Today’s first reading from the Book of Exodus (33:7-11; 34:5-9; 28) highlights a powerful connection between the Church as a sacred meeting place with God and our own homes as spiritual spaces where prayer and worship also take root. Each time Moses entered the Tent of Meeting, the people stood at the entrances of their homes, watching and revering God’s presence symbolized by the rising cloud. This scene reflects how the community Church (like this place where we gather to meet and worship) and the domestic church, our families, serve as spaces where God’s presence is acknowledged and honored.
The memorial of Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, which was added to the General Roman Calendar by Pope Francis in 2021, reinforces this idea of the home as a holy place for holy and intimate interactions. Like the family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, their household exemplifies familial holiness grounded in faith and love. Pope Francis may have seen the unity of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus as a continuation of the Holy Family’s bond, a bond of ordinary people made extraordinary through their relationship with Jesus.
Today’s Gospel (John 11:19-27) recalls Jesus’ friendship with this family, whom he visited as time allowed. Though divine, Jesus embraced the human experience of companionship with his apostles and close friends like Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, Lazarus being the one he famously raised from the dead, as today’s gospel relates. Their shared story reminds us that true friendship is a divine gift that uplifts and calls us to support one another, especially during moments of trial and need.
So true Amen !!! . Love it 😍