Today's Card from The Sacred Muse Deck

A woman, her story, and so much wisdom and inspiration - for you!

Today’s card: Mary of Bethany

Her story: Named as Martha’s sister and Jesus’ friend, she is distinct and one-of-a-kind in this text. Some have named her as Mary Magdalene - which, if so, gives her placement and presence even more significance, given the extra biblical texts that offer us her voice and theology.

Two specific scenes are most-often told of her. The first is when Jesus comes to the home of Mary and Martha. Mary sits at his feet while Martha toils away, making sure everything is ready, generous, hospitable . . . and complains about it. Jesus says, “Martha, Martha, you are worried about many things; but Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken away from her. (I have much more to say about this from Martha’s perspective, but for now, let’s stick with Mary.) The second is when Lazarus, one of Jesus’ closest friends, has been reported dead. He travels to their home only to be met on the road by Mary, asking why he didn’t come sooner; that had he done so, her brother would still be alive. And seeing her grief, Jesus wept himself. As the story continues, he resurrects Lazarus back to life, still wrapped in his grave clothes but very much alive.

So, what are we to take of these? What wisdom, guidance, encouragement, and hope might Mary of Bethany offer us today?