Memorial of Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus

Theme: "Friendship with Christ: Service, Contemplation, and Witness"


Introduction – 

A priest once asked a Sunday school class, “Who are Mary and Martha?”
A boy answered, “Sisters who lived with a guy named Lazarus. Jesus often visited them, probably because they had good food and free Wi-Fi!”
The priest laughed and replied, “They didn’t have Wi-Fi, but they definitely had a home that welcomed Jesus with love, silence, and soup.”

The Word of God

First Reading – 1 John 4:7-16
This beautiful passage focuses on love as the essence of God. We are reminded that love is not just an emotion or duty—it is the very nature of God Himself. Whoever abides in love abides in God. Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus lived this truth. Their home in Bethany was a sanctuary of love where Christ found rest, friendship, and faith.

Psalm – Psalm 34:2-11
The psalmist calls us to praise and seek refuge in the Lord, whose goodness is near to the brokenhearted and the faithful. The hospitality and devotion of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus echo this call to trust and honour God through both action and contemplation.

Gospel – John 11:19-27 or Luke 10:38-42
In John 11, Martha expresses a profound faith in the resurrection even amid grief. In Luke 10, we witness Martha’s active service and Mary’s quiet listening—two complementary expressions of love for Christ. Jesus affirms both, but reminds us that “the better part” is to rest in His presence.

Connection of the Readings

he readings together reveal a trinity of Christian discipleship:

  • Martha embodies service and faith.

  • Mary represents contemplation and presence.

  • Lazarus, raised from the dead, is a witness to the transformative power of Christ.

Their home illustrates the Christian vocation to welcome Jesus not just in the church, but in the ordinary moments of daily life—with love, action, and attention.

Reflection Questions

  1. Do I allow Christ to find a home in my heart like He did in Bethany?

  2. Am I more like Martha—busy and anxious—or like Mary—still and attentive?

  3. How can I be a witness like Lazarus to God’s life-giving power in my story?

Implications for Daily Living (Jubilee Year & Synod on Synodality)

In this Jubilee Year of Hope and the Synod on Synodality, the household of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus becomes a model of what the Church is called to be:

  • A home where Jesus is welcomed with love and openness.

  • A community where service and listening to the Spirit are balanced.

  • A synodal space where each member’s gift is recognised and valued.

Martha reminds us: Mission needs action.
Mary reminds us: Discernment needs silence.
Lazarus reminds us: Hope needs testimony.

Inspiration / Motivation

Christ did not choose only theologians and scholars for friendship—He chose people with real homes, real struggles, and real faith. That same Jesus longs to enter our lives today—not just as a guest, but as family.

Quote for Reflection

"Christ is more at home in an open heart than in a closed church."
— Anonymous

Final Thoughts

Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus show us that sainthood is not reserved for the spectacular—it is born in homes, in tears, in meals prepared and prayers whispered. In the Jubilee Year, may our homes become places of encounter, and our hearts dwellings of love.

Conclusion

Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus—not for their perfection, but for their friendship and faith. May we open our doors and hearts likewise.

Concluding Prayer

Lord Jesus,
You found in the home of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus
a place of peace, service, and friendship.
May our lives reflect the balance of action and contemplation,
of service and prayer, of hospitality and listening.

In this Jubilee Year and in the spirit of the Synod,
teach us to walk together—welcoming one another,
recognising the gifts of each, and finding You
not only in temples but around our tables.

Make our homes like Bethany—
resting places for the weary, and meeting places for grace.
We ask this in Your holy name.
Amen.

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