MARTHA: MODEL OF HOSPITALITY AND SERVICE (HOMILY FOR THE MEMORIAL OF ST. MARTHA

HOMILY FOR THE MEMORIAL OF ST. MARTHA

John 11:19-27

MARTHA: MODEL OF HOSPITALITY AND SERVICE

We celebrate today the memorial of St. Martha, a woman of faith and hope in Jesus. Martha, who hailed from a family of three was the sister of Mary and Lazarus of Bethany. A family specially dedicated to the interest of Jesus. The Gospel of John expressed the friendship that existed between them and Jesus when it said “Jesus loved Marth and her sister and Lazarus“ (In 11:15). In the home of Martha, Mary and Lazarus, Jesus found peace, friendship, hospitality and love. This is contrary to the rejection he suffered even in the hands of his own people (Jn 1:11).

Martha, a woman of faith and hope in Jesus was the one who requested the presence of Jesus at the death of his brother Lazarus. Her faith was made manifest in the dialogue with Jesus in the following words: “If you had been here, my brother would not have died but I know that, even now, whatever you ask of God he will grant you” (Jn 11:21) with the reassurance of Jesus that Lazarus shall live again, Martha responded: “I know he will rise again on the last day” (Jn 11:24). At the tomb of Lazarus, with the question that demanded her faith in God: Do you believe, Martha, replied, “Yes, Lord, she said I believe that you are the Christ the Son of God, the one who was to come into this world” (In 11:27). Her faith in Divine Providence enabled her to witness the raising of Lazarus from the tomb. 

Dearest brothers and sisters in Christ, Martha is a great model to all those who wallow in sorrow and pain, those who are experiencing the loss of someone dear to them. Her words of faith and hope, and Jesus' words of reassurance and resurrection offer comfort, joy and expectation to the hearts of all those in problematic situations and suffering the demise of their loved ones. 

Martha, a woman of service, saw it as an honour and duty to serve the Lord. Jesus accepted her service and never condemned it. He only asked her not to fret or worry so much for him. Reminding her that Mary, her sister had chosen the better part and it will not be taken away from her (Lk 10:41-42). As a generous and hard-working woman, she showed her love to Jesus through her service and activity, while Mary through her contemplation. Martha reminds us of the need for us to put into service what we have contemplated before the Lord. Listening to the Lord is of the greatest importance, however, listening and putting it into practice is as well necessary. Martha reminds us through her service and hospitality reminds us of the words of Jesus: “whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers that you do unto me” (Mt 25:40).

Dearest brothers and sisters in Christ, in as much as we express our love for God in prayer and worship, we must never forget to concrete it in our charity to the needy and less privileged.

May God crown every charity you do this day with the blessing of eternal life.

Have a grace-filled day!

Fr Remi osj