Saints Martha, Many, And Lazarus: -Friends Of Jesus

Exodus 24:3-8
John 11:19-27

ARE YOU GOD’S FRIEND?

Today’s first reading describes the omnipotent love of God. Among the theological virtues of faith, hope and love St. Paul considers love as the greatest. 1Cor. 13:4-8. For God so love the world that He sent His only Son. John 3:16.The love that Jesus showed to Martha, Mary, and Lazarus was great. It is in that love we too can have life. To know Christ is to know what love is. To be able to share that love through acts of kindness or service is reflecting that love.

In today’s gospel, we see the conversation between Martha and Jesus and we might that to be considered as a covenant dialog. Martha makes her statements of faith and Jesus replies with the promise of eternal life. Martha’s faith and the faith of the Apostles were not perfect. It was limited but Jesus had to make them realize that is the resurrection and life and to know Jesus is to have eternal life; life in abundance. Jesus is the one God has chosen to free people from their sins and to give them eternal life.

The gospels tell us that, they welcomed Jesus frequently into their house and Jesus made His home not only in their home but essentially in their hearts. Their hearts were the dwelling place of God. They believe in Him and in the power of His resurrection. They were his friends that had catered for His needs. God wants to pitch his tent in your heart to remain there but the choice is yours. We too must have time to respond to God’s call daily; engaging God in our own covenant dialog could possibly be an opportunity to deepen our relationship with God and grow deeper in the love God has for us.

Fr Joseph Osho