“But I pray to You, O Lord, for the time of Your favor, O God! In your great kindness answer me with Your constant help.” (Psalm 69:14)
Reflections on the readings for the Memorial of Ss. Martha, Mary, and Lazarus (July 29, 2022): JER 26:1-9; PS 69:5,8-9,14; JN 11:19-27
MISSIO offers “Mission In Scripture” to nurture a missionary heart, providing reflections on the missionary themes in the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.
‘I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in Me, even if he dies, will live, and anyone who lives and believes in me will never die.’ (John 11:23-26).
In 2021, in changing the memorial honoring St. Martha into one celebrating her, her sister Mary, and her brother Lazarus, the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments, stated: “In the household of Bethany, the Lord Jesus experienced the family spirit and friendship of Martha, Mary and Lazarus, and for this reason the Gospel of John states that He loved them. 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.” We find in these siblings, beautiful examples of those who, as individuals and as a family, truly love and believe in Christ. They expressed their devotion in different ways. And sometimes, as when Martha complained to Jesus about Mary not helping her provide for Him and other guests, they made mistakes. But by trusting in Christ and opening themselves to His word, they continued to learn His lessons of compassion and mercy and grew closer to Him.
Today’s Gospel tells the most dramatic of Jesus’ encounters with this family of Bethany -- the raising of Lazarus. When their brother became ill, the sisters sent to Christ, asking Him to come. Even though He loved the dying Lazarus and his sisters, He purposely delayed His return. When He finally arrived, His friend had been dead for four days. Martha immediately expressed her faith but also her disappointment. After all, she says, her brother would not have died if only He had come. “Jesus said to her, ‘Your brother will rise.’ Martha said to Him, ‘I know he will rise, in the resurrection on the last day.’ Jesus told her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in Me, even if he dies, will live, and anyone who lives and believes in me will never die’” (John 11:23-26). And then He walked to Lazarus’ tomb and told him to come out. And he did. Our Lord wanted His dear friends, all who were there that day, and the whole world to know that He rules both life and death. Christ is God, one with the Father and the Holy Spirit. He came to save His beloved people, so that we can share eternal life with Him.
Suggested missionary action: Today, let us ask Ss. Martha, Mary, and Lazarus to intercede with Our Lord and Savior for our own siblings, and for all our family members and friends. We can also ask them to help us offer love, respect, and support to all who are near and dear to us.