Choosing the Better Part

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today, Memorial of Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, challenge us to contemplate the meaning of Jesus as the resurrection and the life to our journey today.

Contemplate our Action

The Reading from the Book of the Prophet Jeremiah proclaims Jeremiah’s Complaint

i. [15:10] Jer 20:14.

l. [15:17] Ps 25:4.

m. [15:18] Jer 14:19; 30:15.

n. [15:20] Jer 1:18; 6:27. (Jeremiah, CHAPTER 15 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 59 presents a prayer for vindication.

* [Psalm 59] A lament in two parts (Ps 59:2–9, 11b–17), each ending in a refrain (Ps 59:10, 18). Both parts alternate prayer for vindication (Ps 59:2–3, 4b–5, 11b–14) with vivid depictions of the psalmist’s enemies (Ps 59:4–5a, 7–8, 15–16). The near curse in Ps 59:12–13 is not a crude desire for revenge but a wish that God’s just rule over human affairs be recognized now. (Psalms, PSALM 59 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of John begins the presentation of the narrative of the raising of Lazarus.

* [11:1–44] The raising of Lazarus, the longest continuous narrative in John outside of the passion account, is the climax of the signs. It leads directly to the decision of the Sanhedrin to kill Jesus. The theme of life predominates. Lazarus is a token of the real life that Jesus dead and raised will give to all who believe in him. Johannine irony is found in the fact that Jesus’ gift of life leads to his own death. The story is not found in the synoptics, but cf. Mk 5:21 and parallels; Lk 7:11–17. There are also parallels between this story and Luke’s parable of the rich man and poor Lazarus (Lk 16:19–31). In both a man named Lazarus dies; in Luke, there is a request that he return to convince his contemporaries of the need for faith and repentance, while in John, Lazarus does return and some believe but others do not. (John, CHAPTER 11 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus proclaims the faith of Martha and Mary

* [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.)

Gladyce Janky that in the Ignatian tradition, Jesus’ words to Martha are at the heart of the Principle and Foundation: we are created to praise, reverence, and serve God, and everything else in our lives exists to help us toward that end.

When responsibilities, fears, or other distractions begin to pull us away from that purpose, Ignatius calls these disordered attachments—not “bad things,” but good things that have taken precedence over our relationship with God. Martha’s anxiety is not a failure to live up to Jesus’ expectations; it is the human experience of what happens when we overextend ourselves, or we become discouraged and feel hopeless as we witness the injustices of this world. Jesus’ gentle naming of her negative emotions is an invitation to seek interior freedom and ask for the grace to let go of what drains life. It’s as if Jesus is saying, “Release your grip on your worries and concerns. You do not need to control outcomes. You have only one responsibility. That is, to hold everything lightly so there is room in your heart to trust me. Recall that everything in existence is already in my Father’s loving hands.” (Janky, n.d.)

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 Winkler reflects that Jeremiah was called to be a prophet when young and to condemn the infidelity of the people who blamed him for their trouble and he felt abandoned by God. He calls God to task as he couldn’t hold God’s words within yet he gets rejected. God replies not one can defeat you, God will always be there. Like in revelation we are killed but we never will be harmed. The Gospel of John presents the story of Martha meeting Jesus and commenting “Lord my brother would not have died”  This was a rebuke of Jesus' delay and set the stage as Lazarus would be raised to present the miracle of life giving and pulling back faith like ours. Jesus proclaims “I am the resurrection and the life.” Know Jesus and know the full life in a realized eschatology often expressed in this Gospel. Heaven is dawning upon the earth and how much we love is the measure. Martha proclaims that faith Jesus is the Messiah. Friar Jude notes that in the Gospel of John women are often exemplars of faith.

The Word Among Us Meditation on John 11:19-27 comments that family life is not always picture-perfect, but if everyone tries to come together in faith, despite their differences, each member can grow in love, both for the Lord and for each other. We know that sometimes it is hard to get all family members to work together, but God can take even the most halting effort and bless it.

Let’s take today’s feast as an opportunity to pray for all families, including our own. May we all take strides to grow closer to each other. May we all take strides to grow closer to the Lord together. And most important, may we all welcome Jesus into our homes and invite him to live with us, just as Martha, Mary, and Lazarus did.

“Lord, be with every family, and help them embrace their calling!” (Meditation on John 11:19-27, n.d.)

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Dr. Richard Beck who acknowledges the temptation to oversimplify our reading of the Bible, but urges us to stay with the tensions it raises.

Let me suggest we emulate how Jesus read the Bible. Let’s imitate how he resolved the tensions in the Old Testament.

For example, the debates between Jesus and the Pharisees concerned the tensions … between the Torah and the prophets. You see this especially in Jesus’s Sabbath observance and his welcoming of sinners. Over and over again in­ these cases, the Pharisees pick Leviticus over the prophets. Ritual purity was chosen over ­human compassion. Jesus, by contrast, privileges the prophets. For Jesus, alleviating human suffering takes priority over Levitical prohibition. Overcoming social marginalization is preferred to religious purity. (Rohr, n.d.)

We implore the Spirit to foster a practice of encounter with the Word of God that guides us to choose the better part as we seek to live out our Baptismal anointing as priest, prophet, and leader.

References

Janky, G. (n.d.). Daily Reflection July 29, 2026 | Creighton Online Ministries. Creighton Online Ministries. Retrieved July 29, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-july-29-2026 

Jeremiah, CHAPTER 15 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings, Audio and Video Every Morning | USCCB. Retrieved July 29, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/jeremiah/15?10 

John, CHAPTER 11 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved July 29, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/11? 

Luke, CHAPTER 10 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings, Audio and Video Every Morning | USCCB. Retrieved July 29, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/10?38 

Meditation on John 11:19-27. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved July 29, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/07/29/1634783/ 

Psalms, PSALM 59 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings, Audio and Video Every Morning | USCCB. Retrieved July 29, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/59?2 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved July 29, 2026, fromhttps://cac.org/daily-meditations/choosing-mercy-not-sacrifice/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). You Are Anxious - One Thing Is Needful. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved July 29, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Study and Action

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to be open to changing our mind as we confront opposing attitudes and calls to action on our Journey.

Study for Action

The Reading from the Book of Jonah alerts us to attending to the Will of God even as we oppose the plan.

* [3:5] Great and small: the contrast can refer to distinctions of social class (prominent citizens and the poor).

* [3:7–8] Fasting and wearing sackcloth are signs of human repentance; here they are legislated even for the animals—a humorous touch, perhaps anticipating 4:11.

* [3:9–10] Scripture frequently presents the Lord as repenting (or, changing his mind) of the evil that he threatens; e.g., Gn 6:6–7; Jer 18:8. (Jonah, CHAPTER 3, n.d.)

Psalm 130 is the De profundis used in liturgical prayers for the faithful departed.

* [Psalm 130] This lament, a Penitential Psalm, is the De profundis used in liturgical prayers for the faithful departed. In deep sorrow the psalmist cries to God (Ps 130:1–2), asking for mercy (Ps 130:3–4). The psalmist’s trust (Ps 130:5–6) becomes a model for the people (Ps 130:7–8). (Psalms, PSALM 130, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus comments on the response of Martha and Mary to His visit.

* [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, n.d.)

Steve Scholer comments that each of us can think of being tasked with a seemingly impossible job or one that could certainly be detrimental to our well-being or our relationship with a friend or family member. Like Jonah, fear, reluctance, and maybe outright refusal to act are likely a given. But they need not be. God has assured us that we can turn to him for strength and guidance.

As we go about our affairs today, let’s not back away from the difficult or awkward, from tough conversations that need to be made, to the difficult actions that can no longer be delayed. Like Jonah, let us ask God to be present, calm us, and give us the strength to tackle the difficult. And let us also ask God to open the ears and hearts of those who need to let the love of Jesus into their lives and hearts, so our message is heard and understood.

Maybe our results will not be as stunning as Jonah’s and the good that came from him finally accepting God’s call to preach to those least likely to take his words to heart. And maybe we will not obtain the positive outcome that followed because of the actions he undertook.

But, if we don’t try, (Scholer, n.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.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Jonah 3:1-10 suggests that the next time we feel God moving us to share the good news of Christ’s love with someone, recall Jonah.

Don’t run the other way as Jonah first did. Rather, take a few deep breaths, and ask the Lord to quiet your fears or any harsh judgments you may have about the other person. Remind yourself that the Holy Spirit has already gone before you and has laid the groundwork for whatever he wants to accomplish. Then trust that the outcome, as well as all the people involved, is in God’s capable hands.

“Lord, give me the courage to share your good news, especially in difficult situations.” (Meditation on Jonah 3:1-10, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler discusses how Jonah is called to preach to Nineveh even as he wanted them destroyed. Before the end of day one the king has called a fast and God turns back anger and destruction The Assyrian conqueror was forgiven. Jesus visits and Martha responds with hospitality and Mary sits and listens. Friar Jude notes that historically this was understood as preference of contemplative to active life. We are sometimes so busy we cannot be present in faith. We may do a lot and never listen quietly to Jesus.

Fr. Mike Schmitz concludes the book of Esther and the book of Nehemiah by reflecting on the journey and resilience of the Jewish people thus far in the story of salvation. Fr. Mike explains how, in our lives, we don’t always know how God is going to show up, but we know that he will be faithful. Today’s readings are Nehemiah 12, Esther 9-11, and Proverbs 21:21-24.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, articulates an opportunity for each of us to rediscover a “soulful” relationship with money. Lynne Twist, founder of the Soul of Money Institute, understands the impact that our culture’s disintegrated view of money has made.

Each of us experiences a lifelong tug-of-war between our money interests and the calling of our soul. When we’re in the domain of soul, we act with integrity. We are thoughtful and generous, allowing, courageous, and committed. We recognize the value of love and friendship….  

In the grip of money, those wonderful qualities of soul seem to be less available. We become smaller…. We often grow selfish, greedy, petty, fearful, or controlling…. We see ourselves as winners or losers, powerful or helpless, and we let those labels deeply define us in ways that are inaccurate….  

In a world that seems to revolve around money, it is vital that we deepen our relationship with our soul and bring it to bear on our relationship with money…. We can have our money culture both balanced and nourished by soul. [2] (Rohr, n.d.)

We ask the Spirit to guide our consideration of our response to differing directions like study and action, soul and money, or redemption and punishment.

References

Jonah, CHAPTER 3. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved October 7, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/jonah/3?1 

Luke, CHAPTER 10. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved October 7, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/10?38 

Meditation on Jonah 3:1-10. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved October 7, 2025, from https://wau.org/meditations/2025/10/07/1402929/ 

Psalms, PSALM 130. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved October 7, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/130?1 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved October 7, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/money-and-soul/ 

Scholer, S. (n.d.). Daily Reflection. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved October 7, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-october-7-2025 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). You Are Anxious. Daily Scripture Net. Retrieved October 7, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2025&date=oct7