The Martha in Me (07/29/2026)

This morning as I read the readings for today on the Memorial of Saints Martha, Mary and Lazarus, I must admit I felt a bit of a twinge, that unpleasant feeling that lasts only for a moment. I knew what it was. I associated with Martha. I, too, have questioned Christ at times in my life.

I have several favorites among the people in scripture, but I must admit that among the women, Martha is second only to the Blessed Mother. I loved when she went to Jesus to complain about what she deemed was unfair. Lord knows, I’ve had similar conversations with my Lord more than once. And the Lord also knows that in those moments of bringing myself honestly to the Lord, more than once I’ve left with the same understanding that I think Martha did, seeing that the Lord’s ways are just and exceed what I had pictured. He has, as Martha knows, interesting and creative ways of challenging me to be more.

In today’s reading, Martha challenges Jesus as to His timing. And you’d be right if you guessed that I have done that, too, more than once. I suspect, like Martha, looking at everything through the rearview mirror of life, it made sense, perfect sense, for our LORD is wiser than us and more loving than us.

My favorite thing about Martha is her being herself with the LORD, not just saying what she should but what she feels, knowing that there is no one else who can take that in more lovingly than Christ and respond more lovingly than Christ. And when I look at her and her encounters with Christ, I see my own path and how Christ opens a world to me I didn’t know existed if I come as myself humbly and open.

I know many hold Martha’s sister, Mary, higher than Martha. Jesus did tell Martha that her sister Mary had chosen the better part. But Jesus wasn’t telling Martha that what she was doing was valueless. He was telling her there was more. Those are two different things. And today, when Jesus is coming, it is Martha who comes to meet Him. She doesn’t know the answer, but she knows who does!

As we continue our journeys in life, let us be willing to emulate the example of Martha who brought her questions, her true feelings, her honest self to Christ and opened herself to His words and transformative love. It’s a great place to be, with Christ, seeking answers.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.