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

The post “…but one thing is necessary.” – Mary and Martha in Luke 10:34 first appeared on Saint Paul's Anglican Church - Los Altos.