July 29: Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus (bilingüe)

In 2021, Pope Francis instituted the feastday of Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus as part of the Universal Roman Catholic liturgical calendar. The feastday was placed on July 29, which had previously been dedicated to St. Martha alone.

We are grateful that the whole Church now gets to celebrate the memory of these three siblings who were close friends of Jesus. We also get to celebrate what they meant to Him and what they continue to offer to us today. They opened their hearts and their home to Jesus, making a place for Him to both rest and rejoice in their presence. Their hospitality was clearly a gift to Him and they appear to have been uniquely attentive to His words and His mission – including during the days immediately preceding His arrival in Jerusalem for His Passion.

It is a gift to recall how Jesus was welcomed in Bethany as a friend, companion, and teacher who consoled, sustained, and taught these two sisters and their brother. Let’s not miss any chances today to welcome Jesus in like fashion – as our friend, companion, and teacher.

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El 26 de enero de 2021, el Papa Francisco ordenó la inscripción de los Santos Marta, María, y Lázaro en el Calendario Romano General en sustitución de la actual celebración de Santa Marta sola. Celebramos hoy con todo el mundo Católico su día festivo.

Y lo que celebramos es la memoria de estos tres amigos de Jesús por lo que representaron en su vida y lo que ejemplifican para la nuestra: ellos hicieron de su corazón y de su casa “lugar de reposo y alegría” para el Señor, además de brindarles su confiada hospitalidad y su reparador afecto poco tiempo antes de que comenzara a recorrer los caminos de su Pasión y de su muerte. Celebramos también qu la presencia de Jesús en el hogar de Betania es la de un amigo, compañero, y maestro que consuela, sostiene, y acompaña en la noche oscura de la fe.

Oremos. “Señor Dios, honramos hoy a Marta, María, y Lázaro, amigos de tu Hijo. Danos su fe en Él, como Señor de la Vida y primer fruto de la Resurrección. Haznos servidores complacientes los unos de los otros, atendiéndolos en sus necesidades. Te lo pedimos por Cristo nuestro Señor. Amén.”