Sister act: Alison Richards considers Mary and Martha

‘Stepping aside from the daily routine can allow all of us space for some Mary-time.’

‘Many of us will have sympathy with Martha.’ | Photo: ‘Mary & Martha’ by He Qi (2013)

Before Yearly Meeting, I was reflecting on the questions posed by the theme: ‘We have been asked to consider how we can release our energy, revitalise our communities and follow the leading of the spirit.’ My thoughts turned to the short episode in Luke’s gospel (10:38-42), where Jesus visits the house of friends in Bethany. There are two sisters at the house: Martha, who makes great efforts to prepare the home, and Mary, who simply sits and listens to Jesus.

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