Holy Spirit Interactive Kids: A Saint a Day

St. Martha

Feast Day: July 29
Died: (around 80 AD)

Martha was the sister of Mary and Lazarus who lived in the little town of Bethany near Jerusalem. They were dear friends of Jesus, and he often came to visit them. In fact, the Gospel tells us: "Jesus loved Martha, and her sister Mary and Lazarus."

It was St. Martha who lovingly served the Lord when he visited them. One day, she was preparing a meal for Jesus and his disciples. She realized that the task would be easier if her sister Mary would help instead of sitting quietly at Jesus' feet, listening to him.

"Lord, tell my sister to help me," Martha suggested. Jesus was very pleased with Martha's loving service but he wanted her to know that listening to God's Word and praying is even more important. So he said gently, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious about many things, but only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the better part."

St. Martha's great faith in Jesus was seen when her brother Lazarus died. As soon as she heard that Jesus was coming to Bethany, Martha went to meet him. She trusted Jesus and said to him: "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died."

Then Jesus told her that Lazarus would rise. He said, "He who believes in me, even if he die, shall live. Do you believe this?" And Martha answered, "Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who has come into the world." Jesus worked a great miracle and raised Lazarus from the dead!

Later, Jesus came again to have supper with Lazarus, Martha and Mary. St. Martha served them at table as always. This time, though, Martha did it lovingly and served them with a joyful heart.

Day 210 - The Parable of the Ten Pounds (Part I)

Today’s Reading: Luke 19:11-19
11 As they heard these things, he proceeded to tell a parable, because he was near to Jerusalem, and because they supposed that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately. 12 He said therefore, “A nobleman went into a far country to receive kingly power and then return. 13 Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten pounds, and said to them, Trade with these till I come.’ 14 But his citizens hated him and sent an embassy after him, saying, We do not want this man to reign over us.’ 15 When he returned, having received the kingly power, he commanded these servants, to whom he had given the money, to be called to him, that he might know what they had gained by trading. 16 The first came before him, saying, Lord, your pound has made ten pounds more.’ 17 And he said to him, Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.’ 18 And the second came, saying, Lord, your pound has made five pounds.’ 19 And he said to him, And you are to be over five cities.’

Today’s Commentary:
appear immediately: The disciples expected Jesus’ long journey to Jerusalem to culminate in his enthronement and the establishment of an earthly kingdom (Acts 1:6). The parable corrects this misunderstanding on two counts. (1) It hints that Jesus will be enthroned far away in the heavenly Jerusalem, not in the earthly city just up the road (Acts 2:33- 36). (2) It shows that Jesus will be absent for a time before he returns to judge his enemies and settle accounts with his servants.