Martha was a woman of faith, hospitality, and love. She delighted in serving God and others, sharing an intimate friendship with the Lord. Martha and her family were friends of Jesus. Their friendship had been cultivated over many years of welcoming the Lord into their home whenever he travelled to Jerusalem. It was this closeness that enabled Martha to trust Jesus even when she could not understand why he had not come when Lazarus was sick. Despite her disappointment when he arrived after Lazarus had been dead for four days, she was still able to proclaim “Yes, Lord. I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world.” In the first reading we see Moses, who also had an intimate relationship with God, frequently conversing with him in the tent of meeting. Likewise, God invites us into an intimate friendship with him. He longs for us to spend time with him in prayer each day and to open our hearts to him in sincerity.

PRAYER: Abba Father, I long to deepen my relationship and friendship with you, open my heart to receive more of your love. Amen.