By the Rev. Micah Krey
Revised Common Lectionary reflection for Proper 11, Year C
July 20, 2025
Key Verse: “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing.” -Luke 10:41–42
The Gospel story of Mary and Martha often gets framed as a battle between being and doing. But this story, and the wider lectionary readings for the day, open up a deeper stewardship reflection: how do we steward our attention?
In Luke 10:38–42, Jesus does not rebuke Martha for serving or for her work. He responds to her anxiety and distraction. Her labor, though generous, is marked by worry. Mary, by contrast, chooses to sit at Jesus’ feet and listen. The issue is not service versus contemplation—it is about being present to the presence of God. Stewardship, at its core, asks how we invest what we’ve been given. In this case, the gift is time and attention. Are we stewarding that gift with purpose, or scattering it across distraction?
The Genesis 18 story offers a parallel. Abraham greets three strangers with lavish hospitality, offering his full attention and generous welcome. This wasn’t mere busyness; it was presence and availability. He didn’t miss the holy in his midst. His stewardship of attention opens the door to the divine promise.
Colossians 1:15–28 grounds all of this in the cosmic vision of Christ as the one “in whom all things hold together.” This majestic hymn affirms that our lives are not held together by our striving, but by the reconciling work of Christ. Our stewardship is not about frantic activity but faithful participation. Paul writes about his own ministry of “making the word of God fully known,” not out of anxiety but out of purpose. The gift of our calling—whether in ministry, service, or everyday life—is best stewarded when it’s rooted in Christ, not our fear of falling short.
In our cultural moment, distraction is a spiritual epidemic. The Church often echoes this, pushing for doing and serving without naming how it affects our spiritual well-being. We talk about the need for volunteers and workers, but too rarely connect that to discipleship, spiritual disciplines, attentiveness, or renewal.
But stewardship of attention is a countercultural witness. As preachers, we have the chance to shift the tone—at least for one Sunday. What if congregations reflected not only on budgets and buildings, but on how our lives reflect God’s presence? What if we cultivated communities that honored both action and stillness? What if we remembered that attentiveness is the soil in which discipleship grows?
Jesus’ words to Martha are not condemnation—they’re invitation. “There is need of only one thing.” Attentiveness to Christ anchors our stewardship. It transforms our work from frantic striving into faithful action. And it reminds us that love, not anxiety, is the root of our call.
In Worship
This week’s theme invites a worship experience grounded in attentiveness. Incorporate moments of silence into the liturgy to help worshipers practice being present. Invite a lay member to read through the Psalm or the other readings slowly and meditatively. Consider using music that invites reflection (e.g., “Be Still, My Soul” or “Open Our Eyes, Lord”). A visual centerpiece—perhaps an open Bible, a single lit candle, or a simple cross—can anchor the space. Include a call to confession around distractions that pull us away from Christ. In prayers of the people, lift up those feeling overwhelmed or anxious, and pray for the ability to listen and be present.
With Youth
Begin by naming the reality of distraction—phones, sports, school pressure, and social media. Invite youth to reflect on where their time and attention go during the week. Use the story of Mary and Martha as a conversation starter about balance. Is it hard to slow down? When do they feel most connected to God? Create a 10-minute quiet space during youth group where students journal or sit in silence, followed by a conversation about what it felt like to pause. Discuss Colossians 1:17 and brainstorm ways to re-center their attention on Christ throughout the day.
With Children
Bring a basket filled with noisy toys or distractions (e.g., a phone, remote, book, toy) and another basket with simple items like a candle, cross, or Bible. Ask: “Which of these help us listen to God?” Tell the story of Mary and Martha in simple terms: Martha was busy and worried; Mary was listening. Ask the children how we can listen to God. Invite them to practice being still for just 10 seconds. Then say, “That’s one way we give God our attention—by listening!” Close with a simple prayer: “Jesus, help us listen to you and be still with you.”
Previous reflections for Proper 11, year C
2019 – Called to BE fully present
2016 – Dwelling in Christ
2013 – One thing in the midst of many
2010 – Thoughts on one thing and many things
About the Author
The Rev. Micah Krey serves as the Senior Pastor of St. Martin’s Lutheran Church in Annapolis, MD, and as the Assistant to the Bishop for Generosity in the Delaware-Maryland Synod of the ELCA. See Micah Krey’s website.
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