Luke 10:42Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

You may choose to emulate either approach: serve the Lord's body by aiding those in need, for as He stated, ‘Inasmuch as ye did it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye did it unto me’ (Matthew 25:40), or spend time listening to His words and contemplating His doctrines, or perhaps you can find a balance between the two, engaging in both as the moment allows. He referred to the good part not because the other sister’s work was lacking, but to highlight that what Mary chose was indeed the superior good. Both actions are commendable, yet one surpasses the other; while the act of hospitality is beneficial, resting in the presence of God is even more profound. The former is physical labor, while the latter is a spiritual pursuit.

As Martha busied herself with sacred duties, overwhelmed by the demands of her service, she pleaded with the Lord for her sister's assistance, saying, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her to help me” (Luke 10:40). Although Martha was not inviting her sister to a trivial task but rather to a commendable service, the Lord responded, “Martha! Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but few things are needed, or indeed only one. Mary has chosen the good portion that will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:41-42). Here, the Lord identifies the ultimate good as being found in divine contemplation.

Thus, while we may recognize other virtues as beneficial and essential, we contend that they should be seen as lesser in rank, as all are aimed at the singular goal of contemplation. When the Lord states, “You are anxious and troubled about many things, but you need few things, or only one,” He affirms that the highest good lies not in productive, though commendable, labors teeming with results, but rather in the simple, singular act of contemplating God. This act is the essential basis for attaining perfect happiness—it begins with meditating on a few sacred truths and, through this ascent, culminates in the vision of God alone. By excelling in the works and extraordinary services inspired by the saints, one may ultimately delight in the knowledge and glory of God. Hence, Mary made the wise choice—the portion that remains hers eternally.

It is crucial to examine this more thoroughly. When the Lord remarked that Mary had chosen the good portion, He was silent regarding Martha, seemingly offering no rebuke; yet in honoring Mary, He implied that she surpassed Martha. Moreover, in stating that it would not be taken from Mary, He indicated that Martha's portion was subject to loss. The physical service, though noble, cannot be sustained perpetually, while Mary's spiritual devotion endures eternally. The central pursuit must align with the contemplation of divine truths, as evidenced in the contrasting examples of Mary and Martha.

While we are existing in this world, we face many demands: we need sustenance, clothing, shelter, rest, and other essentials for daily living, and we plea to our Heavenly Father for these needs: “Give us this day our daily bread.” However, eternal life holds a necessity that renders everything else insignificant. “What profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, but harms his soul” (Matt. 16:26)? The preservation of the soul, which embodies eternal life, is far more valuable than all earthly possessions combined. For this reason, we must earnestly pursue this singular eternal salvation, turning away from the fleeting and empty pursuits of this world. A heart consumed by worldly vanity will lose sight of this essential need; when it pursues the temporal, it forgets the eternal. Conversely, when one’s focus shifts to eternity, the concern for worldly pursuits dissipates. The human heart can only fully engage with one of these two aspects at a time. If the desire for eternal life inhabits the heart, distractions from worldly vanity will recede; if vanity takes hold, the longing for eternity will diminish. Seek salvation.

One thing is necessary (Luke 10:42). These words, “One thing is necessary,” were spoken by our Savior to all believers. Many Christians devote themselves to various concerns, often oblivious to their true significance. To prevent this aimless pursuit, the Lord clarifies: “There is one thing that fulfills all our needs.” What is this essential need? It is eternal salvation. This is the foundational work of a Christian and the primary focus that should occupy our thoughts. While we require resources such as food, garments, shelter, and these are matters we bring before God, eternal salvation is so crucial that without it, everything else falls short. “What profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, but harms his own soul” (Matt. 16:26)? None at all; without salvation, all else is meaningless. Thus, we must value the eternal life that surpasses all worldly notions of abundance.

Just as every person has duties tied to their role—judges are to judge, farmers to cultivate, merchants to trade, teachers to instruct, and students to learn—so too should a Christian's primary obligation be to honor God through faithfulness and truth, hoping for the eternal life He promises. This singular focus defines our calling. Beloved, we were not created merely for this temporary existence but for eternal life; we were renewed through holy Baptism for this purpose and called to it through the Word of God. Christ, the Son of God, entered the world, suffered, and lay down His life for eternal life. This reveals the depth of God’s commitment to our salvation. He crafted everything for this goal and came Himself for this reason. We must be vigilant and devoted to this cause, as Satan seeks to rob us of our eternal life and lead us astray. It pains us to see many Christians indifferent to this profound truth. They ignore the plight of sinners—those who engage in immorality, blasphemy, drunkenness, theft, deceit, and slander—choosing instead to focus on worldly desires over spiritual well-being.

The true value of eternal salvation, won through Christ's trials and sacrificial death on the cross, cannot be overstated, yet many fail to hold it in high regard. Today’s Christians often prioritize what brings them honor, glory, wealth, and comfort, relegating salvation to the background. Eternal salvation is indeed “one for all,” as affirmed by Christ, and in our lives, it is either embraced or forfeited. It is obtained through repentance and faith, and lost through a life devoid of repentance. Listen, fellow sinners and redeemed believers! Eternal salvation is singularly ours, a reality we either embrace or reject. Let us reflect on this deeply. Let us remember the commitments made at our Baptism and turn to God in repentance, striving to stand before Him truthfully. With each consideration of our mortality, let us repent so that we do not depart this world without hope. With an awareness of Christ’s final judgment, let us repent, ensuring we do not meet Him clothed in our sins. Let us meditate on the joy of eternal life versus the dread of eternal separation, turning to God in prayerful sorrow so He may grant us access to His mercy and His eternal kingdom. O Lord God Almighty, turn your face toward us, and we shall be saved. Amen.

When the grace of God resoundingly envelops the ascetic, an abundance of spiritual achievements emerges within them, steering them toward Christian maturity. It is at this moment that the soul recognizes its sinfulness, previously hidden from its awareness. The veil is lifted from its vision, and the vast, glorious eternity, which was once obscured, shines forth upon the soul. The hour of death, once a distant concern, draws near and presents itself before the soul. The earthly existence, once perceived as limitless, shrinks to mere moments: the life that has passed now resembles a fleeting dream. The remaining span of life converges into that singular hour of death.

From the depths of the soul arise cries that had never been felt before; a lamentation surfaces, along with a prayer that has never been articulated previously. Such prayer and sorrow emerge from the very core of the soul, expressed silently by both mind and heart, fervently ascending to heaven, prostrating the repentant before the feet of the Saviour, and maintaining that humble position of worship. In acknowledging its sinfulness and the boundless grandeur of God, the soul moves into perfection, guided into wholeness by the hand of the all-good God, who both formed humanity and renews it. “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits, who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from destruction, who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies. Your youth is renewed like the eagle's” (Psalm 102:2-5) through the omnipotence of the Saviour, who transforms our nature within Himself and revitalizes us by His presence. Amen.

In her preoccupations and distractions, she overlooked what Christ had proclaimed previously: “But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). Jesus frequently visited the home of Lazarus, Martha, and Mary; during His travels to and from Jerusalem to Galilee, He would stop there. While in Jerusalem, He often sought respite from the bustling crowds by retreating to their home. This close relationship of Jesus with the family indicates that all its members, including Martha, were virtuous individuals deserving of His love.

Martha's concerns, though good, provide only temporary satisfaction and comfort for the physical need of nourishment; these will quickly fade after offering momentary relief to the body. In contrast, Mary’s actions yield a spiritual benefit that is eternal and cannot be removed from her. Thus, the Lord skillfully uses every earthly situation to convey profound truths of His teachings. "The generosity of hospitality that Martha exhibited is indeed valuable and should not be disregarded; yet, the advantage of engaging in spiritual dialogues is even greater. For through these discussions, the body is supported, and the soul finds vitality.... He had no words of admonition for Martha until she attempted to divert her sister from listening, prompting the Lord to address her. Hospitality is commendable as long as it does not divert our attention from what is truly essential; however, when it becomes an obstacle in pursuing divine matters, we must choose it over the pursuit of spiritual truths" (Theophilus, cf. Vas. V. 5, 379-381).