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Many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them about
their brother [Lazarus, who had died]. When Martha heard that Jesus
was coming, she went to meet him; but Mary sat at home. Martha said
to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have
died. But even now I know that whatever you ask of God, God will
give you.” John 11:19–22
Today’s memorial is relatively new within our Church. In the year
2021, Pope Francis replaced the Memorial of Saint Martha with this
memorial in honor of all three siblings: Martha, Mary and Lazarus.
In commenting on the reason for this new memorial, the Congregation
for Divine Worship stated: “Martha generously offered him
hospitality, Mary listened attentively to his words, and Lazarus
promptly emerged from the tomb at the command of the One who
humiliated death.” Furthermore, these three siblings gave an
evangelical witness to us all. They model for us how to be
Christians within our imperfections. They did this by welcoming
Jesus into their home, by listening to Him attentively, and by
believing that He is the Resurrection and the Life.
These three siblings each had their own unique personality and
loved Jesus in their own way. Though not much is said about
Lazarus' personal interactions with Jesus, we do have some helpful
insights into both Martha and Mary. In one Gospel story, Martha
complained to Jesus that her sister left her to do all the cooking.
Jesus gently corrected her. Mary, on the other hand, gave a witness
of deep prayer and love of Jesus by sitting at His feet listening
to Him. However, in the story of the raising of Lazarus from the
dead, there is a reversal of roles. Martha is the one who runs out
to meet Jesus and expresses her deep faith in Him. Mary, on the
other hand, heard that Jesus was coming and appeared to stay at
home because she was upset.
Perhaps the most helpful way to ponder these siblings is to
acknowledge two things. First, they are now saints in Heaven
enjoying eternal beatitude and glory. Second, on earth they were
people of faith and love, but they were also very clearly
imperfect. Therefore, the witness they give to us should be
twofold. We hope to share in the glory in which they now share, and
we trust this will happen if we also befriend our Lord and welcome
Him into our homes, imperfect though we may be.
Reflect, today, upon this holy but imperfect family. The
imperfections and manifest weaknesses of these three siblings
should encourage us to press on in our practice of the faith when
things are not perfect in our lives either. There are many reasons
why we might get discouraged or feel like doubting or giving up at
times. Perhaps things are not perfect within the Church—or at the
particular church you attend. Perhaps you are struggling with
loving someone in your family. Perhaps you are struggling with an
emotional issue. Perhaps there is some sin you seem to be incapable
of overcoming. Perhaps you struggle with a physical ailment and
wonder why God permitted it to happen. If you are able to relate to
any of these, or any other forms of imperfection, then take
inspiration from this family of Martha, Mary and Lazarus. Invite
Jesus into the home of your heart, your family home and everywhere
you go. He will come, gently correct you when needed, and give you
the gift of new life, raising you up from your sins and
weaknesses.
Lord, You befriended this ordinary family of Martha, Mary and
Lazarus. You visited their home, received their hospitality, gently
corrected them when needed and eventually raised them to the new
life of eternal glory. May I also welcome You into the home of my
soul, within my family and into every aspect of my life. Please
come to me and raise me to the newness of the life of grace. Jesus,
I trust in You.
Image: Jesus raises Lazarus by Lawrence OP, license CC BY-NC-ND
2.0.
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