Sixth Sunday after Pentecost - She Has Chosen
‘…Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.’ Luke 10:42b
The story of Mary and Martha, with Martha distracted by her many works of ministry while her younger sister, and partner in ministry, is sitting simply listening at the feet of Jesus can strike some discordant notes for readers. A selection follows:
· Why do so many works of art about this scene portray Martha as bustling round a kitchen, getting a meal ready for Jesus when she was most likely involved in ministry work – the office of deacon - in the very early house churches?
· Why does Martha need ‘a man’ to resolve her problems – why did she not just go up to her younger sister and say she needed help?
· Surely, nothing would get done if we all chose the ‘better part’!
With my own prejudices and bias I struggled to find a note of grace in this Sunday’s gospel reading (Luke 10:38-42).
The words – ‘Mary has chosen’ – echoed in my mind.
The note of grace, for me, is there. We have CHOICE. The tremendous gift of God’s love is offered, it is not forced on us. The choice to listen, to learn, to pray, to entreat, and dare I say - demand (thank you Martha).
And again, thank you to both Martha and Mary, partners in ministry, who went out and shared the gospel.
Blessings
Ceri
