Homily Seventeenth Wednesday of Ordinary Time (Feast of St. Martha)

Homily Seventeenth Wednesday of Ordinary Time (Feast of St. Martha)

Jesus had a home away from home when he went to Jerusalem. We get the impression that Jesus often stayed at the house of Lazarus, Martha, and Mary in Bethany.  Jesus probably had any number of friends who he visited with when he went on his preaching missions. 

If it were not for the women who were his disciples, he probably could not have succeeded in his ministry.  He needed the physical, emotional, and spiritual support that they offered. 

Most of us probably feel sorry for Martha as she struggled to take on the responsibility of hosting Jesus.  We get a sense that there was a strange dynamic gong on between the three friends, as we read the story in the Gospel. 

The emotions that Martha had were understandable.  Maybe we have some of the same feelings when we are working on a project with someone else.  Maybe when the time comes for recognition the other person gets the credit because they are more charming or attractive.  At those moments are feelings are bruised.  We might even feel a little jealous.

Was this what Martha was feeling.  She sees her sister sitting at the feet of Jesus. He seems to be giving her a lot of attention as he teaches the tenants of the Gospel.  Does Jesus sense the jealousy of Martha?

Maybe by his words he is saying to Martha that he is recognizes her hard work and appreciates it.  But Martha, the workaholic, has lost the ability to find a moment of peace and joy with Jesus.

We are often told, in the scriptures, that God does not want our sacrifices as much as the Lord wants our love and attention.  Jesus just wanted Martha to be able to relax for a few moments.  He wanted her to enjoy a moment of communion with him.  He wants the same thing for us as well.

Reflection Questions:

1. Have I ever felt ignored when I have worked hard on important endeavor?  How did I react?  What were my feelings?

2. What does Jesus want from us?  Does he want us to do all sorts of tasks, or does he want us to pay attention to what he wants to say to us?

Dear Parishioners,

            We are moving ahead with various projects that have been paid for by our TTT campaign.  The limestone that was taken out of one of the northeast windows has been sent to Canada so that a new piece can be fabricated, and we can finally put all the windows back in.  This is an expensive repair that we had not anticipated.  Hopefully, the window restoration will be completed in September.

            Another project will be started soon, which is the building of a new garage that will be used when the priests move into the Lee Center.  We hope to be in our new space by the first of the year.  Final design work will be completed soon.

            Another thing that has happened recently is that we have finished putting LED lights in the church.  This is not part of the TTT campaign, but it does brighten up our church and will save us a lot of money for electricity and light bulbs.  Also, things will be a little brighter this winter.

            The spirit of Martha is alive and well as we are “busy about many things.”

            May our Lady and All the Angels and Saints watch over you today.

                                                                                    Fr. Mark