Saint Martha of Bethany

St. Martha, who lived during the first century, is the sister of Mary and Lazarus. They were friends of Jesus. St. Martha is from Bethany a two -mile walk from Jerusalem. St. Martha is a patron saint of cooks, housewives, servants, painters and herdsmen. Her feast day is July 29. Some legends of St. Martha are she converted Mary Magdalene, and she was one of the three woman who went to Jesus' grave on Easter morning. Another was that she traveled by ship to Marseilles and she conquered Tarascus, the man-eating dragon in the Rhone valley with a cross and holy water. She exorcised demons. When Jesus came to visit, it was Martha who served the meal and waited on him. Mary always sat at Jesus' feet and listened to him talk. Because of this, Martha represents an active Christian, always busy with good works and helping others. Mary, her sister, represents contemplation (thinking). In Martha, we see ourselves worried and distracted by all we have to do in the world and forgetting to spend time with Jesus.

Prayer to St. Martha:

Pray for us that we might serve Jesus better. Help us to overcome our distractions and worries, to listen to his words and be present to him this day. Amen

Superstition:

In the Czech Republic, those who make butter on St. Martha's feast day and give some of it to the church for the lamps will have plenty of milk for the year.

Abby