The book's title is a reference to Mary (sister of Martha) who chose the better part in listening to Christ. Fr. John Bartunek, LC, gives us a guide to listen to Christ and enter in to conversation with him. The four Gospels are the means of hearing Christ speak to us. The book includes the entire Gospel from the Jerusalem Bible, a beautifully written translation.
The starting point is a 50 page introduction to prayer and meditation, with guidance on how to best use the book. Fr. Bartunek explains that the content is not designed as a treatise on the spiritual life, nor bible exegesis, nor catechesis. The objective is to encounter Christ in prayer though the Gospel and by way of the will, the mind, and the heart in order to incorporate Christ's message into daily life.
Because the book is a resource rather than a fixed method, there are many ways to approach the book depending personal preferences. One index matches readings with the liturgical calendar and a second is arranged by topics. The book can also be adapted for use in small groups by using the four discussion questions at the end of each section.
There are 303 sections divided into six parts: 1. the Gospel text, 2. Christ the Lord, 3. Christ the Teacher, 4. Christ the Friend, 5. Christ in My Life, and 6. Questions for small group discussion. There are quotes from saints and popes at the beginning of each section and references to the Catechism following the discussion questions. Each section is about 4 pages long, totaling 1020 pages. The high-quality binding and paper make The Better Part an enduring devotional resource for personal use or as a gift.
