St. Martha

"Jesus loved Martha and Mary and Lazarus." This unique statement in John's gospel tells us of the special relationship Jesus had with Martha, her sister, and her brother.

Apparently Jesus was a frequent guest at Martha's home in Bethany, a small village two miles from Jerusalem. We read of three visits in Luke 10:38-42, John 11:1-53, and John 12:1-9.

Many of us find it easy to identify with Martha in the story Luke tells. Martha welcomes Jesus and his disciples into her home and immediately goes to work to serve them. Hospitality is paramount in the Middle East and Martha believed in its importance. Imagine her frustration when her sister Mary ignores the rule of hospitality and Martha's work in order to sit and listen to Jesus. Instead of speaking to her sister, she asks Jesus to intervene. Jesus' response is not unkind, which gives us an idea of his affection for her. He observes that Martha is worried about many things that distract her from really being present to him. He reminds her that there is only one thing that is truly important -- listening to him. And that is what Mary has done. In Martha we see ourselves -- worried and distracted by all we have to do in the world and forgetting to spend time with Jesus. It is, however, comforting to note that Jesus loved her just the same.

The next visit shows how well Martha learned this lesson. She is grieving the death of her brother with a house full of mourners when she hears that Jesus has just come to the area. She gets up immediately and leaves the guests, leaves her mourning, and goes to meet him.
Her conversation with Jesus shows her faith and courage. In this dialogue she states clearly without doubt that she believes in Jesus' power, in the resurrection, and most of all that Jesus is the Son of God. Jesus tells her that he is the resurrection and the life and then goes on to raise her brother from the dead. Our final picture of Martha in Scripture is the one that sums up who she was. Jesus has returned to Bethany some time later to share a meal with his good friends. In this home were three extraordinary people. We hear how brother Lazarus caused a stir when was brought back to life. We hear how Mary causes a commotion at dinner by annointing Jesus with expensive perfume. But all we hear about Martha is the simple statement: "Martha served." She isn't in the spotlight, she doesn't do showy things, she doesn't receive spectacular miracles. She simply serves Jesus.

We know nothing more about Martha and what happened to her later. According to a totally untrustworthy legend Martha accompanied Mary to evangelize France after Pentecost.
But wouldn't it be wonderful if the most important thing that could be said about us is "They served"?

Prayer:
Saint Martha, pray for us that we might serve Jesus better. Help us to overcome our distractions and worries to listen to his words and be present to him this day.

Amen

For The Courtyard

After months of looking & looking we finally found a set of patio furniture that we both really liked.




The pillows are much brighter in person!! Oh, there's a second chair too, but it wouldn't fit in the picture.



I know, I know, the plastic cover is still on the table. We'll take it off eventually.

Honeymoon Pics

I finally figured out how to get these pictures on the computer. Here's just a small sample.

Food For Thought

"We might have much peace if we would not busy ourselves with the sayings and doings of others and things which belong not to us."
~ Thomas `a Kempis

Ooops!!!

Well so much for all of the great picture's of the kids playing at the beach. I went to the store to get film (yes I use film) and I forgot about batteries, which would have been fine if the camera took AA's, but it doesn't. I have a digital camera also, but it's still full of honey moon pictures from 5 months ago. I like my Pentax more though, (not digital) it takes better pictures.

Anyhow, when Holly said she brought her camera I was relieved, until we got to the beach and her camera didn't even have enough battery to take one picture.

Thank goodness for Cassidy, I just hope she actually sends them to me this time.

A Day In The Sun

I've never been the type that likes to hang out in the sun, in fact the joke with my family is how I'm as white as a ghost, and I'm okay with that. My usual response to their comments is "I would rather be as white as a ghost than look older sooner than I have to".

But, today I'm going down to the beach with Holly, (my brother's wife & good friend) Cierra, Sean, (my niece & nephew ) and Cassidy (my Little sister) I'm really excited!!! Of course I have tons of sun screen on, so I don't get fried.

I've lived near the beach for a couple of years now and I've only been on the sand about 3 times, isn't that sad? Most people would love to live half a mile away from the beach! This year is going to be different though, even if I just go by myself to read a book I plan on going more often. I plan on taking lots of pic today, hopefully they turn out alright.

Just A Little Change

I hope everyone likes what I did with my blog--I just felt it needed a bit of a softer look. I know I haven't made very many posts lately, but I'm back!!!

Please help me answer this question!

I'm hoping that someone can help me to give the best answer to the this question. And in the most simple way possible.

Why do Catholics confess their sins to priests? What makes them think that priests can absolve them of the guilt of their sins? Why don't they confess their sins directly to God as Protestants do?