What would you expect from two sisters and a brother? They criticize his clothing choices; he teases them about their latest crush. And maybe at one time, they did. So the feast of Marthy, Mary and Lazarus of Bethany celebrates an imperfect trio—and he wasn’t added ‘til 2021!
In an ironic reversal of the usual order, we know more about the women in the story of raising Lazarus than about the man. The gospel gives cameos of two different personalities: Martha, direct, confrontational, not a shred of syrupy politeness. Holding opposites, she not only accuses Jesus of a tragic delay; with bedrock certainty, she affirms his identity. It’s entirely possible she gives Jesus the mysterious affirmation he needs before he plunges into the passion awaiting him in Jerusalem.
“But Mary sat at home.” Sounds like her usual apathetic sitting at Jesus’ feet while Martha tore her hair out to prepare a meal. Or maybe more? The phrase “at home” always carries rich overtones in the gospel. Of course she was sad, but she could’ve reached deep into herself to a secure place of knowing that God’s care was untethered to specific events. Any parent could look at their own daughters and see the same radical personality differences as in these sisters. Many have pointed out that they represent the whole holy spectrum of action and contemplation.
Can we imagine the family conversation at dinner that night? Was the tone one of hushed awe and overwhelming gratitude, or did the customary taunts slip in?
“You sure had us worried there, Lazarus! Like, out of our minds with grief!”
He smiles. “Didn’t know I gave you such a jolt.”
“What was it like, to hear that voice and shake off the grave cloths?”
Lazarus replies slowly: “Well, I knew Martha would kill me again if I didn’t lurch out of that tomb. And it smelled! Better to be back with you two…”
Martha replies sternly: “Don’t ever joke about it!”
But Mary chimes in, conciliatory: “Look—Martha cooked all your favorite dishes.”
Then the chortle: “Sheesh—what a guy’s gotta go through to get a decent meal around here!”
The sisters happily dogpile their brother, whose protests are lost in a tangle and tumble of tickling, laughter and relief.
Kathy Coffey 