Greetings on this the Memorial of Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus
Readings: JER 13:1-11; DEUTERONOMY 32:18-19, 20, 21; JN 11:19-27
Delayed
Lost access to laptop so Tuesday is delayed.
Summary
“Since they have provoked me with their ‘no-god’ and angered me with their vain idols, I will provoke them with a ‘no-people’; with a foolish nation I will anger them.”
How closely are we meant to be to the divine? As close as a loincloth to a man. A loincloth, the only really necessary garment, protects the genitals. And although modern culture may not appreciate this statement, protecting the genitalia is essentially protecting the man, his family, his tribe, and his nation. That is how close and urgent the need to stay close to the Lord as like the loincloth clings to a man’s loins.
Reflection
In our gospel portion today Mary and Martha personify the urgency in the opposite direction. Where, Lord, were you?
When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went to meet him; but Mary sat at home. Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. Not that she didn’t believe in him. But even now I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you.”
Personal Reflection
It can be hard in trying moments and especially in the loss of a loved one to maintain the faith. We cling to Jesus as best we can and hope for the protection he can give.
Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.
The Lord wants us to go beyond saying these things:
- Martha said to him, “I know he will rise, in the resurrection on the last day.” and, again,
- She said to him, “Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world.”
But to accept these truths as the divine closeness even amidst the difficulties. And to remember, our life here on Earth is one segment of our life, in the life to come we will always be as close to Jesus as a loincloth is to a man.
Sacred Readings
Full link: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/072924.cfm
First Reading
For, as close as the loincloth clings to a man’s loins, so had I made the whole house of Israel and the whole house of Judah cling to me, says the LORD; to be my people, my renown, my praise, my beauty.
Responsorial
You have forgotten God who gave you birth.
Gospel Acclamation
I am the light of the world, says the Lord; whoever follows me will have the light of life.
Gospel
Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and anyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” She said to him, “Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world.”
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry