Dinner with the Saints
Welcome Saints Martha, Mary & Lazarus to the table!
What’s for dinner?
Spiced lamb is served thoughtfully on a generous bed of rich, roasted garlic hummus, complemented by fresh lemon slices, briny olives, and warm, soft pita bread. Crisp lettuce leaves and a variety of wild herbs add a refreshing contrast, creating a well-rounded and flavorful dish. This delightful meal is accompanied by a carafe of fine wine and a carefully curated selection of fresh figs alongside seasonal fruits, offering a perfect balance of tastes and textures.
Just prior to being confirmed, I experienced a particularly difficult time trying to choose a saint's name that truly inspired me or reflected qualities I deeply admired. You would have thought that, as a Secular Franciscan, I would have naturally chosen Francis. But back in those days, although Francis was certainly a presence in my life, he had not yet fully entered my heart . Everyone else in my class confidently shared the saints they had chosen, and yet I still hadn’t made up my own mind. Then, one Sunday during mass, I heard the story of Mary and Martha, as recounted in the Gospel of Luke 10:38-42. I would say this particular gospel story was burning in my heart because I could so strongly relate to Martha’s busy and devoted spirit!
As they continued their journey he entered a village where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him. She had a sister named Mary [who] sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak. Martha, burdened with much serving, came to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? Tell her to help me.” The Lord said to her in reply, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.” Luke 10:38-42
In this gospel story, the profound importance of prioritizing one’s personal relationship with God above all worldly concerns is clearly highlighted, even when those concerns seem noble or good, such as acts of hospitality. Although both sisters, Mary and Martha, deeply loved Jesus and sought to honor him in their own ways, Mary deliberately chose to sit attentively at his feet, fully engaged and receptive to his teachings. In contrast, Martha became distracted and preoccupied with the many tasks involved in serving their guest. Jesus affirmed Mary’s thoughtful choice by emphasizing that she had selected “what is better,” highlighting the lasting importance of spiritual focus and careful listening instead of constant busy work.
She (Martha) still resonates deeply with me and my ongoing spiritual journey even to this day. Whenever I find myself feeling overwhelmed by the many tasks and responsibilities before me, I gently remind myself to be more like Mary, who chose to listen and be present. Martha, Mary, and Lazarus were clearly very close friends of Jesus. He frequently spent time with them, sharing moments of fellowship and teaching. Their friendship was not casual but held profound meaning, marked by their steadfast faith and loyalty to Jesus.
Martha’s strong and unwavering faith is powerfully demonstrated in her heartfelt conversation with Jesus following the death of her brother Lazarus. Jesus reassured her by saying, “‘I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?’” She responded with conviction, “‘Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world’” (John 11:25-27). This exchange highlights not only Martha’s faith but also the hope and trust she placed entirely in Jesus’ promise of eternal life.
On the 29th of this month, we joyfully come together to celebrate the Memorial of Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, a feast that beautifully highlights the many different dimensions of discipleship. Martha’s active service stands as an example of dedicated, loving care; Mary’s contemplative prayer invites us into attentive listening and deep devotion; and Lazarus’s powerful witness of faith demonstrates the triumph of life over death through Jesus’s saving grace. This celebration serves not only as a remembrance but also as a meaningful reminder of the vital importance of maintaining a balanced spiritual life—one that thoughtfully and deliberately incorporates both action and reflection. In the decree issued by Pope Francis, it is eloquently stated that, “In the household of Bethany, the Lord Jesus experienced the family spirit and friendship of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, and for this reason the Gospel of John states that he loved them. Martha generously offered him warm hospitality, Mary listened attentively and with devotion to his words, and Lazarus promptly emerged from the tomb at the command of the one who conquered and humiliated death.” In reflecting on these sacred relationships, I recognize within myself the Martha who is continually striving to embody the contemplative heart of Mary.
What can we learn from these wonderful saints?
Martha: From her diligent care and commitment to daily tasks, we learn the importance of balancing our responsibilities without becoming so overwhelmed that we forget to nurture love and compassion. Her strong profession of faith teaches us that a life lived in close relationship with God opens us to experience miracles and wonders beyond what we might have thought possible.
Mary: She is depicted as a devoted and contemplative disciple who chose to sit attentively at Jesus’ feet, fully engaged in listening to His teachings. She exemplifies the significance of prioritizing spiritual growth and the value of being fully present to the Word of God in our lives, reminding us to seek deeper connection and understanding.
Lazarus: He is best known for his miraculous resurrection by Jesus, a profound demonstration of divine power and a hopeful symbol of new life and resurrection for all believers. His story shows that friendship and connections with others are key parts of our faith.
What is the name of your chosen saint? Can you share what inspired you to select this specific saint above others?
Spiced Lamb with Roasted garlic hummus
Click on image for recipe
Saints Martha, Mary & Lazarus, Pray for us!
Keep at it!
Keep praying. Love the Lord.
Peace and Grace.
