Discover how to balance hospitality and stress in your daily life. Reflect on Jesus's message to Martha and learn to welcome guests with an open heart.
Today's Gospel: Luke 10:38-42
"You are anxious and worried about many things." Luke 10:41
Jesus didn't tell Martha that what she was doing was wrong. He didn't say she needed to stop cooking, serving food, and making sure her guests were comfortable. All of those are good things, and hospitality is a virtue.
Jesus didn't rebuke Martha when she came to Him to ask Him to send Mary back to help her. He replied to her, Saint Luke tells us; He listened to her concern and took it seriously. His words were not a brush-off, but an observation that Martha was letting the stresses of feeding a houseful of guests get in the way of her hospitality.
Martha didn't necessarily need to drop everything and sit at Jesus's feet at just that moment. Serving Jesus and the other guests was necessary work.
But Martha did need an attitude check. She needed to stop worrying and enjoy her houseguests. For her, that amounts to the better part.
Ponder:
Think of a time when you let stress, anxiety, or worry spoil the occasion. What can you do differently next time?
Pray:
Jesus, help me to be ready to welcome guests to my home and my heart as I would welcome You.
Pray Together:
Invite another family and your parish priest to join your family for a meal. Work together to prepare the meal ahead of time so you can focus fully on your guests.
Copyright 2026 Barb Szyszkiewicz
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