Scrolling through social media this morning – you’ll likely see it’s “Sibling Day”!
So, who are our patron saints of siblings?
Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus.
The following has been updated for you from a July 2023 FaithInWV e-bulletin article:
The feast of Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus is celebrated July 29. The Summer of 2025 will only be the fifth year the Church has honored the siblings on the liturgical calendar.
In the 2021 decree combining the veneration of the three siblings and friends of Christ, the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments noted, “In the household of Bethany, the Lord Jesus experienced the family spirit and friendship of Martha, Mary and Lazarus, and for this reason the Gospel of John states that he loved them. Martha generously offered him hospitality, Mary listened attentively to his words, and Lazarus promptly emerged from the tomb at the command of the one who humiliated death.”
The memorial of St. Martha was already included on the General Roman Calendar, but St. Lazarus and St. Mary had been left out for what can be described as theological technicalities – specifically because the identity of Martha’s sister Mary. The decree explained that these uncertainties “have been resolved in recent studies and times,” and Martha’s sister should be distinguished as Mary of Bethany.
The Gospels describe the trio, their relationship with Jesus, and thus, great lessons He glorified through them.
Most notably we know Luke’s (chapter 10) that describes Christ’s visit to their home. Once he arrived Mary stopped what she was doing to sit and listen to Jesus. Martha on the other hand worked tirelessly, continuing to tidy up the house and prepare the food and drinks for their honored guest, as was customary of the Middle East culture. Martha considered this a duty with a sign of great love and respect for her guest. However, she became annoyed at her sister for ignoring her share of the responsibilities.
Jesus noticed Martha is so distracted and tells her to stop her work and listen to Him. This story is a reminder of how “busy” we can all get. Like Martha, God wants us to stop our routines and simply make time for Him.
In John (11:1-44) their love for Jesus and total faith is illustrated for us again. John writes of the time when the family sent word to Him that Lazarus was very ill. After being in the tomb for four days, Martha heard Christ was finally coming so she set out to meet up with him. She was upset saying, “If you had been here, brother would not have died.” She quickly added. “[But] even now I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you.”
Once in the village Mary too proclaimed “if you had been here my brother would not have died.” She fell to his feet crying with all the Jews with her – “And Jesus wept (John 11:35).”
Then going to the tomb and having it opened called, “Lazarus, come out!” Lazarus wrapped in burial clothes came to life and walked out of the tomb.
Let us honor them for their steadfast faith. May we all hope to live our lives with such attentiveness, reverence, and genuine love of Christ, making time for him without hesitation. Together they are the patron saints of siblings.
Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, pray for us!
