The One Thing Needed: Choosing the Better Part in a Distracted World

In Luke 10:42, Jesus says, “There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.”

This powerful statement comes at the end of the story where Martha, busy with the tasks of hospitality, asks Jesus to tell her sister Mary to help her. Mary, meanwhile, is sitting at Jesus' feet, listening intently. Jesus' response to Martha shifts the focus from doing to being, from the many distractions of life to the one thing that matters most: communion with Him.

As Catholics, how do we understand and live out this call to choose "the better part" in a world that constantly pulls us in multiple directions?

 Martha's Heart: The Burden of Distraction

It's easy to empathize with Martha. In many ways, she represents us—busy, overburdened, and anxious about meeting the demands of daily life. Like her, we juggle a hundred responsibilities: work, family, social commitments, and even service to the Church. These are good and necessary things, but in the noise of these tasks, it’s easy to lose sight of why we do them and who we are serving.

For Catholic women, especially mothers and those in active ministry, the temptation to fall into "Martha mode" is ever-present. We're taught to value hard work, to sacrifice, and to give tirelessly. But Martha's story reminds us that even good works can become a distraction if they draw us away from our relationship with Christ.

Mary’s Heart: The Call to Rest in Christ

Mary, on the other hand, symbolizes the soul that is focused on what is essential—sitting at the feet of Jesus, drinking in His words, and resting in His presence. She reminds us that, before we can give to others, we must first receive from the Lord. Mary chooses the better part, not because the work of hospitality is unimportant, but because communion with Christ is the foundation of everything.

In a Catholic context, this is the heart of our spiritual life. The sacraments, particularly the Eucharist, call us to this same posture of receptivity. Like Mary, we are invited to sit at the feet of Jesus, especially in moments of Adoration or at Mass, to allow His grace to nourish and transform us. Without this foundation, even our best efforts can become burdensome and disconnected from the true source of life.

 What Does It Mean to Choose the Better Part?

To choose the better part is to prioritize our relationship with Christ above all else. It’s a recognition that while our work and responsibilities are important, they must flow from our encounter with Jesus, not replace it. This can be challenging, particularly in seasons of life that demand much of our time and energy, but it's precisely in these times that we need to draw close to Him.

For Catholic women—whether we are mothers, wives, single, or religious—this passage challenges us to examine our priorities. Are we too focused on the busyness of life, or are we making space to sit at the feet of Christ? Are we more concerned with doing for others than being with God?

 Practical Ways to Choose the Better Part

Here are a few practical ways we can integrate this teaching into our lives:

1. Daily Prayer: Set aside time each day to sit in silence and listen to Jesus, even if it’s just for a few minutes. This could be through Lectio Divina, praying the Rosary, or simply resting in God's presence.

2. Frequent the Sacraments: Make Mass and Confession a priority. Regularly receiving the Eucharist strengthens our ability to stay centered on Christ amidst life's demands.

3. Eucharistic Adoration: If possible, spend time in front of the Blessed Sacrament. This is the ultimate form of sitting at the feet of Jesus and choosing the better part.

4. Rest in God’s Providence: Trust that when you choose to prioritize your time with Christ, the rest will fall into place. This doesn’t mean neglecting responsibilities but trusting that God will give you the grace to meet them when you keep Him first.

5. Simplify Your Life: Look at areas where you may be overcommitted or distracted. Simplify where you can, so you have more time and mental space for what truly matters.

When Jesus says, “It will not be taken from her,” He is revealing a profound truth: our communion with Him is eternal. The work we do in this life is temporary, but our relationship with Christ endures forever. As Catholics, we are invited to remember that no matter how important our work, our greatest vocation is to be with Him. In choosing the better part, we receive a treasure that no one can take away—His love, His peace, and His grace.

May we, like Mary, have the wisdom to choose the better part and find our rest in Christ, who is the “one thing” we truly need.