SAINTS MARTHA, MARY AND LAZARUS – DISCIPLES OF THE LORD
It is interesting that when most Christians think of Martha, the passage of Luke comes to mind where Martha is “distracted by many things” while Jesus is a guest in the house. This reference in the Gospel of Luke gives us a window into the social life of Jesus and friends. Martha, Lazarus and Mary host Jesus and his followers at their home. Martha fusses and asks Jesus why he is not bothered that she is doing all the work while her sister is not helping. Sound familiar? How often do we stop ourselves from living in the moment because “how else would all this get done?” In Martha and Mary’s case, they probably rose with the sun to grind the wheat for the flour to bake the bread. Mary sits at the feet of Jesus, listening and learning. Jesus tells Martha that Mary has made the better choice. Seems a bit harsh and yet, this narrative illustrates so much about how we are in family, community and faith. Jesus is pointing Martha to the bigger picture and commending Mary for being present.
There are many commentaries written on this passage and the consensus of most is that we need to be both Martha and Mary in our Christian lives. The examples of Martha and Mary illustrate our need for the contemplative and active aspects of our faith.
Jesus comes to be with the family at the death of Lazarus. These are his beloved friends. Both Mary and Martha express that if Jesus had been there, their brother would not have died. And Martha proclaims, “Yes, Lord, I believe.” This is the St. Martha we should most remember – the woman who proclaims that Jesus is indeed the Son of God. Her profession of faith is unwavering in the face of her grief.
What do we know of Lazarus? We know that he was loved by Jesus. We know that he was a dear friend and we know that he was an instrument and a witness to the glory of God. These events are a slice of life from the time of Jesus, and they illuminate the human and divine nature of Christ. They are three intimate friends of Jesus who are not part of the twelve apostles. They are disciples of Jesus, loved and chosen to witness.
Jan Bentham is a retired Religion Coordinator with the Ottawa Catholic School Board. She is a musician, serving in music ministry at St. Ignatius Parish in Ottawa. She currently works at St. Paul’s University with the Catholic Women’s Leadership Program.
