Saint Martha of Bethany, an emblematic figure of the New Testament, embodies devotion, service and deep faith in Jesus Christ. Mentioned in the Gospels, particularly in the writings of Luke and John, Saint Martha is known for her central role in the warm welcome she gave to Jesus during his visits to Bethany.
A Generous Welcome to Jesus
Martha, with her sister Mary and their brother Lazarus, resided in Bethany, a village located near Jerusalem. The Gospel of Luke (10:38-42) presents us with a memorable scene where Jesus visits the house of Martha and Mary. While Mary sits at Jesus' feet to listen to his teaching, Martha preoccupies herself with domestic chores.
Her desire to serve Jesus well pushes her to express her concern, but Jesus, with kindness, emphasizes the importance of faith and spiritual listening, welcoming Mary's quest for inner wisdom. However, it is essential to note that this scene in no way downplays Marthe's essential role as a caring host.
Faith in the Face of Death and Resurrection
Another significant mention of Saint Martha is found in the Gospel of John (11:1-44), where we learn of the illness and death of Lazarus, the brother of Martha and Mary. Martha expresses her deep sorrow during the encounter with Jesus, but even in pain, she demonstrates extraordinary faith.
When Jesus arrives in Bethany, Martha confronts him with respect, but also with unwavering confidence. His declaration “Lord, I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who comes into the world” (John 11:27) reveals his unwavering faith in Jesus as Messiah. It was then that Jesus performed the miracle of raising Lazarus, reinforcing Martha's belief in the divine power of her special guest.
The Testimony of Christian Tradition
After the resurrection of Lazarus, Saint Martha continued to follow Jesus. According to Christian tradition, Martha, Mary and Lazarus later emigrated to Gaul (modern France), where they played a major role in evangelization. Saint Martha is particularly honored in the Provence region of France, where the town of Tarascon is home to a basilica dedicated to the saint.
The Model of Service and Faith
Saint Martha of Bethany remains a source of inspiration for Christians around the world. Her story highlights the importance of selfless service while balancing the practicalities of life with a deep faith in Christ. It represents the idea that daily service, whether large or small, can be a form of worship.
In conclusion, Saint Martha of Bethany holds a special place in the hearts of believers as a model of faith, service and welcome. His life and testimony continue to encourage the faithful to follow Christ with devotion and to serve others with love and compassion.
Gérard de Montferrand. Sainte Marthe de Béthanie : Vie et dévotion. Éditions du Saint-Esprit, 2009.
Jacques Dupont. L'Évangile de Marthe : Études sur les récits bibliques et leur interprétation. Éditions Théologiques, 2014.
Marie-Thérèse Dubois. Les Évangiles de Luc et de Jean : Témoignages sur Sainte Marthe. Éditions du Verbe, 2017.
Hélène Pichon. Sainte Marthe : Un modèle de foi et de service dans la tradition chrétienne. Éditions du Patrimoine Sacré, 2018.
Pauline Richard. Les saints dans la tradition chrétienne : Marthe, Marie et Lazare. Éditions Universelles, 2020.
