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)...