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Thursday, July 29, 2010
Feast Day of St. MarthaMartha was a sister to Lararus and Mary (one of the many Mary's in the Bible) and was known to Jesus. We find 3 references
to her in the Gospels. In Luke 10:38-42 Jesus and the disciples have come to visit. Martha being the oldest female
in the house is responsible for preparing the meal and offering hospitality which was very important. Imagine at least
13 people showing up unannounced for supper and no microwave or carry out available! Meal prep was labor intensive since
everything needed to be made from scratch. And there is Mary just sitting at Jesus' feet when there is all this work
to be done. Martha asks Jesus to speak to Mary, but instead his words are a gentle reproof for Martha. What a
perfect example of how easy it is to get so righteously caught up in busyness that we lose focus on the true meaning of the
event. Can you think of times you've been so busy preparing for guests, a gathering, a birthday party, Christmas that
you don't have the time or energy to enjoy the event? Work needs to be done, but we also need to temper our busyness with
the meaning of the event or season. In John there are two references to Martha. One is in John11 with death and
raising of Lazarus, Martha's brother. Here she has the emphasis correct when she states, "But I know, that even
now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it to you." (KJV) She demonstrates her faith in the Lord.
And in John 12:1-9 there is another account of Jesus having dinner in Lazarus' home and the simple statement that "Martha
served" (John 12:2 KJV) May it be said of each of us that we have served. There is room and need for worker
bees, as long as we stay focused on the Lord - not the busyness.
8:34 pm edt
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