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In 2014, I am facilitating a 12-week interactive online course in contemplative prayer and action for priests with Saint Luke Institute. Please visit SLIconnect.org to learn more: https://www.sliconnect.org/product/living-god-program-contemplative-life-2/
In 2014, I am facilitating a 12-week interactive online course in contemplative prayer and action for priests with Saint Luke Institute. Please visit SLIconnect.org to learn more: https://www.sliconnect.org/product/living-god-program-contemplative-life-2/
St. Martha
Cape May Retreat
July 29, 2014
A FULLER PICTURE +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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Today we are offered 2 Gospels as options 4 feast
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However, if U considered them together, we’d get
fuller picture of her & better understanding of women’s importance in the
church
BUSYNESS ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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2 gospels R Martha’s belief in J at death of
Lazarus,
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And 1 we just heard, & 4 which she’s most
remembered, re the preparation of dinner
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In latter often understood 2B 2nd-best 2 Mary
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In it she’s commended by J 4 rapt attention 2 him,
while Martha’s rebuked 4 fussing w/ pots & pans
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To Martha, regarding her sister Mary, J says, “Mary has chosen the better part” (Luke
10:42)
ANOTHER WAY OF SEEING
POTS & PANS ++++++++++
Ø
Bumper stickers & slogans substitute so
easily 4 thinking & depth in character or thought
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But we could see these words of J refuting the
idea that a woman belongs in kitchen and w/ the kids
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As in, “Martha,
why so worried about the soup, salad, and sandwiches? What I’m saying is as
much 4 women as 4 men”
PARALLEL TO PETER’S
FAITH +++++++++++++++++++++
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And in the Gospel from John, Martha comes thru
as 1 making a statement of faith almost identical w/ the 1 for which Peter was
commended by the Lord
Ø
In the course of the conversation w/ J about
resurrection, she says: “I have come to
believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the
world” (John 11:27)
CONCLUSION
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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So taking both gospels together & the
conversations in both, we arrive at a several-sided picture of what women can
do
Ø
They – and men too, for I can see all those guys
making burgers and taking care of the kids – can run a household and a kitchen,
as well as hear and discuss the teaching of Jesus
Ø
Possibly there is significant teaching here on
gender for both men and women
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Both women and men come to this altar to be fed equally
w/ the Word & the Sacrament
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
