Memorial of Saints Martha, Mary, & Lazarus
Today’s Memorial recognizes the gift of three siblings who were close friends of Jesus and often welcomed him into their home. In 2021, Pope France introduced the additions of Saints Mary and Lazarus to the memorial of St. Martha, giving us a wonderful opportunity to reflect on our role as families and communities in relating to Jesus. The lectionary gives us two gospel story options - both full of emotion and honest dialogue with Jesus, showing the intimacy and trust that the three siblings had in Him.
Let’s focus on Luke’s hospitality story - Martha is busily serving the physical needs of Jesus, while Mary sits and meets emotional and spiritual needs by attentively listening to him. The dynamics between the siblings are so typical of families, community and workplace relationships - as members want fairness and equal treatment. Martha complains that she is left to handle all the serving tasks herself (which are her priority). Jesus is concerned that she might be overemphasizing the work aspect and encourages her to put aside her worries and to stop and “just be”.
Like Martha, we also often avoid solving rivalry or difficulties in our close relationships directly - and will try to get a ‘third-party’ to solve the situation. In this case, Martha goes to Jesus, asking him to intervene, rather than going directly to Mary. While praying and seeking counsel to resolve relationship dynamics is wise to gain perspective, listening to the other’s perspective and working out how each of our gifts and mutual concerns can complement each other often brings the most harmonious solution.
The readings also invite us to think about how we balance the Martha and Mary qualities within ourselves. We are called to cultivate both a quiet listening (prayer of contemplation and reflection) and to engage in active service. Jesus’ invitation in today’s gospel extends to us when life is too burdensome and busy. Excerpts of a 2013 hymn by Andrew F. Pratt - Sometimes when all our busyness, capture the dilemma well.
When all our busyness is just too much to bear... remember Jesus’ kindly words (to Mary)…that Martha felt unfair, gave leave to stop and be, and those who need the peace of God have reason to feel free… When the pressure is too great…stop, take stock, and rest awhile.
May we be encouraged by the honest dynamics among the sibling Saints Martha, Mary and Lazarus. May we together seek to host Jesus as He comes to our hearts and in the face of those we encounter in our families, communities, workplaces, and everyday lives. May our hearts be inspired to burn with love, and together may we ever create for Jesus, a place of friendship and a home.
—Sr. Leanne Jablonski, FMI