Today is the feast of Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, who lived in the village of Bethany and were Jesus' closest friends, writes Sean O'Neill, pictured below, the award-winning Editor Emeritus of FAITH Magazine. One of the things that strikes us about their relationship with Jesus is that it was marked by an openness and acceptance that is rarely found.
Jesus knew each of them intimately. He was fully aware of Mary's rather reckless past. According to tradition, it was she who shed tears on Jesus' feet during a banquet and dried them with her hair (Luke 7:36–50). In response, Jesus absolved her of her sins.
Jesus gently chides Martha for being overly busy (Luke 10:38–42) and encourages her to slow down and sit listening to his words of wisdom alongside her sister.
When Jesus hears of the death of Lazarus, he is moved to tears (John 11:35). The love between Jesus and Lazarus was so strong that Jesus could not let him sleep in peace, but instead went to raise him from the dead.
We might feel envious of those three siblings and wish that we could have the same kind of rapport with the Savior of the world. But the good news is that we can. That is exactly the kind of relationship Jesus wants with us. He is waiting with open arms for our "yes." He will not force us, con us, or shame us. All he asks is that we make the first move. Then he will step forward to embrace us as his beloved, intimate friends.
These three saints have shown us what life can be like with Jesus at the center—in a mutual, enriching, and loving relationship. Let us follow their example.
Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, pray for us!
* Sean O'Neill's regular "Last Word" column in FAITH Magazine recently won first place in the "Best Regular Column – Spiritual Life" category at this year's Catholic Media Association Awards.
