Daily Gospel Reflection for July 20, 2025

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Today's Gospel: Luke 10:38-42

As a wife and mother, I have struggled with the story of Mary and Martha. When Martha, “burdened with much serving,” asks Jesus to tell Mary to help her, He admonishes her, saying,

“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

Does that mean I shouldn’t try to offer a nice dinner to my guests, or that I shouldn’t care what my house looks like? I really don’t think so.

I believe that this Gospel points to the importance of being present to people and, more importantly, to our Lord. It shows me that I need not wear myself out trying to make everything perfect for people who really just want to spend time with me. And it makes clear that making time to spend with the Lord is more important than housework.

The older I get, the less I care about externals. We have always lived in modest homes, and we have hosted many a Thanksgiving meal from our galley kitchen. The meals are always delicious, and the family members are glad to be there and enjoy the celebration.

This year, we are again planning to host that holiday from a kitchen that may not be completely renovated by the time Thanksgiving arrives. But we are still planning to host because our adult children love Thanksgiving at home and our Mississippi relatives enjoy coming to the big city (Memphis) for the holiday to see us.

As the holidays approach, I will try to remember to be more like Mary than Martha, while realizing that the gifts of both service and presence are vital to my vocation as wife and mother.

Ponder:

How can I let go of my worries to be more present to God and to my family?

Pray:

Dear Lord, please help me to remember that placing myself in Your presence is vital to my spiritual growth. May I keep first things first by starting every day in prayer.

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