July 22, 2019 - Love and peace from our brother, Jesus. It seems like the entire US is suffering from high heat and humidity—including Alaska, which my daughter just returned from last week. It looks like we are going to have a break from the heat with some unusual July temperatures and some rain this coming week—both will be appreciated.
The Gospel Lesson for Sunday was a familiar one. Martha and Mary welcome Jesus and his friends. Martha is busy working, preparing not only a meal but her home; Mary, on the other hand, sits and listens to Jesus. Martha would have appreciated Mary’s help, but Mary is so engrossed in Jesus and his teaching that poor Martha is ignored. What everyone in this story seems oblivious to (except Jesus) is the great danger Jesus is in.
So much of our story is out of character for first century Palestine. We assume that Martha is a widow because she owns property. But is Mary a widow also? We are not told about Martha’s or Mary’s situation in the lesson. Even though the Gospel doesn’t say, we assume that Martha is the older sister—I guess the more responsible one. And the idea that Mary, a woman, would be allowed in the company of men to study with a rabbi was unheard of. So much to ponder is so few words.
Ms. Fannie did such a great job of navigating us through a complex scripture. Matthew 5: 38-48 is certainly one of those difficult teachings of Jesus. Jesus tells us that no longer are we to live by the idea of an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. Now, if some one slaps us on the right cheek, we are to offer our left. If someone sues us for our shirt, we are to offer them our coat. If someone demands that we walk a mile for them, we are to walk two. The writer says that the old way was the “law of retaliation”: Jesus’ new way is not to fight fire with fire. Learning to love our enemies is going to require a lot of practice and a lot of determination.
Last week our nursing home ministry took us to Holiday. They are currently without an activity director, though, so there was no one to announce the program or bring people there. We also had a light showing from our folks. So we did lots of congregational singing, accompanied by the lively playing of Hilda and Minnie. Jo read a cute poem called “Why Worry,” and Sue performed Shel Silverstein’s “Sick.” Nora sang a moving piece that combined some of the words of “Amazing Grace” with the idea that “He is forever mine.” W.O.W. I was, as usual, the emcee and did the benediction.
Our worship time is 10:00 AM; we would love to have you come to worship with us. I know how very busy everyone is: Our early meeting time enables you to move on to family get-togethers or jobs afterward. Not to mention naps, which my wife says are best on Sunday afternoon. Whoever you are, in whatever faith you were born, whatever creed you profess; if you come to this house to find God you are welcome here.” Paxton United Methodist Church is an inviting church that takes to heart the idea of “Open Doors, Open Hearts, Open Minds.” Sunday School starts at 9:30 and Worship begins at 10:00. Our email address is paxtonumc@yahoo.com. If you would like the weekly email newsletter about Paxton Methodist you can send me your email address to the Paxton email address and I will add you to the list. God’s Speed.
