Live of Saint Martha
Saint Martha is a prominent figure in Greek Orthodox church, a hospitable and devoted follower of Jesus Christ. According to the New Testament, particularly in the Gospel of Luke and the Gospel of John, Martha lived in the village of Bethany near Jerusalem with her siblings, Mary and Lazarus, whom Jesus raised from the dead in one of his most famous miracles.
Martha’s most notable appearance in the scriptures is in the story where she welcomes Jesus into her home. While Martha busied herself with the duties of hosting, her sister Mary chose to sit at Jesus’ feet and listen to his teachings.
Martha, feeling overwhelmed and possibly neglected in her efforts to serve their guest, appealed to Jesus to persuade Mary to assist her. However, Jesus gently admonished Martha, emphasizing the importance of listening and being present over the busyness of service. This incident highlights the contrast between active service and contemplative devotion, two vital aspects of Christian life.
Another significant moment in Martha’s life comes from the Gospel of John, where she again demonstrates her deep faith. Upon the death of her brother Lazarus, Martha expresses a profound theological understanding and faith in Jesus. When Jesus arrives in Bethany after Lazarus’s death, Martha affirms her belief in the resurrection of the dead and recognizes Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God. This moment is crucial as it showcases her deep theological insight and faith, which was profound for a layperson at the time.
In Christian tradition, Martha is often considered the patron saint of homemakers and hosts, symbolizing the importance of service to others. Her faith and dedication also make her a model of strength and leadership in the early Christian community.
Many times she met people who quarreled with each other terribly. Martha intervened immediately and reconciled them with her sweet words. He pacified them and convinced them to give up their violent behavior and become friends with each other again.
When she happened to meet people who were angry with each other because of serious differences, she herself paid the debts and released the wrongdoers.
She ften met violent people and told them: “death awaits us all, people are dust and ashes. Let us avoid covetousness in order not to pity God, because He sees how, the injustice done to the neighbor, happens to Himself. Nothing escapes him.” This troubled them with the result that they respected her for the grace that God gave her. Thus repentant received her blessing and the oppressed, now redeemed, glorified God. Everything to the glory of God, with this thought he was in politics.
She prayed constantly to God with a loud voice: “save your servant, O God, who hopes in you.” He also begged God persistently to give His grace to Simeon who, with soft nails, crucified himself in His name. She sought all this with silent sighs and had her mind constantly fixed on the Lord.
Martha had a special gift from God. Some madmen from demonic energy ran through the streets day and night shouting, beating and seriously injuring their bodies. They were tearing their clothes and couldn’t calm down with anything. While the world offered them bread to eat, they did not accept it.
However, when the blessed Martha invited them, then they went to her house imprisoned and obeyed her as if they were her children. There, therefore, after they had their fill of food and water, they returned calmly to their places. These poor people lived near Martha.
Martha associated with humble people, fasted constantly with precision and turned her house into a house church. Light candles, candles and incense to glorify God.
Over the centuries, various Christian traditions have honored her in different ways. The Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches celebrate her feast day, along with her siblings Mary and Lazarus, recognizing their collective role in the early church and their close personal connections with Jesus.
The legacy of Saint Martha is a blend of service and faith, providing a balanced example of Christian life that emphasizes both action and contemplation. Her story encourages believers to engage actively in their communities while also grounding themselves in faith and devotion, reflecting the dual call to serve and to pray that characterizes Christian life.