Nostra Signora della Rosa / Our Lady of the Rose (Lucca, Italy) – 30 January:HERE:https://anastpaul.com/2021/01/30/our-lady-of-the-rose-lucca-italy-and-memorials-of-the-saints-30-january/ St Martha (1st Century) Virgin Martyr – Sister of Saint Lazarus and Saint Mary of Bethany. Friend of Jesus and hostess to Him in her house. May have been part of an early mission to France. (Feast day moved…

One Minute Reflection – 29 July – ‘ … It is a greater and more perfect work. ,,,’

One Minute Reflection – 29 July – “The Month of the Precious Blood” – St Martha, Sister of Saint Lazarus and Saint Mary of Bethany – 2 Corinthians 10:17-18; 11:1-2, Luke 10:38-42 “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things and yet ,only one thing is needful. Mary has chosen the best part and it will not be taken away from her.” – Luke 10:41-42 REFLECTION – “Virtue does not…

Quote of the Day – 29 July – “I believe”

Quote/s of the Day – 29 July – Monday of the Seventeenth Week of Ordinary Time, Year C and the Memorial of St Martha, Gospel: John 11:19–27

“I believe that you are the Christ”

John 11:27

“He died for us. Why not live for Him?”

C S Lewis

Thought for the Day – 29 July – “The teacher is here and is asking for you,”

Thought for the Day – 29 July – Monday of the Seventeenth Week of Ordinary Time, Year C and the Memorial of St Martha, Gospel: John 11:19–27

Martha’s great glory is her simple and strong statement of faith in Jesus after her brother’s death.   “Jesus told her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will…

One Minute Reflection – 29 July – “Lord, I believe”

One Minute Reflection – 29 July – Monday of the Seventeenth Week of Ordinary Time, Year C and the Memorial of St Martha, Gospel: John 11:19–27

“Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, he who is coming into the world.” … John 11:27

REFLECTION– “Christ went to raise Lazarus and the fame of that miracle was the immediate cause of His seizure and crucifixion (Jn 11,46)…   He…

Saint of the Day – 29 July – St Martha – sister of St Lazarus and St Mary of Bethany. Friend of Jesus, and hostess to him in her house.    May have been part of an early mission to France.   Died – c.80 of natural causes.   Patronage –  butlers• Congregation of Martha and Mary (founded in 1979)• cooks (proclaimed on 1 July 1963 by Pope Paul VI)• dieticians • domestic servants• homemakers • hotel-keepers• housemaids• housewives• innkeepers (proclaimed on 1 July 1963 by Pope Paul VI) • laundry workers • maids• manservants • servants• servers• single laywomen• travellers• Villajoyosa, Spain (chosen after a flash flood saved the village from Moorish invaders on her feast day in 1538).  Attributes – • broom (referring to being a home maker)• dragon• keys (referring to keeping the home) • with a holy water sprinkler or holy water pot• ladle (reference to her home-making, cooking, etc.).

One of the most precious things in life is to have a home where you can go at any time and find people who accept, love, and understand you.   Jesus found such a home in Bethany, at the house of a woman named Martha.   She welcomed Him and served Him and they developed a special bond of friendship.   One of these visits has ever remained dear to Christian memory.   On that occasion Martha, busily serving the Master, asked Him to persuade Mary to help her.   Without in any way reproaching Martha, Jesus explained to her that certain souls, called by God, should choose a better part still — the primary duty of listening to Him and contemplating Him.

Martha lived with her sister Mary.   Like many other pairs of sisters, these two women were different in personality.   Martha was energetic and outspoken, while Mary was quiet and reflective.   Jesus loved both of them and appreciated the gifts that each one had.

The Gospel of Luke records that once, when Jesus was visiting, Martha prepared the meal while Mary sat talking to their visitor.   Martha complained that Jesus should tell Mary to help her.   Jesus said that because Martha was worrying so much about the work, she did not have time to enjoy being with Him and listening to His words.