Martha and Mary

The names of Martha and Mary, sisters of Lazarus, appear in Scripture associated with the Lord Jesus. Let us look at three scenes in their lives, which give us examples for the daughters of God of all times.

First scene (Lk. 10:38-42). Jesus is received into the house of Martha and Mary. Martha, the eldest, like a good housewife, comes and goes, she arranges everything, no detail escapes her. Meanwhile, Mary, sitting at Jesus' feet, listens to his word. She has neither eyes nor ears for anyone else. Who could prevent her from being there? Suddenly, Martha comes to Jesus and says: "Lord, are you not afraid that my sister will leave me to serve alone? Tell her, then, to help me". But he said to her: "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things. But only one thing is needful; and Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her".

Martha had the unique opportunity to receive the Lord in her home, and she hardly paid attention to Him. She was rather occupied with things than with the Lord of all things. But Mary had eyes anointed to see the preciousness of the Lord.

Second scene (Jn. 11:17-35). Lazarus has been dead for four days, and the Lord does not appear. Suddenly, the Lord arrives. Martha reproaches him because he did not prevent Lazarus from dying. Mary, seeing Jesus, falls at his feet, and speaks to the Lord with such feeling, that he, seeing her weeping, is moved in his spirit, and weeps. Martha argued, but Mary touched the Lord's heart. Martha stood erect, Mary fell prostrate at the Lord's feet. He who has been seated by him in the days of peace, may well fall at his feet in the day of trouble. Where will he find greater refuge?

Then the Lord asks to go to the tomb and raises Lazarus. How tremendous it is to move the heart of the Lord! Many glorious things happen then!

Third scene (Jn. 12:1-8). Jesus visits the family again, and now Lazarus is at table. Martha, at her own, is serving. Suddenly, Mary comes to the Lord with a flask of expensive perfume. And in front of everyone, she pours the perfume on the Lord's feet, and then dries them with her own hair. Mary caresses the beloved feet, tired by the long roads. Her movements are full of infinite tenderness. Tears run down her cheeks. No one says anything. Everyone observes this unique, unprecedented act of love. Only Judas complains about the waste. But the Lord comes to Mary's defense. She had anticipated anointing him for burial.

The apostle John, when he writes his Gospel, many years after the events, insistently recalls: "It was Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped his feet with her hair" (Jn. 11:2). This is marvelous. The Marys are the ones who perfume the house of God with the waste of their lives. The Marys are those who receive God's approval. The Marys are those who turn to the Lord with all their heart, in a pleasing offering, every day.

What should be the name of each of God's daughters? Mary!

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