Saint Martha

Saint Martha is the patron Saint of cooking. Saint Martha was the sister of Mary Magdalen and Lazarus. She was born sometime in the first century during Jesus' time. St. John then tells us that "Jesus loved Martha and her sister Mary and Lazarus." It was assumed that Martha was the eldest, and had the chief care and direction of the household. Jesus would often visit Martha and her family, Saint Luke says that Martha showed great gratitude toward Jesus. She entertained and served Jesus, in order to be herself she stayed busy in preparing everything for the family's guest.

As we know Martha had great Love for Jesus. She thought that if the whole world was attending Christ, all of that would be too little. Martha wished all men would employ their hands, feet and hearts, all their faculties and senses, with their whole strength, in serving Jesus who was made for us our brother. The Lord was well pleased with the affection and devotion that Martha attended on God; God commended more the quiet repose that Mary attended only to that which is of greatest importance,the attendance of the soul on God."Martha, Martha," said God, "thou art careful and troubled about many things; but one thing is necessary. Mary hath chosen the best part..."

In the active works, the soul is often distracted or entirely drawn off; in heavenly contemplation the heart is wholly taken up in God, and united to God by worship and love. Christ highly commends the choice of Mary, affirming that her employment would never be taken from her. Jesus said, "One thing is necessary", that is, "Eternal salvation is our only concern". Jesus was a frequent guest at Martha's house in Bethany, a small village two miles from Jerusalem. We read about Martha on three visits in Luke 10:38-42, John 11:1-53, and John 12:1-9. Martha thought it was important to have hospitality. Martha followed Jesus when he would go around and preach.

Martha's conversation with Jesus shows her faith and courage. Jesus tells Martha that he is the resurrection and the life, he then goes on to raise her brother Lazarus from the dead. We hear about her in the gospel that "Martha served". She isn't in the spotlight, she doesn't do showy things, and she doesn't receive spectacular miracles. Martha simply serves Jesus.

Saint Martha, Pray for us that we might serve Jesus better. Help us to overcome our distractions and worries to listen to his words and be present to him this day, Amen.