Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus July 29, 2023

Fr. Rick’s Two Minute Homily for Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus
July 29, 2023, John 11:19-27
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/072923.cfm

Your Brother Will Rise.

I feel like a parent losing their child to the world of drugs or free sex, or if it feels good, “Just do it.” All the values of our faith are forgotten in this world today. It’s a world where family life is no longer a value to be treasured. Marriage is what you make of it.

It’s like Martha and Mary losing their brother Lazarus to death. But this time, it’s spiritual death for many people. When a person loses a relationship with Jesus, it is common to no longer believe in the Real Presence of Jesus in his Body and Blood, so why worship what you don’t believe? Thus, the Mass exodus.

Jesus told Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in Me, even if he dies, will live, and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.” Then he asks her a personal question, “Do you believe this?”

Jesus has all authority in heaven and on earth. Yet He leaves Himself vulnerable to each person to decide if they believe in Him. For example, Jesus raised Lazarus and returned him to his family. Think of someone who has abandoned the Catholic faith in Jesus.

Gospel Challenge:
You believe in Jesus like Martha. Using Martha’s words, tell Jesus, “Lord if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now, I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you.”

Now listen to Jesus’ response, “Your brother will rise.” Listen to those words whenever you think and pray for someone who no longer believes and practices the Catholic faith.

“YOUR BROTHER WILL RISE! Repeat it over and over in your heart.

Peace be with you.

IGNITE THE FIRE!

Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
pastor

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