Do you resemble Martha, Mary, or Lazarus?

Today is the Memorial of Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. I know you are familiar with the story, but have you ever taken a moment to put yourself in the story? I can identify with all three, it depends on the day you ask me the question. Let’s take a look at all three.

Martha: She’s our busy bee that takes care of everything. I am guessing she is the oldest child in the family because she is in control and getting everything done. She feels like it’s her duty to work hard and take care of everyone- at her own expense. She doesn’t get to enjoy Jesus’ visits because she’s always working in front of and behind the scenes.

Mary: She’s the more passive one in the stories we hear. I imagine she’s a hard worker since that makes sense for the time period, but she also knows how to stop and rest when needed. She’s the one who is welcoming to all and who takes the time to be present and listen to what the person is saying. When Jesus visits, she is sitting and listening to him preach, not working.

Lazarus: We don’t hear much of his backstory. In my imagination, he’s the youngest, but also the one responsible for the household since he is the man. We know he’s friends with Jesus and when he dies and Jesus is not there, Jesus raises him from the dead. Thanks to Jesus, he lives again.

Looking at all three makes you think, doesn’t it? If I’m looking at myself at the moment, I’m Martha most of the time. I’m in the middle of the busyness of life. The flip side of the coin is I also make time to be Mary- I go on retreat, I attend a Bible study- I make time to just ponder and don’t worry if the dishes are clean or not.

Perhaps you say that you have never been Lazarus- I bet you have. Lazarus is brought back to life by Jesus. Isn’t that what we are truly searching for? To be transformed by Jesus? I don’t know about you, but my life looks a lot different than it did a few years ago. I spent some time ‘in the tomb’ and I was brought through it and transformed by Jesus.

Read about Martha, Mary, and Lazarus today and see how you fit in the story. Who do you identify with most? How would you like to me most like in the future? Take a Mary moment today and ponder your response.