Every year, the Church celebrates the feast of St. Martha, honoring a woman of profound faith and tireless service. St. Martha, the sister of Mary and Lazarus, appears several times in the Gospels, offering us a glimpse into her personality and the lessons her life imparts for all Christians.
St. Martha is best known for her encounter with Jesus in the Gospel of Luke (Luke 10:38-42), where she welcomes Him into her home. While her sister Mary sits at the Lord’s feet in contemplation, Martha busies herself with the tasks of hospitality. Frustrated, she asks Jesus to tell Mary to help her. Gently, Jesus responds, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing.” This moment has inspired generations of Christians to balance action and prayer, reminding us that service must flow from love for Christ, not from worry or resentment.
Yet Martha’s faith shines most clearly in the Gospel of John (John 11:1-44), when her brother Lazarus dies. Despite her grief, Martha runs to meet Jesus and proclaims her unshakable belief: “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world.” Her words reveal a faith as deep and steady as her acts of service.
The Church venerates St. Martha as the patron saint of servants, cooks, and homemakers, but her witness goes far beyond the kitchen. She teaches us that faith and works are inseparable, and that everyday acts of love, done for Christ, are holy. Her life is a call to serve with joy and to trust in the Lord even in the face of sorrow.
On her feast day, we are invited to honor St. Martha not only by recalling her biblical story but also by following her example: welcoming Christ into our homes and hearts, serving those in need, and professing our faith with courage and confidence.
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Thank you for the teaching.God Bless you.Love in service.