Memorial of Saint
Martha
(Exodus 32:15-24.30-34; John 11:19-27)
In today’s gospel Martha exhibits the same initiative
that she shows in Luke’s account of the two sisters. She goes out to Jesus with a complaint. This time, however, her criticism is directed
toward Jesus, not toward Mary. She tells
him that if he had come when they called him, Lazarus would not have died. Jesus is kinder to her than the last time
around perhaps because she is in mourning.
He asks her whether she believes in him as the resurrection and the life.
Martha does not hesitate to express her faith. She is, after all, a saint. She acknowledges Jesus as the Messiah, the
one coming to liberate the world from death. She also shows patience to see his mighty
works. Rather than fret any longer, she
graciously goes to tell her sister about Jesus’ arrival.
It is hard to wait on the Lord, especially when we are suffering. We want him to act now to relieve our pain. Saints realize that God’s time is not our
time. His apparent slowness may make us stronger
in faith or more persistent in hope.
Whatever the reason, we know that if we love Him, all will turn out well.
