Gospel in Art: Feast of Saints Mary, Martha and Lazarus

Mary, Martha, Lazarus and Maximinus Worshipped by the Prince and Princess of Provence and Mary listening to Christ's Sermon by Ludovico (Alvise) de Donati, 1508 © Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya, Barcelona

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 29 July 2024
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. Mary remained sitting in the house. Martha said to Jesus, 'If you had been here, my brother would not have died, but I know that, even now, whatever you ask of God, he will grant you.' 'Your brother' said Jesus to her 'will rise again.' Martha said, 'I know he will rise again at the resurrection on the last day.' Jesus said:

'I am the resurrection and the life.

If anyone believes in me, even though he dies he will live,

and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.

Do you believe this?'

'Yes, Lord,' she said 'I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the one who was to come into this world.'

Reflection on the two painted panels

On 26 January 2021, Pope Francis decreed the inclusion of Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus into the General Roman Calendar, replacing the previous celebration of Saint Martha alone. Today, we honour this family, who were very close friends of Jesus. The Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments stated in its 2021 decree, "In the household of Bethany, the Lord Jesus experienced the family spirit and friendship of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. For this reason, the Gospel of John states that He loved them. Martha generously offered Him hospitality, Mary listened attentively to His words, and Lazarus promptly emerged from the tomb at the command of the one who conquered death."

Ludovico de Donati's two panels from around 1508 depict scenes involving the three siblings. The left panel shows the Prince and Princess of Provence greeting Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. The right panel captures Mary attentively listening to Christ's sermon, with Christ standing in the pulpit.

Today's powerful Gospel reading includes one of the most profound statements by Christ: "I am the resurrection and the life." These words, spoken to His dear friend Martha, encapsulate the essence of our faith. Together with her, we can affirm, "Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the resurrection and the life."

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/john-11-19-27-2024/