The Idol of Busyness and the One Thing Necessary

Exod 32:15-24.30-34; Psalm: 105; Lk 10:38-42

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, today, we are celebrating the Memorial of Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. We will reflect on our lives, our worship, and our relationship with God. In this fast-paced world, the idol of busyness often takes center stage, and we risk losing sight of what is truly necessary.

In the book of Exodus, we encounter the Israelites, who, in their impatience and fear, fashioned a golden calf. This idol was not just a symbol of their discontent but also a desperate attempt to control their circumstances. They wanted a manageable god, one who would bend to their desires. How often do we mimic this behavior? In our own lives, we create our golden calves, striving to fill our time with endless tasks and responsibilities. We worship productivity as if it were the pinnacle of our existence. Yet this busyness often leaves us feeling empty and unfulfilled. Moses stands as a model of intercession in this narrative. When the people falter, he pleads on their behalf. He reminds us that even in our failures and moments of shame, there is hope. Christ has borne our sins. When we feel overwhelmed by our mistakes, we can find comfort in knowing that God’s mercy is greater than our shortcomings.

In the Gospel of Luke, we meet Martha and Mary. Martha busies herself with preparations, consumed by the need to serve. Meanwhile, Mary chooses to sit at Jesus’ feet, fully present in His presence. This scene is a powerful reminder that Jesus values our presence over our performance. When He gently rebukes Martha, saying, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her,” He points us towards the priority of presence. We live in a distracted world. Our schedules are packed, and our minds race with thoughts of what needs to be done next. Yet Jesus calls us back to what truly matters. He invites us to prioritize our relationship with Him above all else. In moments of chaos, we must remember that the one thing necessary is union with Him.

So, how do we move from our idols of busyness to a place of intimacy with God? First, we must break our golden calves. Identify what distractions rob you of your time with God. Are there activities or commitments that keep you from prayer and reflection? Let us lay those down at the foot of the cross. Next, let us create our own “Mary moments.” Carve out time in your day to simply be with Jesus. Sit in silence, read His Word, and allow His presence to fill your heart. This is where transformation begins. In those quiet moments, we find the strength to face our challenges and the peace that surpasses all understanding.

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, let us not fall into the peril of impatient worship. Instead, let us embrace the one thing necessary—intimacy with our Lord. May we be inspired by the example of Martha and Mary, choosing to prioritize our relationship with Jesus above all else. As we go forth today, let us remember that in the midst of our busy lives, we are called to be present with Him. Let us seek the good portion that will not be taken away from us. Amen.

St. Edith Stein: “The world is in flames. Only those rooted in prayer can become firefighters.”

St. Mother Teresa: “If you are too busy to pray, you are busier than God intends.”

Pope St. John Paul II: “Contemplation is the soul of the apostolate. Without it, service becomes a hollow shell.”

St. Thérèse of Lisieux:

“When I feel overwhelmed, I imitate Mary: I hide in Jesus’ heart. There, I learn that everything is grace.”

Pope Francis on busyness:

“Martha and Mary teach us: before the soup kitchen, the prayer kitchen! Without God, our work is an NGO, not the Church” (Homily, 2013).