Saint of the day, July 29
The beloved siblings of Bethany welcomed Christ into their home and their hearts, offering a timeless witness to faithful service, quiet contemplation, and unwavering trust in the Lord.
July 29: Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus of Bethany
Born: 1st century, Bethany
Died: 1st century
Nationality: Jewish
Vocation: Disciples of Christ
Attributes:
Martha: Keys, ladle, or serving vessels
Mary: Jar of ointment or alabaster vessel
Lazarus: Grave clothes or tomb imagery
Patronage: Hospitality, siblings, Christian family life; Lazarus is also invoked against leprosy and for the poor
Canonization: Pre-congregation; in 2021, Pope Francis extended the July 29 memorial to include Mary and Lazarus alongside St. Martha.
Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus are remembered as beloved friends of Jesus whose home in Bethany became a place of welcome, faith, and encounter with the Lord. Through each of them, the Gospels reveal a different response to Christ's love, united by the same deep friendship with Him.
In the Gospels, Martha is remembered for her generous hospitality, welcoming Jesus into her home with loving service, while Mary chose to sit at the Lord's feet and listen to His teaching. When Martha became anxious over her many tasks, Jesus gently reminded her that Mary had chosen "the better part," revealing that every act of service finds its deepest meaning when rooted in His presence. Mary's later anointing of Jesus with costly perfume became a lasting expression of her love and a quiet preparation for His Passion.
Their brother, Lazarus, is best known for the miracle in which Jesus called him from the tomb after four days, revealing His power over death and proclaiming, "I am the resurrection and the life." The raising of Lazarus strengthened the faith of many who witnessed it and foreshadowed Christ's own Resurrection.
The Church honors these three siblings together because, through their unique gifts, each reflects a different expression of faithful discipleship. Martha's generous service, Mary's attentive love, and Lazarus's living witness together offer a beautiful portrait of the Christian life. May their example inspire us to welcome Christ into our homes, our hearts, and every part of our lives.
Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus of Bethany, pray for us!
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