HOMILY FOR THE MEMORIAL OF ST. MARTHA – 29 JULY
THEME: Martha manifested her belief in Christ as the Messiah
Today, we celebrate the Memorial of St. Martha. She was the sister to Mary and Lazarus, who together, were friends of our Lord Jesus. Jesus liked to stay in their house at Bethany, whenever He was in Judea. Hence, Jesus wept at the death of His friend, Lazarus. In one of the gospel passages for this Memorial (John 11: 19-27), Martha manifested her belief in Christ as the Messiah. When Christ reassured her that her brother Lazarus will live again and that He is the resurrection, Martha responded: “Yes, Lord, I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, He Who is coming into the world”.
The first reading (Ex. 40: 16-21, 34-38) gives account of the construction of the Tent (Tabernacle) of the Lord- God’s dwelling place among His people journying towards the Promise Land. The cloud that descended upon the Tent as a symbol of God’s presence and glory, became the guide leading the Israelites across the desert.
Dear friends, how often do we tend to forget God’s goodness in our lives, especially when confronted by the vicissitudes of life. Unlike the Israelites, Martha remained firm at the death of her brother, Lazarus, declaring: “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died, but I know that even now whatever you ask of God, God will give you”. Can I have such unshakable faith that “God is able”?
I pray as we journey in life today, we will trust God for Who God is, and not repose our trust on any ephemeral thing. May our tears be wiped as was done to Martha, and may we testify to the goodness of the Lord. Have a testimony-full day!
Fr Francis Onwnali
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