Many people think of prayer as something that is said. But prayer is better understood as paying attention to God.

This Sunday's readings show hospitality to strangers remains an important part of life. We should be attentive to our guest, Jesus, when we hear his Word, writes Msgr. Joseph Prior.

Fr. Jeffrey Kirby of South Carolina reflected on Luke 10:38-42 and the the lesson that Jesus Christ gives to Martha while visiting her home: "Relax and sit with me." ...

It’s easy to overlook Martha’s virtuous qualities in this Sunday’s Gospel: her honesty, frankness, diligence, thoughtfulness, ...

Jesus loves both Martha and Mary, and he blesses them both even as he acknowledges Mary’s decision to make him the one thing necessary.

Meanwhile, Martha becomes annoyed that Mary fails to help her, because she is with the men listening to Jesus. Instead of directing Mary to help Martha, Jesus admonishes Martha for being overly ...

So Martha gets to work to serve her guests. Mary, on the other hand, grabs this opportunity to be served by the Lord. She sits down at Jesus’ feet and learns from him.

Mary stays home, and Martha, again the more active sister, greets Jesus in town and makes the astonishing statement in John 11:27: "I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to ...

Jesus speaks and Mary sits at his feet, paying close attention. When Martha finally can’t keep the serene hostess act up any longer, it’s Jesus who hears her complaint.

When Martha complains, Jesus says: “Mary chose the better part, and it will not be taken from her.” The anointing at Bethany gives us even more insight into Mary.

Despite her best intentions to be a good hostess, Martha snaps, asking Jesus to rebuke Mary and tell her to get to work. Jesus recognizes that Martha’s anxiety keeps her from realizing what is ...