Gospel in Art: Saints Mary, Martha and Lazarus

Mary, Martha and Lazarus; Mary listening to Christ's Sermon by Ludovico de Donati, 1508 © Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya, Barcelona

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 29 July 2025
John 11:19-27

At that time: Many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them concerning their brother, Lazarus. So when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, but Mary remained seated in the house. Martha said to Jesus, 'Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.' Jesus said to her, 'Your brother will rise again.' Martha said to him, 'I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.' Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?' She said to him, 'Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the 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. Ludovico de Donati was an Italian painter active during the late 15th and early 16th centuries, associated with the Venetian school. Though not as widely known as his contemporaries, his works reflect the transitional style between late Gothic and early Renaissance.

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-11-19-27-2025/

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