True Service
True Service
The story of Jesus’ visit to Martha and Mary is a familiar one and that is part of the challenge! Sometimes familiarity slips into complacency as we rest on our assumptions about the text rather than reading it afresh. In fact, it turns out that this story is a bit controversial. Is Jesus devaluing housework? Is he advocating a contemplative lifestyle? Is he addressing women’s roles? Or something else?
Jesus says that “one thing is necessary” and that is what this parable is about. The great 19th century English preacher Charles Spurgeon said, “there is only enough water in our life's brooklet to turn one wheel” and then quotes Lord Byron to describe the shallowness that results from lack of attention: “I am so changeable, being everything by turns and nothing long...”
Jesus is actually offering Martha a way to reconnect with the meaning of true service that is gracious, enduring, and very timely for us in our current context.
And, an added bonus is that by sitting together on Sunday, we’re already putting the text in practice!
Steve E+
NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Membership Sunday— August 31
Pause on Evening Prayer—we will pause our gatherings for Evening Prayer for the month of July.
Morning Prayer—Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings, 8AM on Zoom
Men’s Bible Study—Thursdays, 7AM @ 1309
Chesapeake Baysox Baseball and Fireworks Friday, August 22, 6:35pm
