Good day to you! How are you? On this final Thursday of the month of July we have a very special liturgical celebration in honor of Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. These holy siblings were dear friends of Jesus whom he loved (John 11:5). Back on January 26, 2021, Cardinal Robert Sarah declared on behalf of Pope Francis and the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments that:
“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.” (press.vatican.va)
Jesus shared with his disciples that, “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you” (John 15:13-14). Like Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus we want to be counted as friends of Christ by our words and actions. Through their inspiring witness and now their heavenly intercession may we be hospitable, attentive listeners, and quickly responsive to the summons of the Lord in our lives.
Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus - Pray for us!
