Thoughts for the Day

Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

Today in our Lectionary we remember Mary, Martha and Lazarus. The gospels describe how the two sisters and their brother gave Jesus hospitality in their home at Bethany outside Jerusalem. Jesus is said to have loved all three. After Lazarus' death, he wept and was moved by the sisters' grief to bring Lazarus back from the dead. Martha recognised Jesus as the Messiah, while Mary anointed his feet and, on another occasion, was commended by Jesus for her attentiveness to his teaching while Martha served. From this, Mary is traditionally taken to be an example of the contemplative life and Martha an example of the active spiritual life. ('Exciting Holiness')

I found myself thinking as we remember Mary, Martha and Lazarus this day, of how amazing it must have been to have walked through life alongside Jesus; to listen to the stories that he told; to hear the pearls of wisdom that dropped from his mouth; to have the scriptures explained and brought to life; and to observe his compassion with the people as he healed them. Jesus seems to have stayed with the siblings a good number of times, for they lived in Bethany which was close to Jerusalem. At times of major festivals in the Temple it would have been hard to find accommodation, and their hospitality would have been most welcome.

Today we cannot walk with Jesus the man, to experience all the things those who lived 2,000 could, neither can we watch him or even suffer with him, but we can walk with the risen Jesus who is the Christ, our Lord. For this Jesus is with us every day (see Footprints in the sand). He accompanied us when our steps were quick in the days of our youth; He is beside us when we are in pain; He listens to our worries and troubles; He travels with us on the ordinary days; He celebrates with us on our joyful days; and He will welcome us at the end of our days. All this happens because of His Grace and our faith in Him.

Collect for today:

God our Father,
whose Son enjoyed the love of His friends,
Mary, Martha and Lazarus,
in learning, argument and hospitality:
may we so rejoice in Your love
that the world may come to know
the depth of Your wisdom,
the wonder of Your compassion,
and Your power to bring life out of death;
through the merits of Jesus Christ,
our friend and brother.
Amen.