Daily Reflections ...

In January this year Pope Francis added Mary and Lazarus to the Memorial of St Martha. He made the change after “considering the important evangelical witness [the trio] offered in welcoming the Lord Jesus into their home, in listening to him attentively, [and] in believing that he is the resurrection and the life.”

Pope Francis notes that, “[i]n 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.”

Today, how will you be attentive to the voice of Jesus, sitting at his feet as his disciple? To whom will you offer hospitality, your time, your resources, your attention? And how will your life be a living witness that God is stronger than anything that prevents us from living life to the full?

Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, pray for us.

by Kari Hatherell