(Statue of St. Martha in Aix-en-Provence, France)

Here is another reflection from Miriam of Magdala by Katherine F. Mullany, published in 1906. When Our Lord said, "Martha, Martha, thou art anxious and troubled about many things," to the one who was busily engaged in trying to serve Him, this author opines that these words hurt Martha's pride. Mary Magdalen had been the one to "wander from righteousness" and now she was held up as an example to the faithful Martha, who had always obeyed the Jewish law. She was being told that "Mary had chosen the better part." How hard this must have been for the future Saint Martha!

"The eyes of Jesus gazed upon her troubled countenance lovingly, while self-love and pride battled with her nobler nature, and grace won under the power of that sweet glance."

Holy Scripture doesn't tell us Martha's reaction, but this author says that Martha humbly apologized, and her sister Mary got up and helped her...which sounds plausible. :)

But I wonder how often Our Lord turns that same loving, sweet glance on us, understanding our struggles, as we undergo spiritual battles daily, trying to decide between grace and pride!