July 29, 2013

TO LEARN FROM MARTHA ++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø Maybe becz I enjoy cooking & friends at home

Ø Or maybe it’s becz my mother so hospitable & always room at table for 1 more

Ø Whatever reason I always enjoyed biblical Martha as an individual & always thought of her as Italian!

Ø We know her from Gospels: she, Mary & Lazarus close friends of J

Ø He enjoyed their hospitality on journeys 2 Jerusalem just few miles away

Ø “What to learn from Martha on her feast day?”

Ø 1^st = revelation that hospitality offers us

Ø St. Benedict used to say guest at door is person of J

Ø While literally true 4 Martha, when we welcome, make someone feel at home, enjoy a meal, rest & relax, something wonderful happens

Ø Those dispositions create in person a Christ presence & warmth & delight in host

Ø Hospitality is a real virtue & Martha exemplifies it

Ø 2^nd she can teach us joy of friendship

Ø J becz 1 like us in all, save sin, savored rich companionship of others

Ø There was a deeper eating, savoring, & nourishment than simply at level of meal on table

Ø It was nourishment & delight of friendship that meal occasioned

Ø And at that level he reveals to her mystery of life & death: “I am resurrection & the life”

Ø Finally, Martha can help us appreciate those behind scene that make hospitality complete

Ø Those who shop, prepare meal, cook & clean up

Ø They know what must B done 2 enjoy presence of others & do it so willingly

Ø It’s their efforts that create environment 4 hospitality

Ø How important 2 thank workers, the Marthas, wherever they are for their efforts!

CONCLUSION +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø On this feast of St. Martha, we give thanks 4 Hospitality, Friendship, & those Behind Scenes she represents

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