Today’s Readings – Saints Martha, Mary and Lazarus

Martha and Mary were sisters who lived with their brother Lazarus in Bethany, a town not far from Jerusalem. Jesus seems to have been a regular visitor and, on one occasion, he gently reproved Martha for her complaint that her sister Mary was not helping her in the preparation of the meal. The words of Jesus in this passage are proffered by some as indicating the excellence of the contemplative life (represented by Mary) over the cares of the active life (represented by Martha), although there is not universal agreement on this interpretation.

In the Gospel of John, Martha also appears on the occasion of the miracle of Lazarus’ return to life, when the expression of her faith in Jesus and his divine power was the occasion for his great statement:

I am the resurrection and the life … Continue

Yesterday’s Readings – Tuesday of Week 17 of Ordinary Time - First Reading

Commentary on Jeremiah 14:17-22

This passage was written during a period of death and famine in Jerusalem preceding the Babylonian captivity in 587 BC. It is also a response to Yahweh’s anger against false prophets who are raising expectations among the people that they are not go … Continue