Holiness in our Midst: Session 57

SESSION LVII: ON BIBLICAL CHARACTERS

What Biblical character do you draw inspiration or courage from? How? Why? As for me, I draw courage from the example of Mary, who sat listening and learning from Jesus, instead of being the perfect hostess like her sister Martha. This is the text:

“38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” 41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one.[a] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42 New International Version (NIV)

As a modern-day contemplative in a world that values “busyness,” and “getting down to business,” I identify with Mary’s need to work at understanding life rather than work at mastering life’s tasks. Her example, upheld by Jesus Himself, frees me to be my better, deeper self.

STORY CIRCLE PROMPT: With what Biblical character do you most identify? Why?

FOR PERSONAL/JOURNAL REFLECTION:

1. Read the above reflection.
2. Write a reflection on your most inspirational Biblical character. What did you learn about yourself?

FOR GROUP STUDY:

1.   Read aloud Session LVII.         
2. Ask each person to answer the Story Circle Prompt.

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Note: Holiness in Our Midst: Sharing Our Stories to Encourage and Heal is a monthly on-line feature created by Janis Pyle to facilitate sharing of our personal experiences, thoughts, beliefs, and spiritual practices with one another, especially through stories. Barriers are broken down when we begin to see all persons, even those with whom we disagree ideologically, as sacred and constantly attended to by a loving Creator. Each column is accompanied by a “story circle” prompt and study guides for personal and group reflection. To share your stories, contact Hannah Button-Harrison at communications@nplains.org. Janis Pyle can be reached at janispyle@yahoo.com.