Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary
Luke 10: 38-42
Action anchored in contemplation

Today we celebrate Our Lady of the Rosary, a feast born from the conviction that prayer—especially the simple repetition of the Rosary—has the power to change history and convert hearts. The Rosary is not only about words; it is about entering into the mysteries of Christ with the eyes and heart of Mary, learning to sit at His feet as Mary of Bethany did in today’s Gospel.

The story of Martha and Mary shows us the tension between action and contemplation. Martha busies herself with serving, while Mary chooses to sit quietly and listen. Jesus gently reminds us: “Only one thing is necessary.” Not that action is wrong—God needs Marthas as well as Marys—but that our action must flow from prayer, from a heart anchored in God. Otherwise, even our good intentions can become restless, distracted, or burdensome.

This ties beautifully with the first reading from Jonah. The prophet preached a simple message of repentance, and to his surprise, the whole city of Nineveh turned back to God. Their conversion did not come from Jonah’s eloquence or effort, but from the power of God working in willing hearts. Sometimes, like Martha, we think everything depends on our doing. But the Rosary teaches us the opposite: that salvation flows first from listening, from meditating, from allowing God to work in us.

Our Lady of the Rosary invites us to enter into this balance—like Mary, to sit at Jesus’ feet, and like Jonah, to bear witness to His mercy. The Rosary gives us both: contemplation of Christ’s mysteries and the strength to live them in action.

Today, let us ask Mary to help us listen more deeply, pray more faithfully, and serve more lovingly—so that, in all we do, Christ remains at the centre.

© Claretian Publications, Hong Kong, China
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2025