Bible Discussion Thread

The commentary on verses 38-24, above, follows the same bland rationale that I have been hearing for years: the "good part" that Mary chose was to "give herself up to the guidance of Christ". This disregards the radical social challenge that Mary was making in staying in the same room with the men and the "Rabbi". This was forbidden then, and the separation of the male and female congregation is still in place in orthodox Judaism today. Jesus clearly and unequivocally affirms Mary's entitlement to chose that which is "good" and to pursue it, despite cultural norms or religious law. This was revolutionary at that time and probably figured prominently in the opposition to his teaching raised by the Jewish ruling cl***. It threatened to upset a power structure that kept 50% of the Jewish population silent and submissive. Paul subsequently attempted to undo the impact of Jesus' response in this incident; and Paul's misinterpretation of the instruction of Christ has led the Roman Catholic Church into error on the ordination of women. If Christ is King, then any inconsistency between the plain meaning of His words in their context and those of any other disciple or saint, must be resolved in such a way as to affirm the words of Christ only, without ANY ambiguity. Certainly, it is disingenuous to regard this encounter between Jesus, Martha and Mary as a mere homily on submission to the "guidance" of Christ, rather than on doing dishes. Mary was sitting with the men as a student, receiving instruction from the Rabbi, and she was affirmed in this radical act in no uncertain terms by the Master. It is time that Christians "have ears to hear" and carry out the intention of Christ, that ALL of his people be blessed when they have a heart to do ANYTHING that will bring glory to God. It is not for us to tell Christ what limitations will be set on the FRAGRANT offering, "that good part" that may be placed before Him by any person--man or woman.