Discipleship
Word and Work
18th July 2010
REJOICE IN THE LORD. AND AGAIN I SAY REJOICE (Philippians 4:4)
What a wonderful surprise we had on Thursday night when over 60 people flooded the Atrium and shared in a three course meal, followed by our first Alpha video. Our hospitality needs were met by some extraordinary servants from our Congregation. Thank you to those who rose to the occasion and met the challenges of feeding such a large group quickly and efficiently.
The Spanish Congregation and Ashmore Uniting Church have truly entered a partnership with this Alpha Course. There were over 30 people from “The Spanish Connection” and 30 in attendance from the “Uniting Connection”. Please pray for the unity of God’s love to infuse the journey that we have embarked on. There is still the opportunity for others to join if you feel led to do Alpha at this time. (talk to me today)
Last week I picked up the Discipleship Theme of “Loving your neighbour” from Luke 10:25-37. Jesus finished the conversation with the religious leader by saying “go and do the same” (Luke 10:37). I also asked you to go and “do the same”. I thank God that the Alpha Course has opened an avenue of connecting with our “Spanish Neighbours” in a way that makes the Gospel come alive for me.
Today we look at Luke 10:38-42 which is the story of Jesus’ visit to Mary and Martha which immediately follows the parable of The Good Samaritan. The gospel writer positions these two stories to proclaim that there is a variety of responses to the call to follow Jesus. In pairing these two, the gospel writer invites reflection on a disciple’s life of word and work.
Martha and Mary are important to Jesus. Jesus and the disciples are welcomed into their home. In a surprising reversal of societal expectations, Mary does not assume the traditional role of a woman in providing the physical necessities of hospitality. Mary sits at the feet of Jesus; this traditional place for the disciples of a teacher – always male in that day. Jesus affirms this reversal and welcomes Mary’s choice to learn from him. To those travelling with Jesus and to the first readers of Luke’s gospel, Jesus ‘affirmation of Mary counters the norms of the surrounding society and establishes the expectation that women are to be disciples.
Mary’s choice to sit at the feet of Jesus as a student would have sat at the feet of a Rabbi (Teacher) shows us a balance to the words of Jesus to the religious leader (“go and DO the same “in Luke 10:37). Some of us tend to spend more time “Doing” and forget to “Be” in the presence of Jesus – the Word – of God. Luke challenges us with the balance need to be a Disciple of Jesus.
The call to take up the work of discipleship encompasses a call to ground our daily living in the word of God. We are called to listen to God’s word of grace, and then let it shape our lives each day. In spite of the ways we fall short as disciples as we live in God’s reign, it is Christ – and not our own actions – that holds all together.
Grace filled sitting at the feet of Jesus…..this week…. Rev Brad Foote
