Sitting at Jesus' feet she heard his word.
She, Mary, heard the word and understood,
Had cars to hear the message of the Lord,
And, hearing, knew the part she chose was good.
Then Martha came, "cumbered about much serving,"
Rebuking him said, "Lord, dost thou not care
[Informing Jesus] that my sister hath left me
To serve alone?" Careful, but unaware,
And troubled lest her guest depart enhungered—
So much to do! "Bid her therefore that she
Help me." But Jesus answered, "Martha, Martha, . . .
But one thing is needful." O God, help me see,
As Mary did, the one thing that is needful!
Help me to choose, as Mary, "that good part."
I kneel to Thee in humble supplication
And feel Thy healing touch on troubled heart.
Poems
"But one thing is needful"
Luke 10:38, 42
From the April 1954 issue of The Christian Science Journal
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