Gospel for July 20 2025 – Luke 10: 38-42
Gospel Reflections for July 20 2025
Do you like Martha …or Mary?
Today’s Gospel can start an argument! It describes two opposite ways of living our faith.
Jesus is a guest in the home of two sisters who behave in very different ways. Martha is busy with hospitality chores while Mary is quietly listening to Jesus. Which one is doing the right thing? Is Mary wise …or just lazy? Is Martha responsible …or too busy?
This issue mirrors a problem in the early Church, and maybe in your life today. What is the right balance between quiet prayer and active social activity?
Jesus actually does not take sides but transcends both actions with a profound teaching.
Neither action nor prayer are valid unless each is done as a personal calling from God. What makes our behavior right is that it is in response to God’s personal call to you.
Jesus doesn’t correct Martha for being busy. After all, He often encouraged an active life. Yet He is concerned that Martha is not happy in her work, and even more concerned about her request about Mary. Anytime your prayer begins with the words, “Lord, what you need to do is…” Well …you are telling the Lord what to do rather than responding to His call!
Both Mary and Martha are called to be responsible, in that word’s original meaning; to have a response to a calling from God. Both social action and quiet prayer are only appropriate if you are responding to His call for either path, and not just what you think you should do.
God may call you to either prayer or action at different times in your life as well. God knows best!
For those who are active, you cannot see Martha as your friend or Mary as your enemy, and for those who are prayerful, you cannot see Mary as your friend or Martha as your enemy.
It all depends on what God has called you personally and specifically to do at this time in your life that will help build the Kingdom of God.
You can certainly spend time in quiet prayer, and also engage in active social ministry, but you should always include in your motivation the words that Our Lord spoke in the Garden of Gethsemane the night before His crucifixion, “…not my will …but yours be done!”
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
“ Neither action nor prayer are valid unless each is done as a personal calling from God. What makes our behavior right is that it is in response to God’s personal call to you.. . .
“. . . always include in your motivation the words that Our Lord spoke in the Garden of Gethsemane the night before His crucifixion, “…not my will …but yours be done!”
All I can say to that is “Amen!”
Thank you Fr Dave for putting your reflections in writing. It’s very helpful.
I am so glad you find it helpful!
HI Fr Dave,
Benny here,
86 pushing 87 GOOD LORD WILLING 87 IN NOVEMBER.
NOW IN ASSIST LIVING PLACE
MANY TIMES UP AT 3AM UNCANNY WHY I WAKE UP RIGHT AT 3 AM.
LIKE MARY I WOULD LIKE TO FOCUS ON MY PRAYERS BUT MY MIND WONDERS OFF TO THE DINING ROOM AND MY PENDING BREAKFAST SO IS MY BREAKFAST MARTHA IN DISGUISE? THANK YOU
Anything on your mind isa suitable topic of prayer. Talk to God about breakfast!
Hi fr. Dave
Amen to living the balance between prayer & action. With God help & the spirts nudging we can work it out.
Thanksgiving to my dad‘s 99th birthday today!!
Such a blessing to talk with him on the phone
Blessings and love
You are very fortunate!
Dear Father Dave,
I definitely relate to both sisters!
I see both women doing what they believe is right. Martha wants to provide something wonderful while Mary wants to hear something wonderful.
In today’s culture when we are hosting an event of any kind, large or small, it is generally accepted that preparations are completed before guests arrive. However, some “things” need to be done at the last minute, like that perfect desert, creme brulee, or delicious fresh brew….
Thank you for another great reflection.
God bless!
Kathleen
You are very welcome!
Our precious Father Dave, I think all my life I have tried to be Martha and Mary! I love to prepare and have a lovely gatherings and I loveeeeeeeeeeeeeee to listen to beautiful thoughts of living a precious Jesus’ filled life!!! I loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee doing both for it is beautiful to put Jesus’ love into action!!! I look forward to growing lovingly in both areas!! We can be both Marth and Mary with loveeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!! Love not my will but your will our precious father in Heaven!! I have to be a good listener in loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!
Thank ylou!
Love all these beautiful comments filled with loveeeeeeeee!!!
You don’t think Jesus picked a side?
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one.[a] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42
Yes, Jesus did not pick a side but reaffirmed that either the active or contemplative life comes as a calling from God.