Memorial of Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus
John 11:19-27
“Do You Believe This?”

Today, the Church honours three siblings—Martha, Mary, and Lazarus—friends of Jesus, who welcomed Him into their home and hearts. In 2020, Pope Francis extended the feast of St. Martha to include her brother and sister, recognising their shared witness to Christ’s love and their intimate friendship with Him.

In the Gospel, Martha meets Jesus as she mourns the death of her brother. Her words pierce with sorrow: “If you had been here, my brother would not have died.” How often do we echo the same question? “Lord, where were you when I needed you?” In our grief, disappointment, or confusion, we cry out, struggling to understand God’s timing or silence.

Yet, even in her pain, Martha makes a bold profession of faith: “I believe that you are the Christ.” Her trust is not based on what she sees or understands, but on who Jesus is. Her faith becomes the bridge between suffering and hope.

Jesus doesn’t offer easy answers—He offers Himself. He meets Martha in her sorrow and offers a promise: “I am the resurrection and the life.” He assures her—and us—that death and loss do not have the final word.

Today, we are reminded that welcoming Jesus—especially in the most difficult times—can change us. When we meet Him with faith and not bitterness, He brings healing, even when our questions remain.

Jesus asks Martha, “Do you believe this?” He asks us the same. In moments of loss or uncertainty, may we respond like Martha, clinging to faith even when clarity is far away. In doing so, we will discover the quiet comfort of Christ, who stands beside us in every season of our life.

© Claretian Publications, Hong Kong, China
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2025