“…but one thing is necessary.” – Mary and Martha in Luke 10:34

Saint Paul's Anglican Church - Los Altos

“…but one thing is necessary.” - Mary and Martha in Luke 10:34

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🎧 Sermon Podcast: Wisdom and Prudence in a Rushed World (St. Luke 10:38–42)
📅 Preached by Rev. Steven Macias at Saint Paul’s Anglican Church, Los Altos on July 20th, 2025

In this week’s sermon, Fr. Steve Macias explores the story of Mary and Martha through the lens of action and contemplation — the twin virtues that shape the Christian life. Drawing from the Gospel of Luke and Leah and Rachel in Genesis— he unfolds a vision of devotion centered on “the one thing necessary.”

Outline:
I. Two Sisters, Two Lives

• Actio: The life of service — marked by hospitality, diligence, and practical care.
• Contemplatio: The life of devotion — “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).
• Sophia & Phronesis: A comparison of eternal wisdom and earthly prudence.

II. Two Sisters, Leah and Rachel (Genesis 29:15–35)

• Leah: The near-sighted struggle of seven years’ labor.
• Rachel: The long view — faith in the promise, as seen in the birth of Joseph.

III. Living by Faith

• “The righteous shall live by faith.” — Romans 1:17
• “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” — Hebrews 11:6