Homily: July 29, 2025 Feast of Saints Martha, Mary and Lazarus (Presence)

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 “She had a sister named Mary, who sat beside the Lord at His feet, listening to Him speak.” 

We heard this same Gospel text just two weeks ago at Sunday Mass. Many of us can relate easily to Martha, the busy, action-oriented person, with a clear vision of tasks and responsibilities to accomplish, goals and objectives to achieve. There is work to be done, so we just get on with it.

We end the day satisfied with the checklist all ticked. But we often realize there is something more important we have missed, only when we reach the end of our life.

Through my growing years and ministry as a priest, I have accompanied many people at the end of their lives: my grandparents, my parents, many elderly parishioners, and some close friends. Consistently, during those final moments, people do not ask for anything else but the presence of their loved ones. 

Elderly people often long to see their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Parents wish to be visited by their children. Their presence seems to assure them that they are loved and will not be forgotten.

When my mother was gravely ill, my youngest sister would often sneak into her bed just to sleep beside her. And my mother loved it. The day before my father passed away, I sat beside him the whole day, holding his hand and talking to him. That gave him much peace and comfort.

Many people nearing death deeply desire reconciliation of broken relationships, and very often just a simple visit even without any talking is enough to heal.

Presence is powerful.

Today’s Gospel scene comes from Luke chapter 10. By that time, Jesus had already foretold twice about his impending passion and death. His public ministry in Galilee was completed, and He was on His final journey to Jerusalem. He knew His time was near.

So this visit to the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus was His last. What do you think Jesus wanted most at that moment: Martha’s splendid cooking or the loving presence of His dearest friends?

Of course, He wanted very much their full attention. He had many important last words to tell them. He wanted them to remember this time He had with them, because He knew they would need it when they finally witnessed His death.

Martha’s sister, Mary, seemed to have understood it.

Do we also understand? Jesus desires us to sit at His feet. To be present to Him.

Saints Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, pray for us.

Amen.


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