Let us now look at Mary's activity, or rather, her lack of activity. She is sitting at the feet of Jesus listening to his words. Her whole attention is focused on the Master. She is listening at a level deeper than her ears can hear. It is the kind of listening that takes place when our spiritual faculties begin to vibrate to the divine life present in Christ. One who hears the word of God on this level keeps it . . . Mary is entering into that Illuminative level. In this state, words and reasoning give way to intuition and the direct transmission of Jesus' divine presence. Mary can hear at this level because of the increase of her faith. Her love moves her faith to a deeper level of listening and to its fruit, interior freedom.
— Thomas Keating, The Daily Reader for Contemplative Living by Thomas Keating, S. Stephanie Iachetta, editor