For the readings of today's mass, go to https://www.livingwithchrist.ca/images/article_images/pdf/July_29_Pages_from_LWC_July2020-lowres-3.pdf
How frank are you in your relationship with Jesus? Do you listen to Him when you pray, like you would do when you pray with His teachings or His parables? Are you then able to share with Him your concerns, fears, doubts, joys and happiness?
The saint we honour today, Martha, provides a wonderful example of a person who had a very solid relationship with Jesus. Not only did she host Jesus at various times in the gospel, her conversations with Him indicate someone who was truly comfortable in being with Him. I deeply admire Martha for having this level of comfort with Jesus.
The two gospels that are offered to us today indicate this. In the first, Martha in her grief, confronts Jesus about His late arrival, long after her brother Lazarus has died. In the conversation that follows, despite her disappointment, she still manages to display her deep faith in Him, as they discuss the reality of the resurrection and his role in that reality.
In the other gospel, we hear of how her concerns are expressed to Him about the fact that her sister Mary is doing nothing to help her prepare the food. This is obviously a person who can be quite honest with Jesus. And when one considers Jesus' answer to Martha's complaint, one still can't help but wonder if He received any dinner at all after that response. :)
Today, let us ask for the intercessions of St. Martha to enable our faith and comfort in the person of Jesus Christ continue to grow and flourish.