Learning from Jesus, Martha, Mary and Lazarus

The familiar story of Martha's complaint to Jesus that she needed help with the meal, but her sister, Mary simply sat attentively at the feet of Jesus and listened to him. Jesus reminds Martha that she is "anxious and worried about many things." (Lk 10: 41).  That is the real problem...They have to eat and someone needs to prepare the meal, but there's no need to be worrying about it. In many cultures, time is not a factor.  When the meal is ready, then people eat. Action is necessary, as Jesus tells us in Mt. 25...feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirst, etc.  Listening to Jesus, is important for all of us, and is the one thing that will continue into the next life, as Pope St. Gregory the Great pointed out centuries ago. Lazarus is not even mentioned in this tale of the Bethany family, nor is there even a recorded word from his mouth in the new testament, yet he is referred to several times as "Lazarus, whom Jesus loved."  "Lord, the one whom you love is sick." (Jn 11:3). Just his quiet presence was enough to win the love of Jesus, as pointed out in a recent talk by Maris Brother General Councillor, Br. Josep Maria Soteras. Whatever our role in the family, the community, it must not be compromised by unnecessary worry and anxiety.  That's today's lesson for Jesus, Martha, Mary and Lazarus.
Bro Rene.