Reflection for Wednesday July 29 Memorial of Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus: John 11:19-27

Gospel: John 11:19-27

Many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them about their brother [Lazarus, who had died]. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went to meet him; but Mary sat at home. Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 

But even now I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise.”  Martha said to him, “I know he will rise, in the resurrection on the last day.” Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and anyone who lives and believes in me will never die. 

Do you believe this?” She said to him, “Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world.”

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

What compelled Martha to meet Jesus while He was on His way to their house? It was her faith.

Martha was grieving the death of her brother, Lazarus. Yet when she heard that Jesus was on His way to their home to comfort them, her grief was immediately replaced by hope. Martha had deep faith in Jesus, and because He was their close friend, she knew Him well. She trusted that His presence alone could bring comfort, peace, and even the promise of new life.

What do we do when we are sorrowful and in distress? Don't we also run to Jesus? Indeed, we do. The strength that compels us to seek the Lord is fueled by our faith, our hope, and our growing friendship with Him.

We are truly blessed because we know where to turn when we are beset by the many trials and uncertainties of this world. In His presence, we discover a peace that the world cannot give, a hope that does not disappoint, and a love that never fails.

But what about those among us who do not yet know Jesus deeply—or those who have never come to know Him at all? Where do they turn when they are overwhelmed by life's burdens? Many may search for temporary relief in the passing comforts and promises of this world, only to find that these can never satisfy the deepest longings of the human heart. Without knowing Jesus, they may never encounter the lasting hope and true peace that only He can give.

This is where we are called to respond. As followers of Christ, we are invited to become instruments of His light and love for those who are searching, weary, and broken. Through our words, our actions, and the witness of our lives, we can gently lead others to Jesus, so that they too may experience His healing, His mercy, His hope, and His gift of salvation. Our lives may become the very bridge through which someone encounters Christ.

Our faith in Jesus must never be an exclusive faith that we keep only for ourselves. It is a gift meant to be shared. The more we receive His love, the more we are called to reflect that love to others. As we grow closer to Christ, may we also help others draw closer to Him, so that together we may walk in the light of His grace and rejoice in the fullness of His life.

Today, let us ask ourselves: Does our faith simply bring us closer to Jesus, or does it also inspire us to bring others closer to Him? May we never keep the hope we have found in Christ to ourselves, but courageously share it so that others, too, may come to know, love, and follow the One who alone is our hope, our peace, and our salvation.– Marino J. Dasmarinas