St. Martha was a disciple of the Lord and sister to Mary and Lazarus. We are familiar with the story of Mary sitting at the feet of Jesus while Martha is busy being a good hostess. And we know that when she asks Jesus to tell Mary to help her get the meal on the table, Jesus says to leave Mary alone (for the time being) because "she has chosen the better portion." This does not mean that it is always time to do nothing but sit at the feet of Jesus, but, there are moments when he invites us to a special communion with him – and then it is appropriate to take a "little vacation" from ordinary duties to spend time directly conscious and aware of him – listening to what he has to say to us. This in no way demeans the activity of Martha. Loving service is always welcome – and a sign of God's love and presence in the world.
But, the gospel passage today tells us that Martha in fact does, at another time, something quite remarkable and rememberable in the annals of salvation history – when her brother Lazarus dies, and Jesus comes to be with the family – she immediately runs out to him on the road and asks Jesus to raise her brother from the dead BECAUSE SHE FULLY BELIEVES THAT HE CAN DO IT. She knows of Jesus that "God will give you whatever you ask of him."
When Jesus makes the statement: "Your brother will rise," Martha immediately replies: "Oh, I know he will rise in the resurrection on the last day." Then Jesus uses this moment to teach Martha, Mary and all of the Church ever since, this fact: I AM THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE; WHOEVER BLIEVE IN ME, EVEN IF HE DIES, WILL LIVE, and anyone who lives and believes in me will never die!
What an enormously important and powerful statement this is! This is the plan of salvation: to have our sins forgiven so that we can live forever with God – in the newness of resurrected life!
DO YOU BELIEVE THIS? Jesus asks Martha! Jesus asks us!
"YES, LORD, I HAVE COME TO BELIEVE THAT YOU ARE THE CHRIST, THE SON OF GOD, the one who is coming into the world," Martha replies. And then Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead – proving again his power over death, which will include power over his own death, one day!
My question to all of us today is: is this our response as well: can we say fully and with great confidence I BELIEVE THAT YOU ARE THE RESURRECTION! I HAVE COME TO BELIEVE THAT YOU ARE THE CHRIST! I HAVE COME TO BELIEVE IN EVERLASTING LIFE!?
For those who can do so, for those who BELIEVE, for those who put that belief into practice by LOVING SERVICE, God promises to be near, present and available for all of our needs – and, he will even transform death in the many ways that we experience it, from day to day, into LIFE – both now and forever!
Taste and see the goodness of the Lord!
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