Memorial of Saints Marth, Mary, and Lazarus
(Exodus
33:7-11.34:5b-9.28; Luke 10:38-42)
Today’s
feast was that of Santa Martha until Pope Francis included her siblings a few
years ago. There is good reason to
consider them together. All belong to
the same family, and all show themselves close to the Lord. We will consider the relationships of Martha
and of Mary to Jesus in the Gospel of Luke.
Named by Jesus himself as his friend in John’s gospel (11:11), Lazarus
cannot help but have saintly status.
By staying
close to the Lord, listening to his guidance, and feeling his love, Mary is
preparing herself to act in a new way. She will not lean toward selfishness
while in the company of Jesus, who knows her heart. Her actions will be
wholesome and fruitful because she has chosen “the better part.” Martha,
most likely, understands this lesson as well. She is generous of heart and,
equally important, has the good sense to go to Jesus with her problem.
What about
us? Do we see ourselves more like Mary—contemplative and quiet—or like
Martha—active and expressive? It doesn’t really matter. Both women have been
proclaimed saints. What matters is that,
like Mary, we listen to and follow the Lord’s teachings. And like Martha, we
ask for his help and bring to completion our efforts with care.
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