The good portion
Jonah 3:1–10; Psalm 130; Luke 10:38–42
The gospel reading presents us with one of the encounters Jesus had with Martha and Mary. When Jesus was in their house, Martha was distracted with much serving while Mary was attentive to him. “Mary has chosen the good portion, which shall not be taken away from her”, Jesus said.
Martha’s distraction continues for many of us today. Oftentimes, church functionaries are so distracted, all in the name of serving during the liturgy. Some church wardens, choirs, instrumentalists, altar servers, and the like are so busy that they don’t listen to God’s word. Beloved, if we don’t listen, we cannot serve well.
In the first reading, the Ninevites listened to God’s message as proclaimed by Jonah and repented. When next you are serving or on duty, don’t forget to choose the better part. Listening to God’s word helps us serve better.
Let us pray.
Lord Jesus Christ, help us to do your will. Direct our actions and bring our conduct under your divine influence. Many are the distractions of our days. Give us grace to overcome them so that our services may not be in vain. Amen.
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
