ST. MARTHA, MARY AND LAZARUS, PATRON SAINTS OF SIBLINGS
“Will you have a Martha or a Mary Christmas?” This was the title of an article I wrote a few years ago about two of the siblings we remember on this day. In the article, I was questioning all the things we “do” or feel we “must do” during Advent rather than how we might aim to “be” in the moment and more readily embrace the mysteries of that liturgical season.
July 29 used to be focused only on St. Martha. In 2021 Pope Francis added Martha’s siblings to the commemorative day. Today, we remember the sisters Martha and Mary and their brother Lazarus as well.
In Scripture, Martha, Mary and Lazarus feature prominently as they hosted Jesus in their home in Bethany, like one might host extended family. Jesus was comfortable with them and their hospitality. Martha is remembered for being action-oriented, with the practical hospitality duties. She then complained about her sister, Mary, sitting and contemplating the words of Jesus instead of jumping up to help.
There may be lots of uncertainty about the details of their lives, but they were strong, close relationships. When their brother Lazarus was sick and dying, the sisters called for help. When Jesus arrived, he was met with tears and angst that he hadn’t come earlier. Lazarus was the recipient of a life-giving miracle from Jesus, one that brought much excitement and controversy to the community.
How can we acknowledge the example of Martha, Mary and Lazarus?
Their hospitality – they welcomed Jesus into their home and provided a place of comfort and rest for him and perhaps all of the disciples.
Their faith – we can imagine Martha struggling with expressing her faith through her tears. The siblings trusted in Jesus as the Messiah, as the Son of God, and were able to follow through with sharing their faith and leading others throughout their lives, including the second chance at life that Lazarus lived.
Their relationships and love – their stories tell of the familiar challenge of living day-to-day with others: two sisters with different personalities, different needs of the moment, one choosing to sit and listen to their visitor, while the other is keeping busy making lunch and preparing the guest room. We don’t know what Martha was thinking when Jesus told her not to take away what Mary was doing. Martha was busy and perhaps not listening to the wisdom being shared. Mary was sitting and listening to Jesus. We don’t know how Mary felt when Martha spoke up about her. Lazarus is not mentioned in that Scripture passage but was likely sitting with the men listening and asking questions. Perhaps we can imagine the family: who was the eldest of the three? Were they living in their parent’s home? Did they share equally the workload of running a household?
These thoughts may give us pause to reflect ourselves on our own relationships with others and with the Lord. How patient are we with our siblings when they aren’t responding like we do? Or any other family members or friends?
In an ancient copy of Lives of the Saints, the reflection for this day includes this quote: “The life of action ceases when the body is laid down; but the life of contemplation endures and is perfected in heaven.” (John Gilmary Shea, Pictorial Lives of the Saints with Reflections, New York: Benziger Brothers, 1887).
I was born into a family of 10. Each of my sibs have such different stories, varied personalities and physical abilities making the dynamics of the collective relationships mind-boggling. In the past year, my younger sister had been quite ill. One of her last wishes was to remain lovingly connected to her siblings and many nieces and nephews. As she came nearer to end-of-life, she experienced an inability to do things. She had to overcome frustration and grief, continue to pray, focus on the present moment and contemplate on the promise of where she was going.
Just as Jesus encouraged Martha to slow down her actions, and affirmed Mary’s approach, may we pray to find balance between action and contemplation every day that we are alive.
Jesus, Son of God, grant us insight and humility to build healthy, loving relationships within our families. Amen.
Jeanne Lambert combines her experiences as a parish and community nurse and her music ministry, and she continues to find ways to include music in pastoral care and community hospice work. Jeanne has many diverse writings and presentations to her credit on family life, grief, wholistic health care and spiritual reflection.
