Today marks the feast day of a very important saint who remained discreet in the Bible: Martha.
A friend of Jesus, she was known for always tending to her household duties. Her brother, Lazarus, also a friend, was resurrected by Christ! Here’s a beautiful story (excerpted from Canção Nova.com):
FEAST OF SAINT MARTHA
Today we remember the life of Saint Martha, whose testimony is recorded in the Holy Scriptures. Priests and theologians find in Martha and her sister Mary the figures of the active life (Martha) and the contemplative life (Mary). The name Martha comes from Hebrew and means “lady.”
In the Gospel, Saint Martha is presented as an active model of hospitality: “…Jesus entered a village, and a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home” (Luke 10:38).
This was not the only time, as the Lord’s great friendship with Martha and her siblings is well-documented, to the point that Jesus wept and raised her brother Lazarus from the dead.
Tradition tells us that in the face of Jewish persecution, Saint Martha, Mary, and Lazarus left Bethany and had to go to France, where they dedicated themselves to evangelization. Saint Martha is particularly regarded as the patroness of cooks, and her devotion began around the time of the Crusades.
Saint Martha, pray for us!