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21/11/2019
A spiritual comment and prayer to start the day with the Archdeacon of Bangor, Mary Stallard
Last on
Thu 21 Nov 2019
05:43
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4 FM
Script:
Good morning.Β For me, a wonderful feature of modern life is that increasingly I’m being invited to take part in virtual meetings, interacting with colleagues from all over the world without travelling.Β Β
Modern communication methods enable me to be present to others in new ways: but the etiquette surrounding them can pose a challenge. Where I’m only partially visible to others, I ironically also have the opportunity to be less than wholly present in other respects.Β
At a face to face meeting, I wouldn’t normally eat my breakfast, check my e-mails or be cutting-out resources for junior church. At a virtual meeting it’s possible to do all of these things out of camera shot, whilst seeming to be fully involved. With busy lives and technology that allows us to do more things, these are new choices about how to behave. We all know how it feels when someone gives us their whole attention rather than only partially listening. Just because we’re able to do more, it might not necessarily be the best choice.
There’s a famous story from the Gospels about two sisters who invited Jesus to their house. Martha was busy doing many tasks and became annoyed with her sister Mary, who focused her whole attention on simply listening to Jesus. Mary was famously commended by Jesus who said she’d chosen the better part.Β
There are a number of ways to interpret Jesus words, but I wonder whether it’s an invitation to discern and focus upon what’s most life-giving in our lives. This might mean giving time to others with generosity and a wholehearted attention, however challenging that may be.
Listening God, help us to be still today. Guide us to see what is most important, that we might be fully present to you and to each other. Amen.Β
Modern communication methods enable me to be present to others in new ways: but the etiquette surrounding them can pose a challenge. Where I’m only partially visible to others, I ironically also have the opportunity to be less than wholly present in other respects.Β
At a face to face meeting, I wouldn’t normally eat my breakfast, check my e-mails or be cutting-out resources for junior church. At a virtual meeting it’s possible to do all of these things out of camera shot, whilst seeming to be fully involved. With busy lives and technology that allows us to do more things, these are new choices about how to behave. We all know how it feels when someone gives us their whole attention rather than only partially listening. Just because we’re able to do more, it might not necessarily be the best choice.
There’s a famous story from the Gospels about two sisters who invited Jesus to their house. Martha was busy doing many tasks and became annoyed with her sister Mary, who focused her whole attention on simply listening to Jesus. Mary was famously commended by Jesus who said she’d chosen the better part.Β
There are a number of ways to interpret Jesus words, but I wonder whether it’s an invitation to discern and focus upon what’s most life-giving in our lives. This might mean giving time to others with generosity and a wholehearted attention, however challenging that may be.
Listening God, help us to be still today. Guide us to see what is most important, that we might be fully present to you and to each other. Amen.Β
Broadcast
- Thu 21 Nov 2019 05:43Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4 FM
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