Hôm nay chúng ta mừng lễ Thánh nữ Maria Mađalêna, một người phụ nữ không những chỉ là một đệ tử trung thành và thân tín Chúa Kitô mà còn là một người thật sự yêu kính Chúa Giêsu. Đáng tiếc thay là trong thời chúng ta đang sống hôm nay, nhiều người trong chúng ta có lẽ lo ngại hay có sự nghi ngờ về ba Maria Mađalêna. Nhiều người trong chúng ta cảm thấy khó chịu trong sự thân mật mà cô đã dành cho Chúa Giêsu. Trong bài đọc Tin Mừng hôm nay, Thánh Gioan mô tả những cuộc gặp gỡ của bà với Chúa Giêsu có vẻ như thân thiện hơn nhiều so với sự thân mật bình thường. Vì thế nó không giúp ích cho Maria Mađalên khi bà đã bị người khác nhầm lẫn và miêu tả bà ở trong phim trường Hollywood như là một người tình bất hợp pháp của Chúa Giêsu hay là một cô gái đã từng làm nghề mại dâm (mà cô thực sự là không phải thế..vì có rất nhiều Maria trong những bài Tin Mừng.)
Trong suốt các bài Tin Mừng, Bà Maria Mađalêna đã phải tranh đấu với những khó khăn và sự sỉ nhục, đau thương. Bà cũng bị quỷ ám và cũng bị mọi người thân cận bỏ rơi trước khi Chúa Giêsu trừ quỷ và chữa khỏi bà. Và bà cũng chính mắt chứng kiến cái cái Chết cực hình của người bạn thân thương nhất của bà là Chúa Giêsu đã chết trên thập tự giá. Tóm lại, trong thời gian của bà và cho đến ngày nay, chúng ta đã không chịu để cho Maria Mađalêna có được nhiều thời gian nghỉ ngơi. Ngoại trừ Đức Giêsu, Đấng đã làm.
Chúa Giêsu là người bạn thật chân tình của bà trong tất cả các bạn. Ngài không những chỉ chữa cho bà được khỏi bệnh, nhưng cũng giảng dạy riêng cho bà về Nước Trời nữa mặc dù những người khác phàn nàn và khiếu nại, Để đáp lại, bà Maria Mađalên đã hiến dâng cho Chúa tất cả, Bà đã đầu hàng tầt cả những gì mà bà có và hàng ao ước để lắng nghe và sống trưởng thành với đức tin của mình trong Chúa Giê-su. Vì thế tứ đó đến nay, không ai có thể ngạc nhiên là bà đã trở thành một trong những môn đệ trung thành nhất c, tốt nhất của Chúa.
Bà Maria Mađalên là một mô hình của đức tin và tình bạn hữu của Chúa cho chúng ta. Đối mặt với những sự phản kháng và tâm lý tiêu cực mà chúng ta thường gặp mỗi ngày trong cuộc sống hôm nay, chúng ta thực sự có thể sử dụng những ví dụ và cuộc sống của bà Maria Mađalêna và áp dụng trong mối quan hệ cá nhân của chúng ta với Chúa.
REFLECTION
Today we remember St. Mary Magdalene, a woman who not only was a loyal and faithful disciple of Christ but also a person who truly loved Jesus.It is unfortunate that in our present day, many of us are apprehensive or suspicious of Mary Magdalene. Many of us find discomfort in the intimacy she had with Jesus. In today's gospel reading, St. John's description of the meeting of Mary and Jesus may seem more than friendly than it is joyful. It doesn't help that Mary Magdalene has been mistakenly portrayed in Hollywood as an illegitimate lover of Jesus or as an ex-prostitute (which she really wasn't).Mary Magdalene throughout the Gospels contended with difficulties and traumas. She was possessed of demons and likely an outcast before Jesus cured her. And she watched her friend Jesus die on the cross. In short, during her time and up to the present, we haven't been giving Mary Magdalene much of a break. Except Jesus who did.Jesus was her one true friend throughout it all. He not only cured her, but also taught to her, and stuck with her despite the complaints of others. In response, Mary gave her all to listen to and grow her faith with Jesus hence it comes as no surprise she became one of His most faithful disciples and best of friend.Mary Magdalene is a model of faith and friendship. In the face of antagonism and negative sentiment, which we often experience today, we could really use her example in our own personal relationship with the Lord "Lord, may I never fail to recognize your voice nor lose sight of your presence in your saving word."
Memorial of Saints Martha, Mary and Lazarus, July 29
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.” John 11:19–22
Today’s memorial is relatively new within our Church. In the year 2021, Pope Francis replaced the Memorial of Saint Martha with this memorial in honor of all three siblings: Martha, Mary and Lazarus. In commenting on the reason for this new memorial, the Congregation for Divine Worship stated: “Martha generously offered him hospitality, Mary listened attentively to his words, and Lazarus promptly emerged from the tomb at the command of the One who humiliated death.” Furthermore, these three siblings gave an evangelical witness to us all. They model for us how to be Christians within our imperfections. They did this by welcoming Jesus into their home, by listening to Him attentively, and by believing that He is the Resurrection and the Life.
These three siblings each had their own unique personality and loved Jesus in their own way. Though not much is said about Lazarus’ personal interactions with Jesus, we do have some helpful insights into both Martha and Mary. In one Gospel story, Martha complained to Jesus that her sister left her to do all the cooking. Jesus gently corrected her. Mary, on the other hand, gave a witness of deep prayer and love of Jesus by sitting at His feet listening to Him. However, in the story of the raising of Lazarus from the dead, there is a reversal of roles. Martha is the one who runs out to meet Jesus and expresses her deep faith in Him. Mary, on the other hand, heard that Jesus was coming and appeared to stay at home because she was upset.
Perhaps the most helpful way to ponder these siblings is to acknowledge two things. First, they are now saints in Heaven enjoying eternal beatitude and glory. Second, on earth they were people of faith and love, but they were also very clearly imperfect. Therefore, the witness they give to us should be twofold. We hope to share in the glory in which they now share, and we trust this will happen if we also befriend our Lord and welcome Him into our homes, imperfect though we may be.
Reflect, today, upon this holy but imperfect family. The imperfections and manifest weaknesses of these three siblings should encourage us to press on in our practice of the faith when things are not perfect in our lives either. There are many reasons why we might get discouraged or feel like doubting or giving up at times. Perhaps things are not perfect within the Church—or at the particular church you attend. Perhaps you are struggling with loving someone in your family. Perhaps you are struggling with an emotional issue. Perhaps there is some sin you seem to be incapable of overcoming. Perhaps you struggle with a physical ailment and wonder why God permitted it to happen. If you are able to relate to any of these, or any other forms of imperfection, then take inspiration from this family of Martha, Mary and Lazarus. Invite Jesus into the home of your heart, your family home and everywhere you go. He will come, gently correct you when needed, and give you the gift of new life, raising you up from your sins and weaknesses.
Lord, You befriended this ordinary family of Martha, Mary and Lazarus. You visited their home, received their hospitality, gently corrected them when needed and eventually raised them to the new life of eternal glory. May I also welcome You into the home of my soul, within my family and into every aspect of my life. Please come to me and raise me to the newness of the life of grace. Jesus, I trust in You
Memorial of Saints Martha, Mary and Lazarus Jul 29, 2024
Opening Prayer: Lord God, I long for the day when I will be raised to eternal life. In the meantime, I will listen to your Word each day, conform my life to that of your Son, and serve others generously. I will pour out my life without reserve knowing that this life is short and eternal life with you awaits.
Encountering the Word of God
1. A Family of Saints: In 2021, Pope Francis decreed that July 29 should be a memorial of all three saints – Lazarus, Martha, and Mary – and not just Martha. Over the centuries, there has been some uncertainty about the identity of Mary and, for this reason, only Martha was included in the Roman Calendar. The new decree states: “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. Martha generously offered him hospitality, Mary listened attentively to his words and Lazarus promptly emerged from the tomb at the command of the One who humiliated death” (Congregation for Divine Worship, February 2, 2021). Luke introduces us to Martha and Mary as Jesus is on the way to Jerusalem. Martha receives Jesus into her home. Mary, her sister, sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching, while Martha was distracted with much serving. When Martha complains that Mary has left her to serve alone, Jesus responds: “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things; one thing is needful. Mary has chosen the good portion, which shall not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:38-42). Saint John narrates two episodes with Martha and Mary. The first, on the occasion of the death of Lazarus (John 11:1-54), occurs sometime between the feast of the Dedication of the Temple in late December and the feast of Passover in early April. The second, the anointing at Bethany (John 12:1-7), takes place immediately before Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem and six days before Passover.
2. Martha’s Faith: Our Gospel today displays Martha’s deep faith in Jesus. First, she believes had Jesus been present during Lazarus’ illness, Jesus could have healed her brother and he would not have died. Second, she believes that even though her brother has been dead for four days, Jesus can still work a miracle. She doesn’t ask directly for her brother to be restored to life, but entrusts everything completely to Jesus. Third, she believes in the resurrection on the last day. She knows that her brother, who heard the Word of God and believed in the Son, sent by the Father, will rise on that last day. Fourth, she believes that those who live in Jesus and believe in him will never die. Lastly, she believes that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming in the world. Jesus' dialogue with Martha brings together many elements of Jesus' teaching about eternal life in the Gospel of John. His prologue affirms that in Jesus, the Word of God, is life (John 1:3). Whoever believes in Jesus, the Son of Man, will have eternal life (John 3:15-16). He who believes in the Son has eternal life; he who does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God rests upon him (John 3:36). Whoever drinks of the water that Jesus shall give, will never thirst; for the water will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life (John 4:14). Just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son will give life to whom he will. Eternal life is given to those who hears the word of Jesus and believes in the Father who sent Jesus in the world. Those who believe do not come into judgment, but have passed from death to life. The hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear the voice of the Son and come forth, those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of judgment (John 5:21-29). Unfortunately, there are some who refuse to come to Christ that they may have life (John 5:39-40). The Father will give the people true bread from heaven, Jesus himself; this bread gives life to the world. The Father's will is that Jesus lose nothing that the Father gave him, but raise it up at the last day: "For this is the will of my Father, that every one who sees the Son and believes in him should have eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day" (John 6:40) Whoever eats Jesus' flesh and drinks Jesus' blood has eternal life, and Jesus will raise him up at the last day" (John 6:54). After the Bread of Life discourse, Peter says to Jesus: "You have the words of eternal life; and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God".
At the feast of Dedication, before the death of Lazarus, Jesus also teaches that his sheep hear his voice and that he knows them, and that they follow him. Jesus gives his sheep eternal life, and they shall never perish and no one shall snatch them out of his hand (John 10:28).
3. Martha Learns How to Serve Without Anxiety: Martha’s words to Jesus show that she heard Jesus' voice and believed in him whom the Father sent. Likewise, Mary sat at the feet of Jesus and heard him teach about eternal life and believed in him. Both sisters believed that their brother, Lazarus, would rise on the last day. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, will not allow his friend to perish and be snatched out of his hand. Martha also is a model of generous service. It is interesting to see that when Jesus visits her home six days before Passover, Martha serves once again. This time, however, she does not complain about her sister. The Gospel says: "they made him a supper; Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at table with him" (John 12:2). Once again Mary is at the Lord's feet; this time she anoints his feet with pure nard and wipes them with her hair. Martha knows that her sister has once again chosen the better part, and she isn't flustered or anxious or troubled that she has been left to serve alone. She isn't distracted by serving, but rather puts her heart and soul into serving her Lord Jesus and the others with love. She knows that she can handle it and that Mary and the others will help with the dishes, while they tell her all that Jesus said and taught in her home. The raising of Lazarus is a sign of the real life that Jesus will give to all who believe in him. The irony is found in the fact that Jesus’ gift of life leads to his own death.
Conversing with Christ: Lord Jesus, you found true friendship, generous service, love, and attentiveness in the house of your friends. I want to offer you the same in my family. I will work to welcome you into my home, where we serve each other out of love and listen attentively to your words.
Memorial of Saints Martha, Mary and Lazarus
Introductory Prayer: Heavenly Father, once again I renew my faith in your plan for my life. I trust in your loving providence, and I know that no one can snatch me from your hands. You know well that I love you. I wish to be more open and docile to your plan and action in my life. Take this time that I now set aside for prayer. Take my mind, will, and heart; take my gifts and talents. I lay them at your feet through this prayer. Do with me today according to your holy and loving plan. Amen.
Petition: Lord Jesus, deepen my faith in your resurrection.
1. Do You Believe This? This is the fundamental question in our life of faith: do we, in fact, believe it all? Do we really believe that the human race was mysteriously subjected to the catastrophic consequences of our first parents’ disobedience to the divine will? Do we really believe what we say in the Creed every Sunday? Do we believe that Jesus of Nazareth died and rose from the dead to conquer sin, and now lives to draw all people to himself as their savior? The great challenge for the Christian in our thoroughly post-modern, post-Christian, technical age is to unabashedly say “Yes!”
2. Keeping Faith Simple: One of the greatest challenges in the Christian life is to keep our faith simple. Our tendency is toward sophistication and complication. While certainly the ability to think and reason well is a gift and has its place in the Christian life, we must be equally aware that the in-born tendency to rationalism can be a non-starter for a genuine life of faith. We cannot afford to fall into today’s error of trying to size God down according to our meager perceptions and self-centered attitudes. Christ is much more; God ways are far more sublime than what our limited vision can create. Simple faith is so pleasing to God because then he has leeway for his supernatural action. Then he can do something within us and through us.
3. Keeping Faith Robust: This simple faith can and must launch us upward and outward in the task of bringing Christ’s love to every soul. Our simple faith can rapidly ignite and convert us into relentless apostles of the Kingdom, like St. Paul. We need to make his words our own: “What will separate us from the love of Christ? Will anguish, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or the sword? (…) No, in all these things we conquer overwhelmingly through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:35-39).
Conversation with Christ: Lord Jesus, give me the strength to bear the burden of drawing others closer to you. Let me feel, with St. Paul, the sting of “Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel!” And when I do set out to give others reasons for my faith, accompany me with your Holy Spirit to give success to my poor efforts.
Resolution: For the love of Jesus, I will renew, refresh, and invigorate the act of faith with which I begin every day in my morning offering.
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