A Journey from Distraction to Intimacy with God

Today’s readings present a beautiful invitation to journey deeper into our faith. They ask us to reflect on how we can move from a life of distraction and self-reliance to one of intimacy and grace-filled dependence on God. Each of the readings highlights a specific aspect of this journey, offering us insights into the transformative power of God’s grace, His intimate knowledge of our being, and the necessity of prioritizing our relationship with Christ above all else.

In Galatians, we see the powerful transformation of St. Paul from a persecutor of Christians to one of the most fervent apostles, demonstrating that God can change even the hardest of hearts. Psalm 139 emphasizes God’s deep knowledge and love for us, reminding us that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made.“ Finally, in Luke’s Gospel, we witness Martha and Mary’s contrasting approaches to hosting Jesus, with Mary choosing the “better part“ by sitting at the feet of Christ.

As we explore these readings, we are encouraged to reflect on our own faith journey. How can we, like Paul, allow God’s grace to transform us? How can we rest in the knowledge of God’s intimate involvement in our lives, as the psalmist expresses? And how can we, like Mary, make time to sit at the feet of Jesus, choosing Him above all the distractions of our busy world?

First Reading – Galatians 1:13-24

Paul’s Radical Conversion and Calling

This passage from Galatians offers us a glimpse into the dramatic conversion of St. Paul, arguably one of the most pivotal figures in early Christianity. Before his encounter with Christ, Paul, then known as Saul, was a Pharisee deeply entrenched in Judaism. He was highly educated, zealous for the traditions of his ancestors, and fully committed to the persecution of the early Christian Church. His transformation from a persecutor to a proclaimer of the Gospel is a testament to the boundless grace of God.

This letter was written to the Christian communities in the region of Galatia, where Paul had preached the Gospel and established churches. However, after his departure, some individuals began questioning Paul’s authority, suggesting that his message lacked legitimacy because he was not one of the original apostles who had walked with Jesus. In response, Paul passionately defends both his conversion and his apostolic mission, stressing that his calling came directly from Christ Himself, not from any human authority.

Galatians 1:13-24
New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition

¹³ You have heard, no doubt, of my earlier life in Judaism. I was violently persecuting the church of God and was trying to destroy it. ¹⁴ I advanced in Judaism beyond many among my people of the same age, for I was far more zealous for the traditions of my ancestors. ¹⁵ But when God, who had set me apart before I was born and called me through his grace, was pleased ¹⁶ to reveal his Son to me, so that I might proclaim him among the Gentiles, I did not confer with any human being, ¹⁷ nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were already apostles before me, but I went away at once into Arabia, and afterwards I returned to Damascus.
¹⁸ Then after three years I did go up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and stayed with him fifteen days; ¹⁹ but I did not see any other apostle except James the Lord’s brother. ²⁰ In what I am writing to you, before God, I do not lie! ²¹ Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia, ²² and I was still unknown by sight to the churches of Judea that are in Christ; ²³ they only heard it said, “The one who formerly was persecuting us is now proclaiming the faith he once tried to destroy.” ²⁴ And they glorified God because of me.

Detailed Exegesis

Verse 13: “You have heard, no doubt, of my earlier life in Judaism. I was violently persecuting the church of God and was trying to destroy it.”
Paul begins by reminding the Galatians of his past. He does not shy away from his former life of sin and hostility toward the Church. By sharing his story, Paul emphasizes that his conversion was not merely a change of mind or opinion but a profound transformation of heart and soul. His violent persecution of Christians was rooted in his zealous commitment to Judaism, yet this very zeal was misguided. His actions against the early Church serve as a stark reminder that religious fervor, when not aligned with God’s will, can lead to destruction.

Verse 14: “I advanced in Judaism beyond many among my people of the same age, for I was far more zealous for the traditions of my ancestors.”
Paul’s early life was marked by ambition and a desire to rise above his peers in his knowledge and practice of Judaism. His advancement in the Jewish faith shows that he was not a casual observer but an active and passionate participant in the religious life of his people. His mention of his zeal for “the traditions of my ancestors“ speaks to his commitment to the law and customs of Judaism, which at the time, were seen as the path to righteousness. However, Paul’s misguided zeal also underscores the dangers of clinging too tightly to tradition at the expense of God’s ongoing revelation.

Verse 15: “But when God, who had set me apart before I was born and called me through his grace, was pleased”
Here, Paul transitions from his past to the moment of divine intervention in his life. He acknowledges that God had a plan for him from before his birth, echoing the call of the prophet Jeremiah: “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you“ (Jeremiah 1:5). This verse is a profound reminder that each of us has a divine purpose, known to God from the very beginning. Paul’s calling is not due to any merit on his part but is entirely the result of God’s grace—a free and unearned gift that radically changes the course of his life.

Verse 16: “to reveal his Son to me, so that I might proclaim him among the Gentiles, I did not confer with any human being”
Paul’s encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus (Acts 9) is the turning point of his life. This personal revelation of Jesus transforms Paul’s understanding of everything, especially his mission. He is called not just to believe in Christ but to proclaim Him, particularly to the Gentiles—those outside of the Jewish faith. Paul stresses that his calling and revelation came directly from God and not through human mediation. This highlights the divine origin of his apostleship and the universality of the Gospel message.

Verse 17: “nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were already apostles before me, but I went away at once into Arabia, and afterwards I returned to Damascus.”
Rather than seeking immediate validation from the apostles in Jerusalem, Paul retreats to Arabia, possibly for prayer and reflection. This period of solitude reflects the spiritual preparation necessary for the mission ahead. His return to Damascus signifies the beginning of his ministry, but it also shows his independence from the original apostles in Jerusalem. Paul’s mission is unique, and his time in Arabia represents a personal encounter with God’s will for his life, much like the desert experiences of the prophets.

Teachings and References

Paul’s conversion reminds us of the transformative power of God’s grace. No one is beyond the reach of God’s mercy. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us that conversion is the “first and fundamental conversion” that is required for entering the Kingdom of God (CCC 1427). Paul’s story also illustrates the importance of personal encounters with Christ. As Pope Benedict XVI wrote in Deus Caritas Est: “Being a Christian is not the result of an ethical choice or a lofty idea, but the encounter with an event, a person, which gives life a new horizon and a decisive direction” (DCE 1).

Reflection

Paul’s story invites us to examine our own lives. How often do we let our past or present sins hold us back from embracing God’s call? St. Paul’s life shows that God’s grace can overcome even the most hardened hearts and misguided intentions. Like Paul, we are each called by God, perhaps in ways we do not yet understand, to proclaim the Gospel through our lives. This week, consider reflecting on your own conversion story—whether it is a dramatic shift like Paul’s or a quieter, ongoing journey of grace. How can you allow God’s grace to transform your heart and direct your mission in life?

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 139:1-3, 13-15

God’s Intimate Knowledge of Us

Psalm 139 is a masterpiece of spiritual reflection on the omniscience, omnipresence, and creative power of God. Attributed to King David, this psalm is deeply personal and meditative, revealing a God who knows every detail of our lives, from our thoughts and actions to the very formation of our bodies in the womb. The psalmist marvels at the intimate knowledge God has of us, even from the moment of conception.

This psalm is often used in the Church’s liturgy, especially in moments that celebrate life, such as baptisms and confirmations, or in times of personal reflection on one’s purpose and identity in God. The Church uses this psalm to emphasize that every person is known and loved by God from the moment of conception, a key element of Catholic teaching on the sanctity of life.

Psalm 139:1-3, 13-15
New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition

The Inescapable God
To the leader. Of David. A Psalm.
¹ O Lord, you have searched me and known me.
² You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
    you discern my thoughts from far away.
³ You search out my path and my lying down,
    and are acquainted with all my ways.

¹³ For it was you who formed my inward parts;
    you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
¹⁴ I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
    Wonderful are your works;
that I know very well.
¹⁵     My frame was not hidden from you,
when I was being made in secret,
    intricately woven in the depths of the earth.

Detailed Exegesis

Verse 1: “O Lord, you have searched me and known me.”
David begins this psalm by acknowledging God’s intimate knowledge of him. The verb “searched“ suggests a deep and thorough investigation—God knows us in a way that goes beyond superficial understanding. He knows our hearts, our desires, and our motivations. This verse invites us to recognize that we are never truly hidden from God, even in our innermost thoughts.

Verse 2: “You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from far away.”
This verse emphasizes the constant nature of God’s awareness of us. Every mundane action, such as sitting and rising, is known to Him. More than just physical actions, God also knows our thoughts, even from a distance. This speaks to God’s omniscience—His complete knowledge of us. There is comfort in knowing that God is not just aware of our outward actions, but also understands our innermost thoughts and struggles.

Verse 13: “For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.”
Here, David shifts to the miraculous process of human creation. The image of being “knit together“ suggests careful craftsmanship. God is not distant or uninvolved; rather, He is intimately involved in the creation of every human being. This verse powerfully affirms the Catholic belief in the sanctity of life from the moment of conception. Every human person is a unique creation, known and formed by God Himself.

Verse 14: “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well.”
David responds with praise, recognizing the beauty and complexity of God’s creation, especially the human person. To be “fearfully and wonderfully made“ is to be created with awe and respect. This verse invites us to see ourselves and others as God’s masterpieces. It challenges us to reject any thoughts of self-worthlessness or doubt about our value. We are each “wonderfully made,“ a reflection of God’s creative genius.

Teachings and References

The Church has always upheld the dignity of human life, rooted in the belief that every person is created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:27). The Catechism emphasizes that “from its conception, the child has the right to life“ (CCC 2270). Psalm 139 beautifully captures this truth, reminding us that our identity and worth are not based on societal standards but on the fact that we are created by God with purpose and love.

Reflection

How often do we take the time to reflect on the truth that we are “wonderfully made”? In a world that constantly encourages us to compare ourselves to others, to strive for impossible standards, or to feel inadequate, this psalm reminds us that our worth is intrinsic. It is not based on what we do or how we look, but on who we are in God’s eyes. This week, take time to meditate on Psalm 139, allowing its words to remind you of your inherent worth as a child of God. Reflect on how this knowledge can transform the way you view yourself and others.

Holy Gospel – Luke 10:38-42

Martha and Mary: Choosing the Better Part

The Gospel passage of Martha and Mary is one of the most well-known stories in the New Testament. It captures a simple yet profound moment of Jesus visiting the home of two sisters, Martha and Mary, in the village of Bethany. Martha and Mary represent two contrasting responses to Jesus’ presence—one of active service and one of contemplative listening. Both responses are good, but Jesus makes it clear that Mary has chosen the “better part“ by prioritizing her relationship with Him over the tasks of hospitality.

This passage is often interpreted as a lesson on the balance between action and contemplation in the Christian life. Martha represents the active, service-oriented life, while Mary represents the contemplative, prayerful life. The Catholic Church has long upheld the importance of both types of spirituality, yet this Gospel reminds us that contemplation—being present with Christ—must always come first.

Luke 10:38-42
New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition

Jesus Visits Martha and Mary
³⁸ Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. ³⁹ She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying. ⁴⁰ But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me.” ⁴¹ But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; ⁴² there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.”

Detailed Exegesis

Verse 38: “Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home.”
Martha is the first to act in this passage, welcoming Jesus into her home. Hospitality is an important cultural value in Jewish society, and Martha is fulfilling this role admirably. Her desire to serve Jesus is commendable, and her actions reflect the virtues of generosity and service. Yet, as the story unfolds, we see that her focus on the tasks of hospitality begins to distract her from the most important guest—Jesus Himself.

Verse 39: “She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying.”
In contrast to Martha, Mary takes a different approach. Rather than getting involved in the practicalities of serving, she chooses to sit at Jesus’ feet. This posture is significant because it mirrors the position of a disciple, a learner. Mary is attentive to the words of Jesus, choosing to prioritize His teaching above all else. This action is countercultural, as women in first-century Judaism were not typically seen as disciples or students of rabbis. Mary’s choice reflects her deep desire to learn from the Lord.

Verse 40: “But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, ‘Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me.’”
Martha’s frustration grows as she becomes overwhelmed by the tasks of hosting. Her desire to serve is genuine, but her focus on these tasks distracts her from Jesus’ presence. In her frustration, she turns to Jesus, not to ask for guidance but to demand that He intervene and instruct Mary to help her. Martha’s words reflect the common temptation to believe that our service or work is the most important thing, even at the expense of being present with God. Martha’s anxiety is a mirror of our own tendency to prioritize doing over being with the Lord.

Verse 41: “But the Lord answered her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things.’”
Jesus responds to Martha with gentle love, repeating her name as a sign of His affection. He acknowledges her effort but points out that her worry and distraction are keeping her from the most important thing—Him. Jesus does not condemn Martha for her service, but He helps her see that her anxiety and distractions are drawing her away from the peace that comes from being with Him.

Verse 42: “There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.”
Jesus makes it clear that Mary’s choice—to sit at His feet and listen—is the better part. This does not mean that Martha’s service is unimportant, but it emphasizes that our relationship with God must come first. All our actions and service should flow from a place of intimacy with Christ. Mary’s choice to prioritize Jesus will not be taken from her because it reflects the eternal reality of communion with God.

Teachings and References

The tension between action and contemplation is a common theme in Catholic spirituality. St. Teresa of Avila, a Doctor of the Church, famously wrote about the importance of prayer and contemplation, urging Christians to “find God amidst the pots and pans.“ The Church teaches that while service and action are essential, they must always be rooted in a deep relationship with Christ. Without this foundation, our actions risk becoming empty or burdensome.

Reflection

This Gospel challenges us to reflect on the balance between action and contemplation in our own lives. How often do we, like Martha, become consumed by the tasks and responsibilities of daily life, forgetting to spend time in prayer or to sit quietly at the feet of Jesus? In a world that values productivity and busyness, it can be difficult to prioritize quiet time with God. Yet, Jesus reminds us that this is the “better part.” This week, make an intentional effort to set aside time for prayer and reflection, even if it means letting go of some tasks. Consider how you can be more like Mary, choosing to prioritize your relationship with Christ above all else.

The One Thing Needed

Today’s readings collectively call us to a deeper relationship with God, one that moves beyond mere action and into the heart of intimacy with Christ. Like Paul, we are invited to embrace the transformative power of God’s grace, allowing it to change the direction of our lives. Like the psalmist, we are called to rest in the knowledge that we are “wonderfully made,“ known, and loved by God from the moment of our conception. And like Mary, we are encouraged to prioritize time with Jesus, trusting that this is the “better part“ that will not be taken from us.

Engage with Us!

We would love to hear your thoughts and reflections! How do these readings speak to you today? Share your comments below and join the conversation.

Reflection Questions:

1. In what ways have you experienced a personal transformation, like Paul, through God’s grace?
2. How does Psalm 139 shape your understanding of your worth and identity in God’s eyes?
3. What steps can you take to sit at the feet of Jesus more often, like Mary, amidst the distractions of daily life?

This week, take concrete steps to remove distractions and make time for Christ. Whether through quiet prayer, Scripture reading, or attending Mass, commit to choosing the one thing necessary—intimacy with God. Let the grace of this week’s readings inspire you to grow closer to Him.

---

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more insights and reflections on living a faith-filled life.