Myrtha
Young widow of Bethlehem in Galilee. She lost a little daughter during her widowhood. She only has her boy Abel left. She refuses the advances of Aser who, out of spite, involves her son Abel in the murder of the rich Joel. It is in a poignant scene, where the teenager is torn from his mother to be led to his punishment, that Jesus arrives.[1] He will strike the impostor murderers with immediate leprosy.[2]
"[...] my Lord. My son’s life and mine are Yours, because You have saved them. Let him go with Your disciples, as he has been wishing to, since they were here. I offer him to You with so much joy and I beg You to allow me to follow him, to serve him and the servants of God."[3]
Having joined the disciples who follow Jesus, she is entrusted with Aurea, as with Naomi of Perga whose friend she becomes.[4]
Jesus will spare this young suffering mother the sight of His Passion by taking her away from Jerusalem.[5]
Character and appearance
Probably in her thirties. She has a lively character who is outraged by the fate reserved for Aurea, the thirteen-year-old girl.
Apostolic journey
"Woman disciple" is the term used to designate those most committed to following Jesus.
Her name
Myrtha (myrtle) or Hadassa was the name of Queen Esther (star), a name which was her Persian name.
Where is she mentioned in the work?
GRM 248
GRM 352 GRM 370 GRM 371 GRM 376
GRM 427 GRM 433 GRM 434 GRM 435 GRM 439 GRM 440 GRM 441
GRM 566 GRM 577 GRM 596
GRM 634