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Not long ago (it was Tuesday, October 10, in fact) the daily gospel reading was from Luke, chapter 10. It occurred to me in hearing the passage again that there is likely not a Christian alive over the age of 10 years who hasn’t heard the story of Martha and Mary. 

At the outset, Jesus came to visit the two sisters, Martha and Mary. They were sisters of Jesus' very good friend, Lazarus. Mary, as you likely recall, was very content to spend time with Jesus. She was focused on things eternal and basked in listening to Jesus, being in His company. She “sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak.” (Luke 10:39) Would that we all had Mary's heart, not to mention the time to do the very thing.

Martha, on the other hand, was worried about . . . everything. In this encounter, the focus of her worry was the serving and what she perceived to be her sister’s laziness. "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? Tell her to help me." (Luke 10:40)

Martha complained to Jesus who, at first blush, may have seemed a bit unsympathetic, if not downright dismissive, in His response. "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.” (Luke 10:41-42)

Honestly, I can't begin to count the times when I've opened my mouth, only to conclude my speaking with the realization that I could be the male version of Martha (or her twin brother) in my attitude! 

In fact, Jesus did Martha a huge favor. In making it clear that Mary had chosen the better part, He also made it clear, too, that Martha also had a choice.

Worrying is like much else in life: it is a choice one makes in response to a circumstance out of one’s control. One can choose not to worry. Happiness is a choice. Love, in fact, is also a choice. It is possible to choose the better part.

Let us begin the effort to consistently choose the better part. To do so is, in fact, fundamental in our response to the vocational call to holiness. Practically speaking, here are some tips (in no special order):

• Consistently attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation. Be fed.
• Join fellow Serrans in saying the Rosary on Sunday evenings: JOCO Serra Rosary for Vocations 
• Consistently say meal prayers - asking Jesus to bless your food and rendering thanks to Him for the privilege of consuming it.
• As you go along, develop a practice of saying the Rosary every day. If you cannot commit to the entire Rosary every day, begin with saying one decade of the Rosary every day. Here's a great link to learn how to say the Rosary if not familiar: How to Pray the Rosary | USCCB
• Make a visit to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament at your church. Even one visit will make a difference. Over time, consider spending one hour with Jesus on a regular basis, perhaps weekly. Adoration of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament is a game changer not only personally, but also for one's family, one's church, and one's community. 

While all possess a bit of Martha naturally, let us be determined to make Mary's choice when possible. Choose the better part!