Remembering Martha, Mary and Lazarus

Until 2021, the 29th of July was the feast of St Martha. But in that year, Pope Francis added her sister Mary and brother Lazarus so that today we celebrate the three family members, It makes sense because often when Jesus was in Bethany he went to visit and stay with the family. As Pope Francis said when he made the change, ''In the household of Bethany, the Lord Jesus experienced the family spirit and friendship of Martha, Mary and Lazarus, and for this reason the gospel of John states that he loved them.' We know that it was Martha who generously offered Jesus hospitality providing the meals although she complained that Mary did not help because she was listening to Jesus. Jesus defended Mary saying that she had chosen the better part. When Lazarus died, Jesus arrived when he was already in the tomb, but he restored him to life, telling Martha those words that are the basis of our faith. ''I am the Resurrection and the Life. If anyone believes in me, even though he dies he will live.'' The family of Bethany offered Jesus the gifts of friendship and hospitality welcoming Jesus into their home. The feast calls upon us to value those same gifts so that everyone who enters our home may feel the same welcome.