is not a human invention (Gal 1:11) but came through a revelation of Jesus Christ (Gal 1:12) deal with his own calling as a Christian missionary (Gal 1:13–17), his initial relations with the apostles in Jerusalem (Gal 1:18–24), a later journey to Jerusalem (Gal 2:1–10), and an incident in Antioch involving Cephas and persons from James (Gal 2:11–14). The content of Paul’s revealed gospel is then set forth in the heart of the letter (Gal 2:15–21).
* [1:12] Although Paul received his gospel through a revelation from Christ, this did not exclude his use of early Christian confessional formulations. See note on Gal 1:4.
* [1:13–17] Along with Phil 3:4–11, which also moves from autobiography to its climax in a discussion on justification by faith (cf. Gal 2:15–21), this passage is Paul’s chief account of the change from his former way of life (Gal 1:13) to service as a Christian missionary (Gal 1:16); cf. Acts 9:1–22; 22:4–16; 26:9–18. Paul himself does not use the term “conversion” but stresses revelation (Gal 1:12, 16). In Gal 1:15 his language echoes the Old Testament prophetic call of Jeremiah. Unlike the account in Acts (cf. Acts 22:4–16), the calling of Paul here includes the mission to proclaim Christ to the Gentiles (Gal 1:16).
* [1:16] Flesh and blood: human authorities (cf. Mt 16:17; 1 Cor 15:50). Paul’s apostleship comes from God (Gal 1:1).
* [1:17] Arabia: probably the region of the Nabataean Arabs, east and south of Damascus.
* [1:18–24] Paul’s first journey to Jerusalem as a Christian, according to Galatians (cf. Acts 9:23–31 and the note on Acts 12:25). He is quite explicit about contacts there, testifying under oath (Gal 1:20). On returning to Syria (perhaps specifically Damascus, cf. Gal 1:17) and Cilicia (including his home town Tarsus, cf. Acts 9:30; 22:3), Paul most likely engaged in missionary work. He underscores the fact that Christians in Judea knew of him only by reputation.
* [1:18] After three years: two years and more, since Paul’s call. To confer with Cephas may mean simply “pay a visit” or more specifically “get information from” him about Jesus, over a two-week period. Cephas: Aramaic name of Simon (Peter); cf. Mt 16:16–18 and the notes there.
* [1:19] James the brother of the Lord: not one of the Twelve, but a brother of Jesus (see note on Mk 6:3). He played an important role in the Jerusalem church (see note on Gal 2:9), the leadership of which he took over from Peter (Galatians, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB, n.d.)
Psalm 139 proclaims how God forms our inmost being in our mother’s womb.
* [Psalm 139] A hymnic meditation on God’s omnipresence and omniscience. The psalmist is keenly aware of God’s all-knowing gaze (Ps 139:1–6), of God’s control over the psalmist’s very self (Ps 139:13–16). * [139:2] When I sit and stand: in all my physical movement.
* [139:15] The depths of the earth: figurative language for the womb stressing the hidden and mysterious operations that occur there (Psalms, PSALM 139 | USCCB, n.d.)
In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus teaches Martha and Mary about the need to be present.
* [10:38–42] The story of Martha and Mary further illustrates the importance of hearing the words of the teacher and the concern with women in Luke.
* [10:39] Sat beside the Lord at his feet: it is remarkable for first-century Palestinian Judaism that a woman would assume the posture of a disciple at the master’s feet (see also Lk 8:35; Acts 22:3), and it reveals a characteristic attitude of Jesus toward women in this gospel (see Lk 8:2–3).
* [10:42] There is need of only one thing: some ancient versions read, “there is need of few things”; another important, although probably inferior, reading found in some manuscripts is, “there is need of few things, or of one.” (Luke, CHAPTER 10 | USCCB, n.d.)
Mary Lee Brock reflects how her experience with the story of Martha and Mary has transformed over the years as her spirituality has developed.
As a young girl, I was awestruck at the notion that Jesus could come to my house for a visit. As I grew older and assumed more responsibilities, I related to Martha’s commitment to run a good household while also being a gracious hostess. There was even a time when I was disappointed that Jesus did not seem to appreciate the work behind the scenes to make his visit comfortable. And many times, especially when I was overwhelmed by the responsibilities of life, I would feel deep resentment for the freedom Mary felt to drop everything to listen to Jesus.
In my prayer today with the Gospel, I feel compassion for Jesus, Mary, and Martha. And especially for Martha. Jesus pleads with her to set down her burdens and pay attention to what is most important by saying: “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing.”
This invitation from Jesus helps me examine my daily life and I pray with these questions: When does my overscheduled calendar prevent me from choosing to focus on listening to the voice of God? How can I discern what is “mine to do” and step away from self-imposed responsibilities? In what ways can I release worries that have no merit? Who do I know in my life who has, like Mary, chosen the better part?
Guide me, Lord, along the everlasting way. (Brock, 2026)
Don Schwager quotes “The Body of Christ needs hearers and doers of the Word,” by Ambrose of Milan, 339-397 A.D.
"'Virtue does not have a single form. In the example of Martha and Mary, there is added the busy devotion of the one and the pious attention of the other to the Word of God, which, if it agrees with faith, is preferred even to the very works, as it is written: 'Mary has chosen the good portion, which shall not be taken away from her.' So let us also strive to have what no one can take away from us, so that not careless but diligent hearing may be granted to us. For even the seeds of the heavenly Word itself are likely to be taken away if they are sowed by the wayside (Luke 8:5,12). Let the desire for wisdom lead you as it did Mary. It is a greater and more perfect work. Do not let service divert the knowledge of the heavenly Word... Nor is Martha rebuked in her good serving, but Mary is preferred because she has chosen the better part for herself, for Jesus abounds with many blessings and bestows many gifts. And therefore the wiser chooses what she perceives as foremost."(excerpt from EXPOSITION OF THE GOSPEL OF LUKE 7.83-86) (Schwager, n.d.)
Friar Jude Winker comments on the texts for today. In Galatians, Paul addresses the accusation of preaching a false Gospel based on hatred of Jews. Paul claims to be a better Jew, as a Pharisee and he had been set aside in his mothers’ womb to preach to the Gentiles. Paul makes a reference to Jeremiah who did not preach to the pagans. Paul proclaims he did not consult flesh and blood but received his mission from God alone. His trip to Jerusalem was to find more details of Jesus' life. Friar Jude comments that perhaps Luke did not know all the details of the life and ministry of Paul. Luke presents the visit of Jesus to a village and the house of Mary and Martha, who complains that Mary is a lazy sister not helping with the hospitality. But Jesus declares Mary has chosen the better part. In the Middle Ages, this Gospel passage was interpreted as indicating the contemplative life was better than the active life. Friar Jude suggests that possibly hospitality is more than doing things but being present to others is more important than doing too much. This may be a call to slow down and be present to those who need us.
The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 10:38-42 comments that Martha’s story shows us that our unexpected moments of grace can come even when we’re not in the best frame of mind. But that might be exactly when Jesus wants to help us see things differently. So let’s invite the Lord to help us recognize those times when we, like Martha, feel so overburdened that we let irritation get the best of us. Or when we are so hyperfocused on a goal that we might neglect the chance to spend time with Jesus. Let’s not miss these opportunities to experience the blessings he offers us.
So keep cultivating your friendship with Jesus. Give him the freedom to break through and gently correct you when necessary. That way, you’ll also be giving him room to amaze you with an experience of his grace right in the midst of your busyness!
“Lord, help me be willing to listen the next time you want to surprise me.” (Meditation on Luke 10:38-42, n.d.)
Father Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Sister Ilia Delio who describes Francis of Assisi as a nature mystic. The Canticle of Creatures, which sings of Francis’s cosmic fraternity, his integral relationship to all the elements of the universe, was composed in 1225, one year before he died. It took Francis a lifetime to realize that he was truly brother to the sun, moon, stars, fire and water, that is, to the whole cosmos….
In his Major Legend, Bonaventure describes Francis’s relationship with Christ as one of deepening piety. The word “piety” (pietas) means “blood-related” or “family related.” It can be defined as an attitude of respect toward those to whom one is bound by ties of religion, consanguinity; of relationships between human beings. Bonaventure highlights the idea that, through his relationship with Christ, Francis came to realize his “family” relatedness to everything, including the tiny creatures of creation….
Bonaventure claims that everything in creation “spoke” to Francis of God. He came to “see” God’s goodness in every aspect of creation, so that everything ultimately led him to Christ, the Word of God. That Francis came to “see” God in creation points to the idea that Francis contemplated God in the things of creation. Contemplation is a penetrating gaze that gets to the truth of reality, and Francis came to “see” the truth of things by following the footprints of Jesus Christ. (Rohr, n.d.)
We invoke Wisdom of the Spirit to “choose the better part” as we act on our Baptismal anointing as priest, prophet, and leader in the community in which we live.
References
Brock, M. L. (2026, October 6). Daily Reflection October 6, 2026 | Creighton Online Ministries. Creighton Online Ministries. Retrieved October 6, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-october-6-2026
Galatians, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 6, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/galatians/1?
Luke, CHAPTER 10 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings, Audio and Video Every Morning | USCCB. Retrieved October 6, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/10?38
Meditation on Luke 10:38-42. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved October 6, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/10/06/1688442/
Psalms, PSALM 139 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings, Audio and Video Every Morning | USCCB. Retrieved October 6, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/139?1
Rohr, R. (n.d.). Conversion Through Creation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved October 6, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/conversion-through-creation/
Schwager, D. (n.d.). You Are Anxious. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved October 6, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/
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