May the Lord bless you with peace and health in the Holy Spirit.
It is 29th July 2021.
“God sends us friends to be our firm support in the whirlpool of struggle. In the company of friends, we will find strength to attain our sublime ideal.” Says St. Maximilian Kolbe.
We celebrate the memorial of St. Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. Why do we celebrate them together? From February 2021, we started to include them together. St. Martha was celebrated even before second Vatican Council. Yet, due to uncertainty involved in the name of Mary Magdalene. In introducing the memorial of them together, His Holiness Pope Francis pointed out, “considering the important evangelical witness they offered in welcoming the Lord Jesus into their home, in listening to him attentively, in believing that he is the resurrection and the life.”
Martha is the patron of cooks. We need to thank those who provide us with good food whether they are our mothers, sisters, friends, or chefs.
We reflect of Exodus 40:16-21, 34-38 and the Gospel of John 11:19-27.
As we conclude the reading and reflection of the book of Exodus, we are assured that God is in our midst and present as we live and work.
We all love friendship. Life without friendship is meaningless and fruitless indeed. Our friendship with one another is the expression of our ultimate friendship with God. Flawless friendships are attained by consistent and uncontaminated friendship with God. Jesus enjoyed a special bonding, family spirit and friendship with the family of Saints Marth, Mary, and Lazarus.
‘I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone 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 Messiah, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world’” (John 11:25-27). We cannot experience life
God stifled death by resurrecting Jesus from death. Jesus, the Life humiliated death by bringing back Lazarus after his death. We all need the hospitality and welcoming spirit of Martha, listening faith of Mary and love of Lazarus in Jesus.
“Faithful friends are a sturdy shelter; whoever finds one finds a treasure.” (Sirach 6:14).
But we need to be on guard when our friendship with one another do not welcome and offer hospitality to Jesus.
May we strengthen our relationship with God to share the friendship with one another. Have a peaceful day. God bless you.