Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: July 20, 2025

Date: 16^th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Scripture Text:  Luke 10:38-42

Jesus entered a village where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him. She had a sister named Mary who sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak. Martha, burdened with much serving, came to him and said, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? Tell her to help me." The Lord said to her in reply, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, and it will not be taken from her."

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel text for today from Luke recounts Jesus’ first encounter with Martha and Mary, the sisters of his friend Lazarus. While Martha is busy with all the labors of hospitality, her sister, Mary, sits at Jesus’ feet listening to His teachings. When Martha complains to Jesus about her sister’s lack of help, Jesus doesn’t tell Martha that her efforts aren’t important but rather that Mary’s attentiveness to the presence and words of Jesus are “the better part.”

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Am I focused on Christ in such a way that no matter what I’m doing, He is on my mind and in my heart? Do I invite Him to remain in me, with me?

Praying:

LORD, Jesus Christ, Son of God, my savior and brother, You came to dwell among us, accepting all of human nature except sin, and through your life and your teachings and your miracles, You showed us the way by telling us the truth and leading us to life through your own death on the cross. You are “the way and the truth and the life.” Help me to focus spiritually, Jesus, on You and on your love and gift to us. Send your Spirit to rouse in me fully not only faith but also hope. Grant that I may all your love to transform me wholly into the disciple You call me to be, bringing You to others and others to You. Amen.