Daily Meditation - Tuesday 29July 2008 - BEING FORTHRIGHT WITH THE LORD

[BarbaraTherese]

Memorial
St.Martha
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Meditation

John 11:19-27

St. Martha

Why is it so easy to identify with St. Martha?

Probably because she’s so forthright.
We know what’s bothering her, what she’s thinking and feeling.

• “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? Tell her to help me!” (Luke 10:40).
• “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” (John 11:21)
  Because she’s so open with Jesus, he is able not only to answer Martha’s questions but to gently prompt her to move forward in faith.
• She comes to him with her grief and anger
• —but with faith as well.
• We sent you word that Lazarus was gravely ill. Why didn’t you come sooner?
• Still, “even now I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you” (John 11:22).

Jesus says that Lazarus will rise again.

• Martha knows very well that he will rise on the last day, but Jesus tries to take her further,
• “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live. . . . Do you believe this?”

Martha probably isn’t sure what to expect, but his ringing declaration about himself prompts from her a profession of faith we still remember and quote:

• “Yes, Lord, I have come to believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God” (John 11:25-27).
• Even after this dialogue, Martha is hesitant to have the stone taken away from the cave.
• “Lord, by now there will be a stench; he has been dead for four days,” she points out (John 11:39)

Then she witnesses not only her brother’s dramatic resuscitation but “the glory of God” (11:40).

• Like Martha, Jesus invites us to be open with him.
• What is happening in your life right now?
• How do you feel about it?
• ***What thrills you? What upsets you? ***
• What are you hoping for?
• *** What disappoints you? ***
• Where do you wish God had acted sooner?
  Don’t stop there. After you have poured out your heart, be quiet and listen for Jesus’ answer.
• He won’t always answer the question you consider the most urgent.
• Neither will he always do what you think you want.

But he will lovingly meet you where you are and help you to take the next step forward with him—just as he did for Martha!

“Jesus, I bring you what I am thinking, feeling, and wishing today. Help me to rest in your love and to hear what is on your heart and mind.”