A Poem a Sunday

Pentecost 9 – C 

Sunday, July 17, 2016

St. Luke 10:38-42 - New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

Commentary:  ‘Wonder Reborn’ could be a title for this week’s Gospel.  Mary is in a state of wonder and even as Jerusalem and the Passion loom ahead, she is the one who will anoint Jesus (according to the Gospel of John). Time for wonder will empower time for work.  The contemplative will lead to action.  Wonder is not an escape but equips the follower with a vision for striving for justice and peace.

Jesus Visits Martha and Mary

38 Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home.  39 She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying.  40 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.”  41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things;  42 there is need of only one thing.[a] Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.”

Footnotes:

a.Luke 10:42 Other ancient authorities read few things are necessary, or only one

Wonderland

The sky blown clouds

            the hill,

                        the tree,

                                    listening in the wind.

Alice sits

            and

                        wonder

                                    takes

                                                her

                                                            on a journey.

The Secret

            is in the mushrooms.

                                                ~~~

A lazy afternoon,

            a living room

                        with friends.

                                    Dinner on the

                                                back burner.

Mary listens

            with intent.

The Secret

            is in the seed.

                                                                ~~~                            

Wonderland,

            the Kingdom

                        come

                                    in stillness

                                                at the foot of a tree

                                                    or feet of the Teacher.                                             

New life will never cease.

            So do not do your work today.

                        Relish the moment and listen.

We become what we imagine.

            We are what we envision.

There are stories to be told

            about the mushroom’s secrets

                        and the seed that dies alone.

                                                                              ~~~

Martha was too busy,                            

her imagination is tamed.                                   

Will she ever see the sights?             

Or ever remain the same?               

Martha! Martha! Martha!

Mary chose the better part.

Listening in wonder

is a divinely inspired art.

Copyright @ A Poem a Sunday

pastorkennsstudy.blogspot.com

May be used with permission

kennstorck@gmail.com