GOSPEL, John (11:19-27)
Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to Saint John
19 and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them about their brother. 20 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, while Mary stayed at home. 21 Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of him.” 23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” 24 Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” 27 She said to him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.”
The Gospel of the Lord
REFLECTION
Celebrating St. Martha’s Day today, we are invited to reflect on Jesus’ three friends: Martha, Mary and Lazarus.
Lazarus had died; Jesus goes to meet the family, which He loves dearly. He goes to be with His friends. Martha, sister of Lazarus, had first welcomed Jesus to their home and revealed herself as the saint of hospitality, of welcoming attention, who was always accessible, always ready to be of service.
In the dialogue between Jesus and Martha, she recognizes him as the Lord of Life, the Son of God. Martha is the first person to make the profession of Faith in Jesus Christ, as we read in today’s passage: ” Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.” (John 11:27) The first spoken creed and delivered with such steadfast, and unshakable faith; she is that person who opens her heart to Jesus; Martha is the assertive one, the one who trusts in God in the time of darkness. Martha is the one to speak to Jesus without fear, without hesitation, saying what is in her heart. “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of him.”(vv.21-22) Martha comes out to seek the presence of Jesus while Mary stays at home; Martha proclaims her belief in Jesus and knows that his presence can give life.
Martha is, for us, an example of the disciple who engages with the Lord and firmly believes in his teachings. Her house is the house of the Lord, it is the house, where He feels welcome and it is the house where He stays.
Let us make our house a home deserving of our Lord Jesus to be in, a home so pleasant and welcoming that the Lord loves to be in it. The house that Jesus likes to be in is the home that listens to Him above all, the home that pays Him attention.
Martha’s house is Jesus’ house! May our house also be the house of the Lord!
PRAYER
Lord our God, whose only Son Jesus, brought to life Lazarus, from out of the tomb and accepted Martha’s friendship and hospitality in her home, grant us that, by Serving Christ in each of our brethren’s needs, we may deserve to be nourished like Martha, through the meditation of Your word. Amen.