“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10 : 41 - 42
Readings this week Genesis 18 : 1 – 10a; Colossians 1 : 15 - 28; Luke 10 : 38 - 42
Thought for this week
As we come towards the school holidays this week our Gospel reading features activity and rest. Jesus comes to the home of Martha and Mary, where Martha is busy making the visit as comfortable, and presumably honouring, as possible, while Mary sits at Jesus’ feet and listens to Him.
Yet Jesus is once again turning everything upside down, and challenging us in what is most important in our lives. Mary is ‘sitting at Jesus’ feet’, a sign of being a disciple, and listener and learner from a great teacher. At the time only men would have done this, but Jesus is accepting Mary in this role and encouraging her. And the work in a house would have been the woman’s task, yet again Jesus is challenging Martha for her to stop and instead listen to His teaching.
Undoubtedly our lives are too busy these days, and often we are preoccupied with worthy and helpful things. Yet to be a Martha we need first to be a Mary. As churches we need first to listen, learn and grow in Jesus in order to do His work
In listening to Jesus Mary is not resting, but listening, growing, following Him. We are called to grow in our faith in Jesus through his word, through prayer, and opening our lives to Jesus changing us
Rev Paul
Prayer for this week
Almighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole body of the Church is governed and sanctified: hear our prayer which we offer for all your faithful people, that in their vocation and ministry they may serve you in holiness and truth to the glory of your name; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen
Almighty God, send down upon your Church the riches of your Spirit, and kindle in all who minister the gospel your countless gifts of grace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
People to pray for
For children and staff in our school as they come to the holidays.
For those looking for work for the first time, or changing jobs