Saint Martha

Who is she?

Saint Martha was a close friend of Jesus. She lived in the village of Bethany, near the city of Jerusalem, with her sister Mary (Mary of Bethany) and her brother Lazarus. The Gospel tells us: “Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus” (Jn 11:5).

Life story

One day, Jesus and his disciples were passing through the village, and Martha invited him into her home. She was busy cooking and tidying up to serve her guests. But Mary sat at the Lord’s feet listening to him teach. Martha was so tired that she asked the Lord to tell her sister to give her a hand. Jesus gently answered: “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things; one thing is needful” (Lk 10:41-42). Jesus did not criticize her serving, but reminded her that listening to God’s Word is the most important thing.

Another time, Lazarus became very sick. The two sisters sent word to Jesus (cf. Jn 11:3). When Jesus arrived, Lazarus had already died and been buried for four days. As soon as she heard Jesus was coming, Martha ran out to meet him. Jesus said to her: “I am the resurrection and the life.” Then he asked her if she believed this. Martha answered: “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, he who is coming into the world” (Jn 11:25-27). Then Jesus went to the tomb and called Lazarus back to life.

A few days before his Passion, Jesus ate again in Bethany, and Martha cheerfully served at table (cf. Jn 12:1-2). According to a tradition from Provence (France), she later used holy water and the sign of the cross to tame a fierce dragon.

Why is she a saint?

Saint Martha loved Jesus with hardworking, serving hands and with strong faith. Even in her grief over her brother’s death, she still believed that Jesus is the Son of God. Since 2021, the Church has celebrated her together with Saint Mary and Saint Lazarus, the three who welcomed the Lord into their home.

A lesson for you

• Cheerfully help your parents with the housework and welcome guests warmly, like Saint Martha.
• However busy you are with school or play, set aside a little time each day to pray and read God’s Word.
• When something sad happens, say to the Lord like Saint Martha: “Lord, I still believe in you.”