Family at Bethany, with great Qualities

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Seventeenth Week : Monday*

*Gospel : Jn 11:19-27 or Lk 10:38-42*

*First Reading : 1 Jn 4:7-16*

*Family at Bethany, with great Qualities*

*1) Family at Bethany*

The family of Mary, Martha and Lazarus was very dear to Jesus 

Many times Jesus used to visit this family, spend some time with them and teach them many things 

We have great qualities to learn from this family, which are very important for our families 

*2) Mary - Significance of Prayer*

Mary is the one who sat at the feet of Jesus listening to Him attentively 

This represents the aspect of spirituality and the importance of spiritual activities in the family 

Listening the word of God, spending time with the Lord through prayers and building relationship with the Lord, are some of the important things we learn from Mary 

*3) Martha - The significance of Work*

Martha represents the work which are necessary for the survival of the family 

A family can't survive without the Work. Doing daily work is the only one way to sustain the family 

Work has its origin in God. Jesus says  *My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working.”* John 5:17

We are supposed to learn the importance of work in our life 

*4) Lazarus : A hidden Role*

In the house scene at Bethany, the reference to Lazarus is not found except that we learn from else where that Lazarus was the brother of Mary and Martha 

So Lazarus is depicted as the hidden figure of the family 

This figure represents the silent hidden and recognised work, (both spiritual and material) that has to be done for the survival of the family 

All our work may not be seen by the others. Many a times we must play *behind the screen role* for the success of any activity in our life 

Working without recognition, name and fame is very important for a family 

Without this nothing would survive

*5) Three Roles in Life*

Mary, Martha and Lazarus give us the three great and important roles for each one of us to make our life meaning and goal oriented one

Without these three great values neither our personal life or our family life would survive 

This feast reminds us to reflect these three great qualities in our life and also in our family life 

Am I ready to follow the examples of the members of Family of Bethany?

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*