Embedded Files
...there is just
One.
Thing.
Necessary.
...there is just
One.
Thing.
Necessary.
If you knew how to set your own heart on fire,
would you not move heaven and earth to do it?
Wouldn’t you demolish your schedule
and start over with the One Thing Necessary?
The disciples on the road to Emmaus experienced it...
As they walked the road to Emmaus, Jesus came alongside them and explained how the Scripture pointed to him. Once they arrived, Jesus broke bread, opened their eyes to recognize Him, and then vanished.
Overwhelmed by the revelation of the Risen Christ, the two disciples turned to each other and said,
“Were not our hearts burning within us
while he spoke to us on the way
and opened the scriptures to us?”
Luke 24:32, NAB
As Catholics, we can fall into the trap of thinking our religion requires a million things of us. The Christian life can feel like a never-ending checklist: commandments, sacraments, devotions, prayers, and rituals.
But Jesus said there was just one thing necessary.
Without the One Thing Necessary, you won’t have that burning fire within, and therefore you will live disconnected from your heart.
Without the One Thing Necessary, you will easily become trapped in mediocrity. You will work just to live and live just to work.
Without the One Thing Necessary, you will live like an orphan - chasing worldly trappings to medicate your lack of interior peace.
And if that wasn't bad enough, without the One Thing Necessary, you will still lack peace even if you try to live a religious life. You’ll either walk away disappointed, saying, “I tried religion; it didn’t do it for me,” or continue on, outwardly faithful, but inwardly unfulfilled.
Without the One Thing Necessary, you will find your faith crushed as religion becomes a hollowed-out set of empty rituals.
You’ll be living like you don’t have a Father. A Savior. A Divine Helper to guide you. You will forget that Jesus died for all your inadequacies and has got your back. You won’t carry the heart-knowledge that He loves you as you are.
Without the One Thing Necessary, you will run out of love.
The One Thing Necessary is how love is poured into our hearts. (Romans 5:5)
The One Thing Necessary is the cure to the sorrow we all carry within us.
So what is the One Thing Necessary?
So what is the One Thing Necessary?
Jesus tells us: “One thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the better part, and it will not be taken from her.” (Luke 10:42)
The “One Thing Necessary” is to sit and listen to Jesus—
to make time for personal, attentive prayer and relationship with the living God.
Listening to Jesus is the foundation of your best life now.
There is nothing else more essential than true communion with Jesus.
It is possible to be religious, do good works, and even pray, but never truly listen to Jesus.
The Catechism teaches:
"In the sacred books,
the Father who is in heaven
comes lovingly to meet his children,
and talks with them." (CCC 104)
God is ready to speak.
Are we ready to listen?
What then shall we do?
What then shall we do?
Are you ready to focus on the “One Thing Necessary” and let Jesus set your heart on fire?
Emmaus Journey is a movement of Catholic disciples devoted to the One Thing Necessary. We are committed to daily Scripture journaling, and we want to accompany you on your journey to grow in this life-giving habit.
We offer free, downloadable resources like Reflecting on Sunday Readings and the Lectionary Reading Record to enable your daily walk with the Word.
The Emmaus Journal is a monthly Bible companion designed to help you do the One Thing Necessary. Following the Church's lectionary, it gives you space to journal a thought from the readings. By listening to Jesus in the Word, you'll be better disposed to receive Him in the Most Holy Sacrament.
Request your free Emmaus Journal now and take your next step toward a life rooted in Christ’s love and accompaniment.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse