Daily Catholic Lectio
Sunday, 20 July ‘25
Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Genesis 18:1–10. Colossians 1:24–28. Luke 10:38–42
One Thing is Necessary
There was a time, many years ago, when I asked a retreat preacher during my spiritual formation, “What use is there in sitting still with closed eyes? What will really change in the world through prayer? Will injustice disappear? Will we discover new inventions? Will we be able to travel and serve more? Why waste time just sitting?”
But now, after many years in ministry, I’ve learned that all my activity, all my speed, and all my work haven’t changed the world as much as I thought. The world moves at its own pace. What did change, however, was my own body—it got tired. What I thought was effectiveness turned into exhaustion.
We live in a world that glorifies speed and productivity. There are endless books and videos on how to save time, make money, build networks, multitask, and stay connected. Even when I try to sit quietly in a church, my mind is still occupied by tasks. Even my prayer time becomes a sacrifice for my work.
So I ask: Why this rush? Why all this busyness? Why do I need to respond to every message, like every post, manage every task, and never sit still?
And today, in the midst of this confusion, Jesus gives us peace through a simple truth:
“But only one thing is necessary.” (Luke 10:42)
1. The Stillness of Abraham
In the first reading (Genesis 18:1–10), we see Abraham sitting by the oak trees of Mamre. He lifts his eyes and sees three men. He runs to welcome them, offers them water, bread, and rest.
In the ancient Middle East, hospitality was not just kindness—it was a sacred duty. It was considered divine. Abraham’s waiting, his welcome, and his generosity become the foundation for God’s blessing: “By this time next year, your wife Sarah will have a son.”
Sarah, who hears this, laughs. Her laugh becomes the name of her son, Isaac, meaning “he is my joy” or “he made me laugh.” Because Abraham paused to welcome, he received the one thing necessary: God’s promise of life.
2. The Fulfilment of Christ in Us
In the second reading (Colossians 1:24–28), Paul writes from prison. He speaks of suffering, not as punishment, but as participation in Christ. He teaches that the mystery of Christ is not far away. It is:
“Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Paul points us inward. Not to what’s outside, but to what God is doing within us. And to find that, we must slow down and listen.
3. The Stillness of Mary, the Busyness of Martha
In the Gospel (Luke 10:38–42), Jesus visits the home of Martha and Mary. Martha runs around preparing food. Mary sits at Jesus’ feet, listening. Martha is distracted, anxious, and finally complains: “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do all the work?”
Jesus gently replies: “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. But only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the better part, and it will not be taken from her.”
Here Jesus is not condemning service. He is correcting distraction. He is not saying work is wrong. He is saying: “Don’t lose Me in the work.”
4. What is That One Thing?
The “one thing necessary” is not about doing nothing, but about being with God. It is listening instead of rushing. It is stillness instead of noise. It is relationship over routine. It is presence over productivity. God is not found in the race, but in the rest.
5. How to Choose the One Thing?
Ask yourself: Can I pause, even for five minutes, to listen to God today? Can I stop comparing myself to others and just be present? Can I reduce the volume of my outer life to hear the whisper of my heart? Even in your busyness, Jesus is calling you to sit at His feet. You may hear Him say: “Why are you anxious and worried? Come, rest in Me.”
Final Reflection
Like Martha, we are often caught in the pressure to perform. Like Mary, we are invited to sit, to listen, to be. The world says, “Do more.” Jesus says, “Come to Me.”
So today, let us ask: What is the one thing that truly matters? Not my plans, not my notifications, not my to-do list—but Him. “Only one thing is necessary.” May we choose it today.
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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