Women of the Bible

In the lead up to Holy Week and in celebrating International Women’s Day, this half term’s online assemblies have focused on ‘women of the bible’, which incorporates our Trinity Together value of ‘being accepting and inclusive’. Our students chose the ‘women of the bible’ theme for this half term, and last week’s online assembly led by Assistant Head, Ms Kirkham focused on Martha and Mary.

The most famous story of Mary and Martha comes in Luke 10, when Jesus and his disciples are traveling to Jerusalem and come to the sisters’ home. While a meal is being prepared, Jesus starts teaching and Mary sits at his feet, listening (Luke 10:39). Martha is apparently also listening but distracted by the meal preparation and gets irritated that Mary isn’t helping. Martha says to Jesus, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me” (Luke 10:40).

Jesus’ response was unexpected. Rather than tell Mary to help, Jesus says, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed, or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:41-42).

This story helps us reflect on priorities and how we choose to make priorities, as well as religious dedication and devotion.