"ACTION AND CONTEMPLATION ARE VERY CLOSE COMPANIONS; THEY LIVE TOGETHER IN ONE HOUSE ON EQUAL TERMS. MARTHA AND MARY ARE SISTERS." (ST BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX).
"Many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them about their brother [Lazarus, who had died]. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went to meet him; but Mary sat at home.
"Martha said to 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.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise.” Martha said to him, “I know he will rise, in the resurrection on the last day.” Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and anyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” She said to him,
“Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world.” (John 11: 19 - 27).
"I have promised, I will do it, says the Lord."
Friday 29th July 2022 of the 17th Week of Ordinary Time is the feast of Saints Martha, Mary and Lazarus.
“This illness is not to end in death, but is for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” (John 11: 4)
Our adversity is always an opportunity for God to be glorified. Lazarus, the brother of Martha and Mary was dead and the sisters sent word to Jesus about it. Jesus said to Martha: “Did I not tell you that if you believe you will see the glory of God?” (John 11: 40). And Jesus said, “Lazarus, come out!” (John 11: 43). And then commanded: “Untie him and let him go.” (John 11: 44).
The faith of Martha in the Resurrection amazes me. “Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world.” (John 11: 27).
The whole equation of our Christian religion hinges on faith. God called Abraham and made a great promise to him. He responded in obedience of faith. God announced the Incarnation to Mary. She too responded in obedience of faith. Chapter 11 of Hebrews is a list of Who is Who in the Bible. The common thing among all of them is Faith. They all accomplished impossible things because of Faith. If you do not have faith, you are simply not in the game. You have to do everything to get faith, to increase faith and to use and enjoy your faith.
Are you bound and "tied hand and feet" by Unbelief? If God can raise Lazarus from the grave after four days, He certainly can restore your marriage, health, finances, job, etc.
Faith is saying YES to God so that He will do what He promises to do.
"I trust in the LORD; my soul trusts in his word.
More than sentinels wait for the dawn, let Israel wait for the LORD." (Psalm 30: 5 - 6 RM)
How strong is your faith? What are you doing on daily basis to increase your faith?
A few examples:
#1 Daily Prayer.
#2 Daily Word of God.
#3 Daily Examination of Conscience.
Faithfulness to the above will launch you far.
7. 29. July is the Month dedicated to the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ.
Honor the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ this Friday by attending Holy Mass and receiving Holy Communion.
Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com
Amen. Thank you for always reminding me to just have faith. Many people (christians) suggest to just accept every trial as if they all are suppose to be permanent. I'm learning such people have no faith nor do they understand how much others suffer daily. Thank you for encouraging people to have faith, without which we can not please God!
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