THE FAITH OF MARTHA

Memorial of St. Martha, disciple of the Lord

1^ST READING - 1 John 4:7-16 (or Exodus 32:15-24, 30-34)

P S A L M - Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9, 10-11 (or Psalm 106:19-20, 21-22, 23)

R: I will bless the Lord at all times.

1 [2] I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall be ever in my mouth. 2 [3]Let my soul glory in the Lord; the lowly will hear me and be glad. (R) 3 [4]Glorify the Lord with me, let us together extol his name. 4 [5] I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. (R) 5 [6] Look to him that you may be radiant with joy, and your faces may not blush with shame. 6 [7] When the poor one called out, the Lord heard, and from all his distress he saved him. (R) 7 [8] The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. 8 [9] Taste and see how good the Lord is; blessed the man who takes refuge in him. (R) 9 [10] Fear the Lord, you his holy ones, for nought is lacking to those who fear him. 10 [11] The great grow poor and hungry; but those who seek the Lord want for no good thing. (R)

 

GOSPEL - John 11:19-27 (or Matthew 13:31-35)

SABBATH

The faith of Martha is truly inspiring. She has just lost her beloved brother and yet she is able to speak of her belief in his resurrection from the dead on the Last Day. It is good to reflect on her experience of Lazarus’ death as this will help us find our way through our own experience of the death of our loved ones. Death is always a challenge as it can bring up emotions that we do not experience often. It is because of this that we can find the death of loved ones a difficult path to navigate.        Martha’s faith tells us that she believes there is more to life than our physical existence in the world. She knows that we go beyond this life into another state of existence. Our belief in the resurrection can give us added impetus to live holy and moral lives as preparation for entering into eternal life. The belief in the resurrection of the dead predates Jesus, but it is in the Christian Gospel that it finds its primary advocate. It is also very helpful in alleviating any sense of loss with the death of a loved one as there is always the hope of reuniting with them when we face our own death.        Jesus affirms Martha’s belief and then grants what is obviously Mary’s and her immediate desire — that Lazarus be restored to life. It seems that he must have died young, and so they must have expected Lazarus to live for a good number of years still. We have no control over the length of our lives. It is God’s prerogative to call us to Himself when He so desires. Let us trust that He knows best when the time comes. Fr. Steve Tynan, MGL   REFLECTION QUESTIONS: What brings you comfort when you are faced with the death of a loved one? Do you hope and trust in the resurrection?   Jesus, the Father raised You from the dead. Help me to trust that I will share in that resurrection, as long as I am true to being Your disciple in this life.