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History of Saint Martha
"Jesus loved Martha and Mary and Lazarus" this statement from John's Gospel tells of the special relationship Jesus had with Martha, her sister and her brother. We read of three visits to Martha's home within Luke 10:38-42, John 11:1-53 and John 12:1-9.
Jesus brought Lazarus back to life, Mary anoints Jesus with expensive perfumes and we learn of Martha through the simplest of statements; Martha eum ministravit "Martha Served." No one of you should say, "Blessed are they who have deserved to receive Christ into their homes!" Do not grieve or complain that you were born in a time when you can no longer see God in the flesh. He did not in fact take this privilege from you. As he says, "Whatever you have done to the least of my brothers, you did to me." We, the Parishioners of Saint Martha Catholic Church, look to Martha's witness and ministry to Christ as our example to serve God. |
Martha and Mary were sisters, related not only by blood but also by religious aspirations. They stayed close to Jesus and both served him harmoniously when he was among them. Martha welcomed Him as travelers are welcomed. Martha became frustrated with her sister Mary for ignoring Middle Eastern rules of hospitality. Mary ignores work in order to listen to Jesus. Martha asks Jesus to intercede. Jesus responds that there is only one thing truly important, that is listening to Him. But in her case, the maidservant received her Lord, the creature her Creator, to serve him bodily food while she was to be fed by the Spirit. 
Jesus' next recorded visit was at the time of Martha's brother, Lazarus' death. Upon Jesus' arrival she immediately goes to Him. She said to Him "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died" She added that God would grant him whatever Jesus asked. Martha told Jesus that she believed that her brother would rise on the last day. Jesus responded with His deep revelation " I am the resurrection and the life; whomever believes in Me shall have eternal Life." Martha responds "Yes Lord I have come to believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God."