Monthly Message from our Rector - July 2026
It’s not fair!
‘It’s not fair!’ No, these were not words overheard on a school playground, but in regard to a Bible passage and perhaps more surprisingly to words from Jesus himself! In fact, this particular Bible passage has a significant number of detractors, who really don’t like Jesus’ response.
The story I am talking about is one that Luke tells about Jesus visiting his friends: Mary and Martha in Bethany Luke 10:38–42. Mary just sits there, listening to Jesus whilst Martha is busy serving them and when Martha demands that Jesus tell Mary to help her, it’s Martha that gets the telling off!
Now, if we see this passage as about different personality types – it’s clearly not fair that Jesus tells off Martha for being an activist or someone who just wants to get things done and praises Mary for being more reflective. But I don’t think Luke allows us to read the passage this way – he tells us that Martha is distracted by many things.
And at this point, at least if you are anything like me, Jesus’ words move from being unfair to being challenging and uncomfortable.
What things distract us? The current furore over the addictive nature of social media, that is designed to distract us (and not just children) would be one obvious example. But coming back to personalities, we are all different, so what is distracting you? Ask Jesus to help you see the distractions in your life and try starting to address them with small steps – e.g. not using social media on Sundays.
In this passage Martha is busy with tasks and not spending time with Jesus and her sister.
If we can avoid some distractions, could we slow down, relax and spend time with people instead, like Jesus did?
Who could you meet for a cup of tea, a meal, or some activity together?
Revd Peter Francis (Rector)
Telephone | or Telephone | Email (Rest days Tues & Fri)
Address: The Rectory, Walkley Hill, Rodborough GL5 3TX