MARTHA
(Aram.: “lady, lady”).
She is the sister of Mary and Lazarus of Bethany (Jn. 11: 1, 2), all of them very addicted to Jesus. Marta wanted to show him her affection by receiving him in a dignified manner.
Mary, more contemplative than her sister, only wanted to listen to the Lord. Martha asked Jesus to rebuke her.
The Lord made Martha understand that the spiritual hunger of her disciples was more important than the burdens they assumed in devotion (Lk. 10: 38-42). The two sisters had a living faith (John 11:21-32).
The house they had in Bethany is called “Martha’s house” (Lk. 10:38). During another meal at the house of Simon the leper in Bethany (Mt. 26:6; Mark 14:3), Lazarus was present, and again we find Martha serving.
This was the occasion when Mary anointed Jesus’ feet (John 12:1-3). From these facts it can be deduced that Martha could be the wife or widow of Simon the leper.