July 29- Feast of Saint Martha

and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them about their brother. 20 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, while Mary stayed at home. 21 Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of him.” 23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” 24 Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” 27 She said to him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.” 

The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version. (1989). (Jn 11:19–27). Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.

In this short Gospel from today's feast for Saint Martha, verse 21-22 strike a chord for me. Here we hear Martha being quite strong and almost rebuking Jesus for not being present earlier in order to prevent her brother's death. The manner highlights for me the bond or trust, friendship and love that exists between the two. Is our friendship with Jesus on the level that we can be utterly open and emotional? Like you would be with your "best friend forever." This is immediately followed by a profound and unshakable statement of faith in Jesus and His communion with the Father. Martha has not one iota of doubt in both the resurrection of the body at the end of time and Jesus ability to return Lazarus to his earthly life. He has but to ask the Father and it will be done.

It is important and interesting to note, later in the chapter and throughout the Gospels, Jesus gives thanks to Our Father in heaven before making petitions. How often do we find ourselves in need of God's help and remember to ask it? How does this compare with our offering of thanks when we are in need of nothing because God has already preempted and provided for us.

Lord Jesus, thank you for allowing Saint Martha to show us it is both possible and necessary for us to allow you to be our "best friend forever". In Saint Martha's faith and friendship we find hope and love abounding. Grace us with the Holy Spirit in this life that we may know you as friend and brother. Bring us to everlasting life with you and Our Father in heaven. Amen