We shape our future. The choices we make today determine the direction of our lives. The people of Nineveh heard the message of Jonah and had a change of heart. Gone was the past! They were no longer prisoners of the consequences of their past actions. In our own lives, it is never too late to begin anew. A change of heart and attitude can alter and enrich our lives dramatically. We need not live in past patterns of thought and behaviour. What do we need to change? Poor Martha is always painted in rather negative terms. She finds herself trapped in the tiring and traditional role of a woman. She is working very hard to be the proper hostess, and is resentful that she is doing this alone. Jesus teases her gently out of her resentment, and points out that Mary — as well as Martha — has every right to be instructed by Jesus and be one of His disciples. He will not consign Mary (or Martha) to the kitchen. They are both called to study God's ways and to follow Jesus. Jesus always challenges our traditional thinking! To what new roles are you called?