Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus

Martha, Mary, and Lazarus lived in Bethany, a village near Jerusalem, and appear in Luke and John as close friends of Jesus. Luke presents Martha serving and Mary listening at the Lord’s feet, while John presents the family in grief after Lazarus dies. Their home becomes a setting for hospitality, discipleship, grief, faith, and resurrection hope.

In John 11, Martha makes a profound confession of faith in Jesus as the Christ before Lazarus is raised from the tomb. Pope Francis added all three siblings to this memorial in 2021, expanding what had previously focused especially on Martha. Their feast reminds us that holiness is found in homes where Christ is welcomed, questioned, loved, and trusted.

Prayer: Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, help our homes become places of hospitality, prayer, faith, and friendship with Christ. Amen.