Today’s Gospel tells us that this beautiful and powerful dinner moment
took place six days before Passover, when Jesus visited Bethany. It was not just an ordinary visit. Only a short time before, Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead. The people gathered at that dinner knew very well that they were sitting with someone who had conquered death.
The dinner appears to be at the home of Lazarus and his two sisters, Martha and Mary. Each one responds to Jesus in a different way, and from them we learn important lessons for our own faith.
Martha serves. She does not speak much in this passage; instead, she shows her love through action. She reminds us that serving the Lord and serving others is a true expression of faith. Many people in our parish live like Martha — quietly serving, helping, organizing, giving their time. This is love in action.
Mary, on the other hand, shows love in a very different way. She takes expensive perfume and anoints the feet of Jesus. It is an act of deep love, gratitude, and humility. She is not worried about what others will think. She only wants to show how much Jesus means to her. Mary teaches us that true love for Christ is never afraid to be generous. When we truly love Jesus, we do not give him what is left over; we give him our best.
Then we see Lazarus. He does not say anything in this Gospel either, but his very presence speaks loudly. He is living proof of what Jesus can do. Because of Lazarus, many people began to believe in Jesus. Sometimes we preach not by words but by the way we live. When people see hope in us, faith in us, peace in us, they begin to believe.
But sadly, the Gospel also tells us that the chief priests were planning to kill Lazarus. Why? Because his life was leading others to Jesus. This reminds us that faith is not always easy. When we follow Christ seriously, not everyone will understand us. Yet we must remain faithful.
So what do we learn from this dinner in Bethany?
We learn to serve like Martha.
We learn to love generously like Mary.
We learn to witness like Lazarus.
As we enter Holy Week, let us ask ourselves: how do I respond to Jesus? Do I serve him? Do I love him generously? Does my life lead others closer to him?
May this Holy Week be a time of deeper love, stronger faith, and renewed commitment to Christ.
Have a blessed and grace-filled Holy Week.
