Martha’s Faith

Today’s Gospel Text:  And many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them concerning their brother. 20 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, while Mary sat in the house. 21 Martha said to Jesus, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 And even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you." 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 at the last day." 25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26 and whoever lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?" 27 She said to him, "Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, he who is coming into the world." John 11:19-27

Reflection: Are actions based on Faith sometimes like a leap in the dark? That is what it seems it is!

Here we have a story of Martha; a woman, who by nature, could be termed as an action oriented woman, who once complained about her sister as not being too helpful in her busy moment of serving the Lord.

A woman who cared much about others and in the bargain may have even failed to care for herself.

Here she is once again at it, while Mary sat at home, Martha was up on her feet rushing to meet Jesus, expressing her self, without inhibition:

"Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.  And even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you." (vs. 21-22)

If the rest was not history, if the miracle would not have happened then it could be considered the most foolish statement ever.

Wait a minute; even before the miracle could take place!  

Martha's statement seems to be loaded with foolishness: Who could ever make a statement to anyone like this - a statement about raising the dead. Isn't the death the inevitable end of all living creatures. 

What sort of faith is this; a confidence in the ability of another?

That is what faith is all about!

But Christian faith is no blind leap or plunge, it is born out of an assurance that things will happen and such assurance come through the working of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of those who believe or allow God to work freely in their lives. 

It may appear foolish but is based on a strong assurance in the heart of those who allow God to imprint his faith onto our hearts. 

Every bride that takes a leap of faith in marriage is because she thinks that she is going to get married to the right man and will find love and security in him and yet it may not always end up to be true and successful.

But every individual, no matter what background, if they allow themselves to be guided by the Holy Spirit and be obedient to that voice will definitely find success.

Prayer: Save us, we beseech thee, O Lord! O Lord, we beseech thee, give us success!  Blessed be he who enters in the name of the Lord! Ps 118:25-26

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