Sts. Martha, Mary and Lazarus

The siblings of Bethany welcomed Jesus, listened to his word, confessed faith in him, and witnessed his power over death.

The story

Martha, Mary, and Lazarus were siblings who lived at Bethany, a village near Jerusalem. The Gospels present their household as a place where Jesus was known, loved, and welcomed. No reliable information survives about their births or deaths. Later traditions describe journeys and ministries after the Resurrection, but these accounts cannot be established historically and are not part of the Gospel record.

St. Luke recounts a visit in which Martha received Jesus into the home and became burdened with serving. Mary sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. When Martha asked Jesus to tell Mary to help, he gently corrected her anxiety and praised Mary's attention to the one thing necessary. The passage does not condemn practical service. It shows that Christian service must remain rooted in listening to Christ.

St. John's Gospel gives a fuller view of the family. When Lazarus became ill, the sisters sent word to Jesus. By the time Jesus reached Bethany, Lazarus had been in the tomb four days. Martha went out to meet him and confessed her faith that he was the Christ, the Son of God. Mary then approached in grief, and Jesus wept with the mourners. At his command, Lazarus came out of the tomb alive. This sign revealed Christ's authority over death, while also pointing toward his own Death and Resurrection.

Six days before Passover, Jesus again shared a meal at Bethany. Martha served, Lazarus reclined at table, and Mary anointed Jesus' feet with costly perfume. Jesus interpreted her act in relation to his approaching burial. Scripture does not identify this Mary of Bethany as Mary Magdalene, and the current Roman calendar commemorates them separately. Ancient Christian tradition honored the three siblings as saints without a later formal canonization process. In 2021, Pope Francis directed that Mary and Lazarus be added to Martha's July 29 memorial in the General Roman Calendar. Together they represent hospitality, attentive discipleship, faith in the Resurrection, and friendship with the Lord.

What Martha, teaches

These three saints show that Christian friendship with Christ includes service, listening, grief, and confident faith. Prayer and action belong together rather than competing with each other. Jesus promises, “Everyone who lives and believes in me will never die” (John 11:26; see also CCC 994).

Patronage

siblings, Christian hospitality, contemplative prayer, people grieving a death.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, through the intercession of Sts. Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, make our homes places of welcome, prayer, and faithful service. Comfort us when we mourn and deepen our hope in the resurrection of the dead. Keep us close to you as beloved friends. Amen.