Gospel 7-29-24. Luke 10:38-42. St Martha, Virgin
38 Now it came to pass as they went, that he entered into a certain town: and a certain woman named Martha, received him into her house.
Factum est autem, dum irent, et ipse intravit in quoddam castellum : et mulier quaedam, Martha nomine, excepit illum in domum suam,
39 And she had a sister called Mary, who sitting also at the Lord's feet, heard his word.
et huic erat soror nomine Maria, quae etiam sedens secus pedes Domini, audiebat verbum illius.
40 But Martha was busy about much serving. Who stood and said: Lord, hast thou no care that my sister hath left me alone to serve? speak to her therefore, that she help me.
Martha autem satagebat circa frequens ministerium : quae stetit, et ait : Domine, non est tibi curae quod soror mea reliquit me solam ministrare? dic ergo illi ut me adjuvet.
41 And the Lord answering, said to her: Martha, Martha, thou art careful, and art troubled about many things:
Et respondens dixit illis Dominus : Martha, Martha, sollicita es, et turbaris erga plurima,
42 But one thing is necessary. Mary hath chosen the best part, which shall not be taken away from her.
porro unum est necessarium. Maria optimam partem elegit, quae non auferetur ab ea.
Martha, sister of Mary Magdalen and Lazarus, lived at Bethany a humble active life. She often gave hospitality to our Lord. According to one account they ended their days at Marseilles---St Lazarus as Bishop, St Mary Magdalen and anchoress, St Martha as head of a small community of holy women.
