COME, SIT, LISTEN - THIS IS THE BETTER WAY!

Nyle A. Grimes

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things" (Lk. 10:38-42)

In Luke 10:38-42, we meet two sisters—Martha and Mary—who welcome Jesus into their home. Martha jumps into action, doing what many of us would do: cleaning, cooking, and making sure everything is perfect. This resonated with me deeply because, as the eldest daughter and self-proclaimed perfectionist, this is exactly what I would do whenever anyone comes to visit my home.  I barely sit down and will work overtime to ensure everyone is comfortable and satisfied.  Sometimes, I do not even get a moment to sit down and truly have a conversation with my guests. 

Further into the Gospel, we learn that Mary sits at Jesus’ feet and listens. Martha gets frustrated and asks Jesus to tell Mary to help. But instead of siding with her, Jesus responds with love and redirection: “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

It’s easy to relate to Martha. Most of us are juggling a lot—school, work, side hustles, relationships, bills, and figuring out our purpose. Even when we want to make space for God, it can feel like there’s no time. We can get caught up in the mindset of doing things for God rather than just being with Him.  This can be especially true with our ministry and church work. Often, we are consumed with doing and crossing tasks off the list, not allowing time just to be.

However, we must remember that Jesus wasn’t criticizing Martha’s service—He was lovingly inviting her to lay down the stress and sit with Him. That same invitation is extended to us today.

For young adults, our youth, our elders, and everyone in between, this passage speaks directly to our anxieties. These anxieties seem especially prevalent today with the current happenings worldwide and in the US.   Especially with all the US political atmosphere. Not to mention the fears affecting our mental capacities.  Those self-deprecating and catastrophizing thoughts, e.g., Am I not enough?  There is pressure to be productive constantly. The uncertainty about our future. The loneliness that sometimes creeps in despite being surrounded by digital connections. Jesus names what many of us feel: “You are worried and upset about many things.” And then He gently says, “But only one thing is necessary.”

What Mary chose wasn’t glamorous. She simply paused. She listened. She made space for Jesus in the middle of everything else. And He called it better.

That’s the challenge—and the gift—for us: to resist the pressure to constantly hustle and to instead center ourselves in God’s presence. To turn off the noise. To sit at Jesus’ feet, even if just for a few moments each day. Because in that stillness, we can calm the noise, those anxieties, and the fears.  In that stillness, we are reminded that we are loved, not for what we do, but for who we are.

Jesus isn’t asking us to ignore our responsibilities or the realities facing us every day. But He asks us to start from a place of peace, not pressure. Before we go out and serve, lead, study, plan, or build, we’re invited to be still and know Him. "Be still and know that I am God!" (Ps. 46:11).

So, if you’re feeling like Martha lately—busy, overwhelmed, or anxious—remember that Jesus sees you. And He’s not mad at you. He’s just gently calling you back: Come. Sit. Listen. This is the better way.

Author: Nyle Grimes, member of St. Teresa of Avila Church's young adult ministry, Washington, D.C.

Thank you for engaging with this blog. Should you find the content enriching, consider subscribing to the Eat the Scroll Ministry for updates on our newest blog posts. Feel free to like and share this blog with someone you know. Prof./Evangel. Howard