Proper 11
Sunday, July 21, 2019
Lectionary C
Mary, Martha, and Lazarus of Bethany are described in the Gospels
according to Luke and John as close and much-loved friends of Jesus.
Luke records the well-known story of their hospitality, which made
Martha a symbol of the active life and Mary of the contemplative,
though some commentators would take the words of Jesus to be a
defense of that which Mary does best, and a commendation of Martha
for what she does best—neither vocation giving grounds for despising
the other.
The devotion and friendship of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus have been
an example of fidelity and service to the Lord. Their hospitality and
kindness, and Jesus’ enjoyment of their company, show us the beauty
of human friendship and love at its best.
Excerpted from Holy Women, Holy Men Celebrating the Saints, copyright © 2010 by The Church Pension Fund
PHOTO: © Photowitch