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St. James Episcopal Church Weekly Epistle
July 17, 2013 - Approaching the Ninth Sunday after Pentecost
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"She (Martha) 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."
Read Sunday's scriptures here.
like this Sunday's Gospel. A quick reading of the story along with a snap judgment would lead us to think that Jesus prefers Mary's behavior of
listening at his feet to Martha's behavior of accomplishing tasks around the house.
We come to that solution by (mis)interpreting Jesus' statement to Martha that Mary "has chosen the better part" as a commandment to Martha to stop doing her household chores. That conclusion, according to the rules of logic is mistaken because such an argument draws a conclusion because of one premise. Jesus made this comment about Mary's behavior therefore Martha should act like Mary. Uhhh. nope! At least, not exclusively.
Consider these possibilities. Did Jesus command his 70 disciples to remain at his feet and listen to him or did he command them to go and proclaim the Gospel by sharing their belief in the miraculous events they had witnessed him accomplish. Did Jesus command his listeners who heard his parable of "The Sower" to remain and listen to more parables or to "hear the Word of God and Do It!" We would not be where we are today as a Church if all of Jesus' disciples and the Early Church's Apostles had determined that our sole task was to adore Jesus' teachings. There's more to it than that
... and we coincidentally cannot be doers of The Word without acting as Mary acts; prayerfully, focused, and attentive to The Lord's Wisdom and Teachings. Non sequitur assumptions are not advisable. Discerning God's heartfelt purpose for us is quite beneficial.A simple, logical, and faithful way to understand the story is to "consider
the source" with clarity of vision, purpose, and love of God we need.
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Read more about being less stressed |
The "work," as with Martha, often becomes the distraction in our lives. Getting the job done also keeps us away from paying attention to the importance of our relationships with God and one another. We live in a multi-tasking world with numerous challenges and opportunities that consume our time and energy. The "better part" is often in fact setting aside personal and community worship time. Such space opens us up to selflessly offering ourselves to God. Acknowledging Jesus as the source of our being reminds us that we are not God nor are our commitments necessarily core to God's purpose in our lives. Taking time to breathe and to listen to The Holy Spirit's teaching provides the discipline that we as disciples need to depart from The Lord's feet and join others in the world's vineyards.
I trust that suggestion isn't fallacious reasoning.
A deeper and sustained reading of this story helps "doers" to become listeners and for mystics to become missionaries. Perhaps we are individually called to living a life in one of those roles. Most of us are not. We are all called to be open and available to to Jesus' words, hospitably and logically, even as we tend to the work, play, relationships, and Grace God offers to us each day.
Blessings Along The Way,
Jim+
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Christ's love is available to you through these upcoming summer happenings at St. James?
Special Guest THIS SUNDAY
Margaret Clinch is a 27- year old parishioner at Christ Church Dayton. On a young adult retreat out at Proctor, she heard about Young Adult Service Corps, a newer branch of mission within the Episcopal Church, and applied. God and The Church have responded to her prayers. She will be spending a year on The Philippine Islands, specifically in Baguio City, partnering with an Anglican-run integrated school, Easter College. She will be doing some work with assistant teaching at the school, while also collaborating with community organization in partnership with the church in Baguio. Margaret is raising monies to accomplish her mission trip. We welcome her here to St. James to inform us about another way in which Episcopalians are proclaiming The Gospel around the world. Come and meet Margaret; get to know more about her and her work when she speaks during Sunday's Worship and shares more time with us during Coffee Hour.
It's HAPPENING - Nest Week!
We've registered 14 campers! They'll be here beginning at 9:00 AM on Monday Morning. Sign up sheets are in the Parish Hall. The biggest things we need are donations of food and help for the Friday recital. It would be really awesome encouragement and a sign of Jesus-like support for the campers, parents, teachers, Alex, and St. James if you would be here for the recital next Friday night. Stop by and help out throughout the week too.
 Financial and Stewardship Update - July 28th!
Parish treasurer Dean Windgassen will be updating the parish community on our church's finances as of the end of June. His presentation will include an overview of our progress with pledges for the year, the vestry and finance committee's balancing of the budget, and review of other financial and asset statements. You should receive an update from the parish regarding your stewardship for the year prior to Dean's presentation. Please come to Coffee Hour on the 28th to participate in this important parish meeting. The fruit of this meeting should lead to a renewed focus on stewardship as well as affirm our commitment to graciously trust one another with accountability and collaboration.
The Russians Are Coming!
The Miami Valley Episcopal Russian Network (MVERN) is hosting four Russian teenagers from August 8-19. St. James will host a cookout and parish dinner for the guests on Thursday, August 15, at 6:00 PM. We'll have a chance to meet Dasha, Natasha, Lena, Grisha, and their leader Dr. Igor Tolochin. They are eagerly looking forward to meeting the people of St. James, whom they have heard about from our mission trips with MVERN to their village of Sablino. Don't miss this opportunity to share our culture with our Russian friends and to learn more about their home.
Contemplative Yoga Begins on August 5
ASATE Contemplative Yoga creates a space to become fully present to the voice of God in our lives. Sessions will be held every Monday beginning in August from 6:00-7:30. They will be led by Cynthia McCarthy, a certified Kriya Yoga instructor. Come to clear your mind and listen to for God's voice.
 Community members, neighbors, entrepreneurs, homeowners, and city officials will be meeting with one another on Saturday July 27th from 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM at Westwood United Methodist Church. This an important gathering where participants will demonstrate to Cincinnati City Council that Westwood's citizens are committed to revitalizing Westwood, especially its historic business district, while retaining the community's special character.
Our friends at Westwood Works are organizing a Front Yard Fiesta. Neighbors in and around Westwood will be hosting BBQs, Bloc parties, potlucks, and just general merriment. Shall we open our doors or .... shall we just gather and go meet people in a non-churchy kinda way? It's happening Sat., July 27th beginning around 6 PM.
Keep up with what all is going on on your church's calendar.
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Along The Way with Joyce
 | | Joyce - en El Camino |
Our friend and soon to be deacon, Joyce Keeshin, has not be traveling on the Camino De Santiago for about a week and a half (well over 90 miles). It's not been an easy pilgrimage and she's still walking. 'Spending a good amount of time at Jesus' feet in many, many ways. I imagine, she's probably hoping that Jesus would heal her blisters too. You can follow Joyce's pilgrimage at " TrackMyTour." 'Enjoy the beautiful photos she's posting as well as send prayers of healing and encouragement her way... along The Way.
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