17th Week in Ordinary Times : Wednesday, 29th July 2026

On this memorial of the sibling saints, Martha, Mary and Lazarus, we encounter a home where love is both tender and tested. In John 11, when Lazarus is sick, the two sisters send a message to Jesus: “Lord, the one You love is sick. Come quickly!” Their love for their brother is fierce and familial – a love many of us know. But Jesus invites them, and us, to expand that love beyond bloodlines. True Christian love reaches to every brother and sister in the faith, and even to those who do not yet believe. Why? Because love itself originates in God, according to the first reading. To love is to be begotten by God.

Martha confesses, “I know he will rise again at the resurrection on the last day.” Jesus replies, “I am the resurrection and the life. If anyone believes in Me, even though he dies he will live.” Lazarus is called forth from the tomb – resuscitated, yes, but still mortal. He will die again. Yet now he possesses eternal life. Mary and Martha’s grief turns to awe, but I wonder: how did they face Lazarus’ later death? Perhaps with deeper faith, knowing that the same Christ Who wept with them has already conquered death. Their love for Jesus became more lasting than their sadness. May we love one another, not as those who fear loss and death, but as those who already share in Christ’s eternal life.

For love never ends.

PRAYER Lord Jesus, I love You for love never ends.