Saint Martha (Memorial)
Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Christ. (John 11:27)
When we first think of St. Martha, we probably remember the story of hardworking Martha and her contemplative sister, Mary, who didnt help her in the kitchen (Luke 10:38-42). Many of us probably have felt sorry for Martha when Jesus rebuked her.
But today, on Marthas feast day, we read a different story. We dont see busy Martha, complaining Martha, or worried and anxious Martha. We see steady Martha, who has the confidence to go out to meet Jesus and proclaim her faith in him—even in her grief. Martha has changed.
But how did this happen? She has come to believe (John 11:27). And so can we.
Marthas faith was not a one-time event but a progressive growth in understanding of who Jesus was and what it meant to trust him. In this situation with her brothers illness and death, Marthas faith grew gradually as she spoke with Jesus and listened to him carefully. She knew that he was the Savior sent into this world. She trusted that he could heal their ailing brother, but she didnt understand why Jesus deliberately delayed his coming. So she brought her confusion to him.
Martha knew that Lazarus would rise on the last day, but she wasnt sure what Jesus might do even now (John 11:22). She just wanted to be near him. So Jesus took the opportunity to speak with her, patiently asking questions that helped her to search her heart. And perhaps amazed herself, she was able to say, Yes, Lord. I have come to believe (11:27). Then she ran to offer her sister the same opportunity.
Our faith develops in the same incremental way. Jesus invites us to trust him. We express the little faith we have: I do believe, help my unbelief, and we tell Jesus what we dont understand (Mark 9:24). Then he leads us little by little to a fuller understanding of who he is.
Dont be afraid to question Jesus. Tell him what doesnt make sense to you. Ask what small step he is inviting you to take, and try to be obedient. Then come back and ask again. Little by little, your flicker of faith will grow into a blazing fire.
Jesus, I have come to believe in you. Help me to take the next step.
Exodus 24:3-8
Psalm 50:1-2, 5-6, 14-15
Daily Marriage Tip for July 29, 2017:
In studying NFP in the context of the Theology of the Body, both of us have become more open to each other, to God, and to children. Michael and Alysha, from NFP Couples Stories #NFPweek