The Gospel passage today tells us a story we know only too well. It is the encounter between Jesus and the sisters, Martha and Mary. Upon reading this passage, it is common for us to make a comparison between the actions of Martha and Mary. In saying Mary has chosen the better part, Jesus, we say, prefers us 'to be' with him in prayer than 'to work' for him through service.

The context of the passage is that Jesus was passing Bethany on his way to Jerusalem. He had made his decision to go there although he knew that this time around, he would not leave the city alive. Mary must have sensed Jesus' anxiety, and realised what he needed most then was not a hearty meal but rather, the companionship of a friend. Perhaps, on other visits of Jesus, she would have had no hesitation in assisting her sister. This time, however, she discerned it was important for her 'to be' with Jesus.

In actuality, Christian life requires that we are both contemplatives and activists for the sake of Lord and the Kingdom. This means prayer and action are intimately linked. While we pray for the coming of the Kingdom, we also have to work towards making the Kingdom present in the world. We cannot have one without the other.