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The Lord Is My Chef Daily Recipe for the Soul by Fr. Nicanor F. Lalog II Friday, Memorial of Sts. Mary, Martha, & Lazarus, 29 July 2022 Jeremiah 26:1-9 ><}}}}*> + ><}}}}*> + ><}}}}*> John 11:19-27
Glory and praise to you, O Lord Jesus Christ who had come to us not just a family but most especially as a friend you have stressed during the Last Supper (cf. Jn.15:14-15).
And even before that evening of Holy Thursday came, you have been a friend to the siblings Mary, Martha and Lazarus so dear to you, visiting them often, sharing not only in their meals but in their lives and death, joys and pains; what a beautiful imagery not only of friendship but of the neglected ties that bind brothers and sisters in this time when family is being destroyed by new emerging thoughts and ways of life.
In this time of the pandemic you know how, dear Jesus, we have finally come together as families free from all excuses of work and studies, of being far and away; but sadly, many have ignored and missed the opportunities to bond together and mend many gaps long festering among siblings; instead of fighting and rivalries, may brothers and sisters in every family emulate the love and respect among Saints Martha, Lazarus and Mary.
We pray for all siblings to gather anew as one family in prayers before you, Lord, like Saints Martha, Lazarus and Mary; help them create a space anew for God in our lives, the surest bond among us despite our many differences as we open our ears and hearts like St. Mary to your words, to heed and fulfill them unlike the people of Judah who cursed your prophet Jeremiah when he spoke to them of the truth.
Most of all, give us the grace to be the presence of Jesus Christ when our siblings are sick and burdened with all kinds of sufferings and miseries like Martha and Mary present to each other awaiting Christ’s coming after Lazarus had died: Martha said to Jesus, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died." Jesus told her, "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?" (John 11:21, 25-26)
Like St. Martha, and most likely her siblings, too, St. Lazarus and St. Mary who may not have understood fully your words and teachings, keep us open to your coming, to your visits, sweet Jesus; make our hearts like theirs filled with warmth and hospitality to let you stay and reign inside us; most of all, like the three holy siblings let us share with others the gift of kindness, of being a kin to everyone in you, with you. Amen.
