Read Exodus 24:3-8, Ps. 50:1-2,5-6,14-15, John 11:19-27
“Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, he who is coming into the world.” (John 11:27)
After listening to the words of the Ten Commandments, the people of Israel spoke with one voice: “We will observe all the commands that the Lord has decreed.” Moses put the words of the Ten Commandments into writing, and early next morning, he built an altar at the foot of the mountain with twelve standing stones for the twelve tribes of Israel.
One question that readily comes to mind is: Was Moses disobeying the first commandment by building an altar at the foot of the mountain? Moses did not just build this altar; he offered holocausts and immolated bullocks to the Lord on the altar. Half the blood Moses took up and put in basins, the other half he cast on the altar. After reading the Ten Commandments to the people, Moses sprinkled the blood of the animals on the people.
No one would say Moses committed idolatry right after receiving the Ten Commandments because, even though Moses used visible signs, images and symbols, the people understood it was all directed to the worship of God. From the earliest days of our faith, we have always used visible images, signs and symbols in our worship of God.
Similarly, everything in the church today, from the altar to the pillars to the pews, to the images, the statutes, the book of the Gospel, the Holy Eucharist etc., are all directed at the worship of God. Those who still accuse the Church of idolatry, like the Pharisees who accused Jesus of breaking the Sabbath, express a lack of understanding of the Ten Commandments.
Today we celebrate three Saints: Mary, Martha and Lazarus, siblings of the same family and friends of Jesus Christ. One day, Lazarus was sick. Mary and Martha sent for Jesus, but He did not show up. In pain and disappointment, Mary and Martha buried Lazarus. It is difficult to speak of faith when faced with serious challenges, when prayers are unanswered or when tragedies strike.
When Mary and Martha were still mending their hearts, Jesus showed up. He asked Martha this question: “Do you believe?” Now imagine yourself in Martha’s shoes. What would your response be? On this day that we celebrate the feast of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, we are called to be inspired by Martha’s exemplary faith, which was unshaken by the death of her brother Lazarus. She replied: “Yes, Lord; I believe you are the Christ, the Son of God, coming into the world.” We pray that we may have faith large enough to make God move mountains on our behalf.
Let us pray: Almighty ever-living God, strengthen my faith, love, and devotion to you. Through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Saints Mary, Martha and Lazarus. Liturgical Colour: White. Bible Study: Exodus 24:3-8, Ps. 50:1-2,5-6,14-15, John 11:19-27).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu