July 18, 2022 – Words of Wisdom, Laura Bailey (Christian Author)

“God never tires of bearing the burdens of His children.” – Laura Bailey

“Now as Peter went here and there among all the brothers and sisters, he came down also to the saints living in Lydda. There he found a man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden for eight years, for he was paralyzed. Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; get up and make your bed!” And immediately he got up.And all the residents of Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.” Acts 9:32-35

Gender Equality

Biblical Scholars mostly agree that the author of Luke is also the author of Acts. One of the ways they can make such a statement is through styles of writing, the quality of the language, and ways that the structure of the books seem to align and mimic one another.

Another important fact in the parallel stories is Luke’s apparent interest in gender equality. For example women as well as men make up the number of those Galileans who witness Jesus’ entire ministry and travel with him as he preaches and teaches from town to town. (Luke 23:59 and Acts 10:37-39) The healing of Aeneas in the book of Acts, along with the healing of Tabitha in the book of Luke, are another illustration of a number or paired stories in Luke/Acts in which something that happens to a male also happens to a female. While the Gospel of Luke has more stories that feature women than the other three Gospels, the roles in which he casts women tend to be silent and passive. But the author of Luke and Acts does make it clear that there are women disciples who receive the word, are baptized, and host house churches. 

We must always consider the world of the text – how edifying it is to know that Luke preserves a strong tradition about women and gives them positive functions in the church.  This was a bold statement for the early church – and continues to be a bold statement about gender equality not only in our society but also in the Kingdom of G-d.

Let us pray,

Lord Christ, you hold no preference regarding race, gender or nationality. Help me to model your expansive love and acceptance every day. Amen.

Pastor Dave

July 17, 2022 – Pentecost +6C, Luke 10:38-42

Now as [Jesus and his disciples] went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42

This text is a great text to follow on the heels of last week’s story of the Good Samaritan.  You see last week’s story began with a “certain man” and today’s story begins with a “certain woman.” The story of the Good Samaritan is told to a lawyer who wants to know the answer to this question:  “And who is my neighbor that I am to love?”  Jesus explains through the powerful parable that love should not have societal or religious boundaries — and the lawyer — and in fact all of us who call ourselves disciples are told to “Go and do likewise – show mercy to all in need”.  Now here we are, just one week later, and we have the story of Mary and Martha – Martha who is the wonderful hostess, who in serving is busy and distracted – and Mary who decides not to be a wonderful hostess, but instead sits at the feet of Jesus. Jesus says in response to Martha’s complaint about her “lazy” sister that Mary has chosen the better part in choosing to sit and listen to Jesus – and not to be distracted by societal or cultural “expectations.” One story tells us to go and do – the other to sit and listen. The clue for us today is to determine when it is the right time to do either – for the life of a disciple requires both. 

Mary, while not being a good hostess, is a faithful disciple, and she learns at the feet of Jesus – yet most likely she will have to deal with an angry sister for the next few weeks. Martha, while being a good hostess, is distracted from being a faithful disciple, and receives a slight rebuke from Jesus.  Sometimes we must forget about what others will think, and instead listen to what G-d is calling us to do – or to hear.

To love G-d will all of our heart and to love our neighbors as ourselves means that we must often reject society’s rules and roles in favor of the code of G-d’s kingdom – where there are no distinctions or boundaries restricting G-d’s love. Yes, we may, like Martha often find ourselves in a “no win” situation – but the time we spend with Jesus will sustain us through all of the other roles that seek to tear us apart.

Pastor Dave