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After Pentecost     Pentecost 9     Luke 10:38-42

Mary and Martha (YC No 207)

Some stories told of Jesus present a forceful view

Of attitudes and visions from this confronting Jew;

He taught that Sabbath precepts demanded deep review;

In public, spoke to women although it was taboo.

Chorus

Jesus questioned customs,

Conventions of his day;

Repeatedly

And radically

He taught a different way.

His attitude to women was quite the contrary

To common held tradition with it’s inequity;

If Martha symbolizes this dreadful legacy,

Then Mary paints a picture of new found liberty.

Chorus

For Jesus, common practice was seldom on display;

Unlike religious leaders and rabbis of his day

He fostered women’s presence, encouraged them to stay;

When Mary chose to join him, then she could have her way.

Chorus

Much prejudice continues; injustice sill remains;

We need to find solutions for ‘Women held in chains’;

All toxic exploitation, all subtle sexist stains

Should never find acceptance, no sanction where God reigns.

New Chorus

Hear the call of Jesus

To act with empathy;

Stand constantly

For equity

For all humanity. 

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