July 29 2019 - St. Martha - Spiritual Growth is Possible

If we only read the Gospel story about Jesus’ first visit to the home of Martha and Mary in Bethany, we might wonder why the Church considers Martha a saint at all. After all, she comes into the room complaining and controlling. She seems to have missed the point of Jesus’ visit. Sure, she is busy with the demands of hospitality, but that doesn’t make someone a saint.

Well, today we get another part of the picture. We read today from St. John’s account of Martha’s encounter with Jesus. Mary and Martha had sent news to Jesus that Lazarus had died. Jesus announced to his disciples that he wished to return to Bethany, but his disciples object, due to the recent threats on Jesus’ life; nor do they understand why Jesus would want to go anyway.

Jesus insists on the visit, and upon meeting Martha we find her full of, not unbelief, but belief. Rather than staying at home like her sister Mary, Martha goes out to Jesus. She affirms her belief that Jesus is a messianic miracle worker, she knows that God is with him.  And when the Lord reveals that he “is the resurrection and the life” she affirms her belief in this as well.

The Gospels portray Martha open to spiritual growth, open to the revelation of Jesus’ deepest identity and mission. Unlike the Pharisees, closed, resistant, prideful, Martha is open, willing to be corrected, and she makes the leap of faith.

Here is a Saint who knows what it means to grow, to change, to deepen in faith, to serve, to welcome the unexpected guest, to make holy requests of Jesus, to trust in God at the death of a love one.
Many of us have family members and friends who are busy about worldly things, who like Martha in Luke’s Gospel, are missing out on the one necessary thing, the deep intimate communion with Jesus Christ which leads to eternal life. But, like St. Martha, spiritual growth is possible, conversion is possible, belief that Jesus is the “resurrection and the life” is possible for them as it was for her.

May St. Martha help all of us attain that spiritual growth God wants for us, may we, like her, run out to meet Jesus with our needs, may we acknowledge always and everywhere that Jesus is the resurrection and the life, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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That all Christians may be open to constant growth in faith, hope, and love.
For the conversion of all who resist belief in Jesus, for the conversion of hardened sinners, atheists, and agnostics.
That those who grieve may find comfort and consolation in Christ.
For the needs of all the sick and suffering, all those undergoing surgery, and those who will die today.
For the repose of the souls of our beloved dead, all of the souls of purgatory, and N. for whom this mass is offered.
Incline your merciful ear to our prayers we ask, O Lord, and listen in kindness to the supplications of the faithful. Through Christ Our Lord.