Wednesday July 29, 2026

John 11:19-27

Many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to sympathise with them over their brother. When Martha heard that Jesus had come she went to meet him.

Today we celebrate the Feast Day of Sts. Martha, Mary and Lazarus the friends of Jesus. You know I have said before that everyone needs a place to go where they can just be. It is a gift to have friends who take you as you are and meet you were you are in life. Of the three I think Martha is quite the Character. I have no evidence about this but she strikes me as a particular color haired woman. She is fiery and speaks her mind. On this particular day she went to meet the Lord. And Lordy Lordy did she have some words for him.

See they had sent word that Lazarus was very sick. Jesus delayed in responding and now Lazarus was very dead. Martha either pointing her finger or striking Jesus chest (In my mind) says “if you had been here, my brother would still be alive..” Just sit with that frustration for a second. Have you ever said that prayer? She is super frustrated but still believes.

Lord if you had been around…. I have to say that as a teenager when I learned of my father’s death, I said the same thing.

Let us pray today for all those like Martha who sometimes say things in frustration that hurt others. Let us pray also for a Martha in our lives, one who won’t mince words but speak the difficult truths that we might need to hear.