The Memorial of St Martha

Ex. 32:15-24.30-34, Jn 11:19-27. Today's first reading describes the construction of the Tent, Tabernacle of the Lord. God gave directions for Moses to build a Tent into which the Ark with the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments could be placed. The Tent was the dwelling place of God among those who are journeying to the Promise Land. Moses is pictured as not only directing but actually performing much of the fine details of the construction of the Tent of God - In Latin the word for “Tent” is "Tabernaculum" from which we get the English word Tabernacle – the dwelling place of God, where, in the Roman Catholic tradition, the Blessed Sacrament, the Body of Christ is placed. Wherever God is, that place is truly holy. The presence of Jesus in the house of St Martha whose memorial we celebrate and her siblings sanctified their home.

The memorial of St Martha of Bethany, the sister of Lazarus, who was raised from the dead by Jesus. Martha and Mary and their brother Lazarus were close friends of Jesus, who often visited their home and went there just a few days before the Passion. On one occasion when Jesus visited their home (Lk. 10:38-42), Martha complained to Jesus about her sister Mary: “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” Martha was a diligent and hardworking host but did not have her priorities right. Jesus reminds her that she was distracted about many things but Mary has chosen the better part by sitting at the feet of the Master as a true disciple and listening to Him rather than bustling about attending to the details of hospitality. In today’s Gospel scene we find a more mature Martha who places her total trust in the person and the power of Jesus: “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.” Today, we are challenged to learn from Martha to place our trust in Jesus and His power.

May we seek the presence of the Lord Jesus and His Father and be a disciplined learner as we soak in the joy of being with the God! Amen!! Good morning and have a joyful day!!!