If someone mentions St. Martha, what usually comes to mind?
Perhaps it's the familiar scene of her bustling around the house while her sister Mary sits at the feet of Jesus. Martha has become the patron saint of cooks, homemakers, and anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed by a long to-do list.
But that's not the whole story.
In fact, St. Martha made one of the most remarkable professions of faith found anywhere in the Gospels.
The moment comes after the death of her brother, Lazarus. Grieving and heartbroken, Martha goes out to meet Jesus before He enters Bethany. She tells Him, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died" (John 11:21, RSV-CE). Even in her sorrow, though, she doesn't lose hope.
Jesus responds with one of His most powerful declarations: "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live" (John 11:25, RSV-CE).
Then He asks Martha a question that every Christian must answer:
"Do you believe this?" (John 11:26, RSV-CE)
Her response is extraordinary.
"Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, he who is coming into the world." (John 11:27, RSV-CE)
Those words echo St. Peter's famous confession of faith, yet Martha's profession is often overlooked. Before Jesus raises Lazarus from the tomb, Martha proclaims with confidence exactly who He is.
It's a beautiful reminder that Martha wasn't remembered by the early Church simply because she welcomed Jesus into her home. She was remembered because she welcomed Him into her heart.
Perhaps that's why the Church continues to honor her. Like all of us, Martha had moments of worry and moments of weakness. But when she was faced with one of the greatest trials of her life, she chose faith over despair.
Her feast day is an invitation to do the same.
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