TUESDAY OF THE 17TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR
Mystery of the day: Sorrowful
Celebration: Ss. Martha, Mary and Lazarus (Memorial)
Our Lord Jesus Christ liked the home of Martha, her brother Lazarus, and her sister Mary. As our Lord's friends in Bethany , they took loving care of Him. We should ask God to help us unite Martha's intense work and Mary's contemplation. In this way, we live unity of life by which we always stay close to the Lord.
Liturgical Colour: White
Table of the Word
First Reading: Exodus 33:7–11; 34:5–9, 28
Gospel: John 11:19–27 (or Luke 10:38–42)
Theme: Do you believe this?
Reflection
Today’s theme: "Do you belive this?" is one of the Jesus' questions in the scripture. A question that either affirm or answered in contrary depending on one's faith. It is indeed a profession of faith. This question is at the center of our reflection where we extracted from the gospel pericope (cf. John 11:19–27).
The Churth on this day celebrates the Memorial of Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, siblings and friends of Jesus who lived in Bethany. A historic memorial which invites us to reflect on the intimacy of friendship with Christ, the importance of faith, service, contemplation, and the mystery of resurrection hope.
In the first reading, the account of God's revelation of Himself to Moses in the Tent of the Meeting resonates deeply with today’s memorial. (cf. Exodus 33:7–11; 34:5–9, 28). When God descends in a cloud to proclaim His name, “The Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness”, He reaffirms His covenant love despite Israel’s failings. Like Moses, Martha, Mary, and Lazarus experienced this intimate friendship and mercy of the Lord not in a tent, but in their very home.
The Gospel therefore presents us with Martha's deep faith. Even in the face of her brother Lazarus’s death, when she confesses: "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" (cf. John 11:19–27). This encounter reveals Jesus as the Resurrection and the Life and highlights Martha’s faith; a faith that goes beyond grief into trust in the power of Christ.
Dearest friends in Christ, this great feast called to mind the need to exhibit an intimacy with Jesus, and not a situational friendship, exercising the virtue of faith even in the midst of chaos, death and affliction as Martha did; balancing action and contemplation; hospitable and faithful witness to Gospel.
Finally, on this memorial, we celebrate not only saints but a family of believers who loved Jesus and were loved by Him. They show us how faith, service, contemplation, and love can sanctify ordinary life. Let us, like Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, open our homes and hearts to Christ, confess our faith in Him, and live in hopeful expectation of the resurrection.
+ Peace be with you.
© ARCHIVE 29072025
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