Florida Council of Catholic Women/Province of Miami at P. O. Box 1811, Labelle, FL 33975 US - MARTHA

John 11:1-45, 12:1-8 Luke 10:38-42 Martha, her sister Mary and brother Lazarus lived in Bethany, a small town at the foot of the Mount of Olives. Martha was the older sister who probably owned the house. It is believed that the family produced olive oil as a means of their livelihood. The town was situated at crossroads where roads to Jerusalem, Jericho, Bethlehem and Gethsemane converged. Because Jesus' travels took him through Bethany, he often stayed with the family. He was comfortable with them and loved them dearly. He disregarded the rules that did not permit women to eat with men, but rather enjoyed their company. John writes of the death of Lazarus. He tells us that Martha and Mary sent a message to Jesus telling him that their brother was sick. When Jesus received the message he continued his work. When he was asked why he didn't go back, he replied, "This sickness is not unto death but for the glory of God that the Son of God may be glorified by it." After two days he returned, "Martha therefore, as soon as she heard that Jesus had come, went to meet him; but Mary sat at home." We can see the contrast between the two women. Martha took the first step of faith by leaving the home where the guests had gathered after the funeral. She doesn't stay home mourning but takes action and confronts Jesus. “If you had been here my brother would never have died." John depicts Martha as confident assertive and capable. Luke sees Martha as upset and angry because the task of preparing a banquet had fallen on her shoulders while Mary sat and visited with the guests. "My sister has left me to serve alone. Speak to her.” Luke describes Jesus' reply as a reprimand but can't we read into it a tone of gentleness and love as he says, "Martha, Martha 7hou art careful, and are troubled about many things.” These Gospels give us two dfferent Marthas: a strong, capable woman who confronts Jesus and a busy, frustrated hard worker concerned with details. Can't we choose both Marthas? Perhaps we need a blending of the two Marthas in our lives to make us more balanced. Martha should always be remembered for her perfect act of Faith (John 11:23-27), "I have come to believe that you are the Messiah, God's only Begotten, the One who is coming into the world.” Reflections: The Gospels of Luke and John describe Martha differently. With which Martha do you identify? A grieving Martha meets Jesus and says. "If you had only been here.” Have you often experienced similar thoughts when you have a loss? Do you sometimes feel that all the load is on your shoulders? How did Jesus speak to Martha about this? Would he say the same to us? Can we balance our lives so the two "Marthas" can live within us and among us?

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