#3 12/6/08 Mary and Martha

Luke 10:38-42

[38] As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. [39] She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. [40] But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!"

[41] "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, [42] but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."

Lucy finished reading the story and asked, "What do you think of the sisters?" She had hoped to encourage the women in their spiritual lives, to claim the right that Jesus gave Mary to sit at the spiritual table. The culture and the Catholic church both side-lined women from leadership and service.

The women sat quietly, glancing at each other, confused. Lucy's stomach sank, as she thought "I've probably just done something culturally inappropriate. Were they not used to being asked their opinions, or were they trying to figure out what it was that she wanted to them to say?".

She tried again. "Jesus told Martha that Mary had chosen well to listen to his teaching and that He wouldn't take that away from her. I think Jesus is telling us that women have to right to study and learn about the Bible."

Finally, Pilar spoke up, "Pues, si," "Well yes, but how will Jesus and the disciples eat if every one is sitting at his feet listening. The food doesn't make itself." The ice broken, the women's chatter flowed. There seemed to differing opinions. The younger women supporting Mary, saying, "The men and our mothers' just want us in the kitchen, cooking, when there are interesting things going on the the living room. The older ones scoffed, "Its all just talk, air. We serve God by serving our families."

Lucy although pleased with the discussion, had felt a little unsure about the direction it had taken. In the Bible studies at home the older women had always kept things on track following the party line of the church. Mary was elevated for learning from Jesus and Martha was criticized for being worldly and unconcerned with spiritual things. It had always been a bit confusing for Lucy, because at the same time, women were taught to submit to their husbands and that men were the head of women.

Remembering the beginning of their time together, Lucy felt a deep pang of loss for her friends in Cochabamba. She startled as Lily started jumping up and down with joy as the suitcases started spilling out on the baggage belt. She shook her head at the delight children take in the most mundane things. When had she grown out of that?