The Wonderful Side of Martha's Life*

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 17th Week - Thursday*

*GOSPEL - Jn 11:19-27 or Lk 10:38-42*

*First Reading - Ex 40:16-21, 34-38*

*Feast of St Martha*

*The Wonderful Side of Martha's Life*

*1) A grand Welcome*

The Gospel of the day starts with the gesture of welcome

When Jesus entered the house of Martha, it was she who welcomed Jesus with a warm greeting 

Welcome is something which makes a person to feel at ease and it builds the relationship

In a way we can say that Martha appears as a icon of welcome, by welcoming Jesus into her house 

*2) A genuine Spirit of Service*

The Gospel says that Martha was burdened with Service 

The entire focus of her service was the person of Jesus

She wanted to give best service to Jesus, so she was ready to do anything 

She was ready to take any load, for the sake of Jesus 

Service is at the centre of Christian Spirituality. If there is no service, then there is no Christian life 

Martha is an inspiration to all of us for service 

*3) Spontaneous in expressing her views*

Another important aspect of Martha's life was spontaneity

She was spontaneous in expressing her joys, pains, suffering and even hurt feelings 

She didn't hide anything, but expressed all her feelings as they are 

Spontaneity is very important for a good and holy life 

*4) Active in whatever She does*

In fact Martha was a very active person and not a lazzy person 

She active in welcoming, in serving, in making the guest comfortable in any situation

It is Martha, who appears to be very active in entire episode and she does lots of work, to make the guest comfortable

Activity is at the centre of Martha's life.

*5) Martha is ready to accept others help*

Martha asks Jesus to ask Mary, to help Martha 

*Tell her to help me* This expression of Martha, shows that Martha was ready to accept service for Mother 

Accepting a helping hand from others also shows us the aspect of humility and that we can't survive alone 

*What are the above aspects which  I have in my life?*

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*