Three Words of Wisdom

Today's Words: The Better Part

In today's Gospel, we read about Mary who chose "the better part." As Secular Carmelites we can look to our Carmelite saints as perfect examples of ordinary people who became extraordinary people by choosing "the better part." Before mentioning a few of these holy people, here is the Gospel passage for today:


Jesus entered a village where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him. She had a sister named Mary who sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak. Martha, burdened with much serving, came to him and said, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? Tell her to help me." The Lord said to her in reply, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing.
Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her." (Luke 10:38-42)

St. Therese, like all the saints, chose the better part by choosing to love. Her vocation: "In the heart of the Church, I will be love." This statement of hers was inspired by St. Paul, another saint who chose the better part and encouraged us to choose the same path as well: "Now I will show you the way which surpasses all the others. If I speak with human tongues and angelic as well, but do not have love..." (I Cor. 12:31, 13: 1-3) We are all familiar with this famous passage on love.

As Secular Carmelites we are called to live a life of Beatitude. This is a daily choice, actually, a moment by moment choice of choosing "the better part."

Bl. Elizabeth chose to be a "praise of Glory." She tells us that we must not be like children who sometimes say yes, and sometimes say no. We must always choose the better part, the will of God.

By living a life of Beatitude we will always choose "the better part."  Let us pray for each other, that as Christians, as Catholics, as Carmelites, we will set a holy example of being like Mary in today's Gospel.  Let us not be upset and worried about many things. One thing only is required-Do we desire it?


Peace be with you!
Rosemarie,ocds
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