Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial
of Saint Martha, (29th July, 2017) on the Gospel and the Memorial
(Saturday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary
Time (I))
Ex 24:3-8;
Ps 49:1-2.5-6.14-15. (R. v.14);Matt 13:24-30.
Saint Martha
was a native of Bethany and sister to Lazarus and Mary, cf. Jn 11: 1,5,19. She believed in Jesus
Christ and also witnessed His resurrection of her brother, Lazarus, cf. Jn 11:17-27, 38-44. Jesus loved Martha
and her siblings, cf. Jn 11:5. The
gospels recorded Jesus’ three visits to them, cf. Matt 26:6-13; Lk 10:38-42; Jn 11:1-44. She was known for her
hospitality and service, cf. Jn 12:2.
Martha is the patron saint of housewives, waiters, waitresses, servants and
cooks.
Topic: For barn or for burning.
We read the parable of the weeds in today’s gospel. When
everybody was sleeping, the enemy sowed weeds among the wheat. The servants
wanted to uproot the weeds immediately but the master said to them,
No; for in gathering the weeds you would uproot the wheat along
with them. Let both of them grow together until the harvest... I will tell the
reapers, Collect the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but
gather the wheat into my barn.
Just like in the parable of the sower, both the wheat and the
weeds exist within. We see God in this parable as a very patient God. However,
let no one be deceived. That God hasn’t punished does not mean He will never
punish. Saint Peter rightly writes, “The Lord is not slow about his promise as
some count slowness, but is forbearing toward you, not wishing that any should
perish, but that all should reach repentance” (2Pt 3:9; cf. Ezek 33:11).
Spiritual drowsiness is very dangerous. The enemy sowed the
weeds when everyone was sleeping. In the same vein, the devil always has it
very easy when the children of God are sleeping. We must stop sleeping, cf. 1Thess 5:6).
Finally, let nobody count him/herself as a child of God when
he/she is not. Saint John writes, “... whoever does not do right is not of God,
nor he who does not love his brother” (1Jn
3:10). We ought to imitate Saint Martha who showed exemplary love for
others.
Bible Reading: 1Jn 2:29–3:10.
Thought for today: Work towards barn or burning.
Let us pray: Lord, assist us in our effort to
remain always your seeds – Amen.
Saint Martha – Pray for us.
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