Sts Martha, Mary and Lazarus
Readings:
Jeremiah 13: 1-11
Luke 10: 38-42 or John 11: 19-27
Reflection:
Today is the feast of Martha, Mary and Lazarus, the three siblings who were some of Jesus’ dearest friends and who welcomed him to their home in Bethany on various occasions. Their offer of hospitality and their oasis of rest and recuperation would have been welcomed by Jesus and his apostles after being on the road doing their missionary work and roughing it.
Pope Francis writes “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.”
Isn’t it nice to think that Jesus had such amazing friends – they were his ‘besties.’ He felt so at ease with them and them with him. We know that Martha rebuked him for not getting Mary to help her (Luke 10) and was deeply hurt and angry that he did not come earlier when Lazarus was ill and that when he did come Lazarus had already died (John 11). Only true friends say these sorts of things.
The gift of friendship is to be treasured and nurtured. It is among true friends that we can share who we really are; where we can be at home; when we take the time to really listen to each other.
Jesus is calling us into the same deep friendship that he had with Martha, Mary and Lazarus. Spending time listening to his words, just like Mary did is so important. Through deep listening with our hearts open it will lead us to discern what Jesus is asking us to do, like Martha did in serving him. Lazarus was brought back to life, a whole new life that was free and unbound by his dear friend – there is a lesson is this newfound freedom.
Victoria Raw is parishioner of Te Whetu O Te Moana, Star of the Sea Marlborough, NZ and is active in lay ministry.