Monday, 29 July 2024. Readings: Jeremiah 13:1-11, Deuteronomy 32:18-21, John 11:19-27
“Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26)
In today’s first reading, God told Jeremiah to buy a waistcloth (undies) and place it in the Euphrates in the cleft of the rock. When he returned for it after a while, it had become spoilt. Just as the waistcloth was destroyed, so is our society when we misplace our moral values. We could become good for nothing when we go after frivolities. “This evil people, who refuse to hear my words, who stubbornly follow their own will and have gone after other gods to serve them and worship them, shall be like this loincloth, which is good for nothing.” (Jeremiah 13:10). What efforts do I make to preserve my integrity?
- Today, we celebrate three saints who were very close friends of Jesus Christ: Mary, Martha, and their brother, Lazarus. Today’s Gospel passage contains many lessons. Sometimes, God allows the things we do not want to happen, not because He likes to see us cry but because that is his plan. We cannot completely understand God; we only need to trust Him.
- Mary and Martha could not understand how Jesus could be so friendly with the family, yet when He received news that Lazarus was very sick, He failed to show up. Jesus didn’t need to come; He could cure Lazarus from a distance by simply speaking the Word (like the case of Centurion’s servant in Matthew 8:5-13). Jesus did nothing to prevent Lazarus from dying because He had a bigger and better plan.
- Mary and Martha buried Lazarus in pain and disappointment. It is difficult to speak of faith when faced with serious challenges, when prayers are unanswered, or when tragedies strike. When Mary and Martha were still mending their hearts, Jesus showed up. Would you welcome Jesus into your house if you were in Mary and Martha’s shoes? If your brother was sick, you sent for his friend, and he didn’t come. If your brother eventually dies, would you even allow his friend to step into the house? Have you abandoned your faith because God did not answer your prayer in the past?
- Despite her brother’s death, Martha still had faith in Jesus. She ran to welcome Him when she heard He was coming to her house. “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of him.” (John 11:21-22). Inspired by such great faith, Jesus raised Lazarus to life. Do not give up on God when the going becomes tough. You do not know what God is planning for you.
- One outstanding quality about this Mary is that she prioritised listening to God’s Word. Martha was busy serving when Jesus visited their home, but Mary sat at Jesus’ feet, listening to Him. Martha wanted Jesus to ask Mary to assist her in the kitchen, but to her surprise, Jesus said: “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is a need for only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42). Do you, like Mary, take time daily to sit at Jesus’ feet to listen to His Word?
- While Martha’s life inspires us to have deep faith in God, Mary shows us the importance of listening to the Word of God, and from Lazarus, we learn the importance of developing friendships with God. The Gospels do not tell us much about Lazarus’ life other than that he was a friend of Jesus. What kind of friends do you have? Can you boast of any of your friends raising you from the dead? If not, make Jesus your best friend today. On the other hand, if your friends are not drawing you away from God, they do not deserve to remain your friends.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, strengthen our faith, love, and devotion to you. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Saints Martha, Mary and Lazarus. Bible Study: Jeremiah 13:1-11, Deuteronomy 32:18-21, John 11:19-27).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu