Today the church remembers Mary and Martha of Bethany.
Mary and Martha lived with their brother, Lazarus, at Bethany, a village not far from Jerusalem.
They seem to have been very sensitive and compassionate women and gladly entertained
Jesus and the disciples in their home. Mary, on one occasion, anointed Jesus' feet with expensive
oil in an outpouring of emotion and love that drew criticism from some of the disciples. To them
this act seemed sentimental and wasteful. On another occasion Mary was criticized by Martha for
neglecting her household duties in order to "sit at the feet of Jesus." On both of these occasions
Jesus came to the defense of Mary.
It was Martha who met Jesus when he came to her family on the death of
Lazarus and who confidently testified that had he been there, Lazarus
would not have died. It was to Martha that Jesus said, "I am the
resurrection and the life" (John 11:25).
Jesus had no more loyal and generous followers than Mary and Martha of
Bethany. Their examples of devotion and fidelity have inspired
Christians for generations.
Almighty and everlasting God, who enkindled the flame of your love in
the hearts of your servants
Mary and Martha: Grant to us, your humble servants, a like faith and
power of love; that, as we rejoice in their triumph, we may profit by
their examples; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Read the Wikipedia article here.
O
God, heavenly Father, your Son Jesus Christ enjoyed rest and
refreshment in the home of Mary and Martha of Bethany: Give us the will
to love you, open our hearts to hear you, and strengthen our hands to
serve you in others for his sake, through Jesus Christ our risen Lord;
who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and
ever. Amen.
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