Some feast days are deeply personal. For me, the feast of Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus isn’t just a day on the liturgical calendar—it’s our wedding anniversary. ❤️
And perhaps that’s fitting. Because these three siblings from Bethany—especially the two sisters—represent something I’ve been learning (and re-learning) in marriage, motherhood, and faith:
- 👉 There’s a time for cooking the meal.
- 👉 There’s a time for sitting at the feet of Jesus.
- 👉 And both can lead to holiness.
🍞 A Home for Jesus: The Saints of Bethany
Scripture gives us several beautiful snapshots of the home of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. Jesus loved them and was deeply at home in their presence (John 11:5). They weren’t apostles or martyrs—but they were His friends.
Holiness isn’t just for the public preachers and miracle workers. It’s for the ones who make a home for Christ—in their hearts and in their hospitality.
🧹 I Am a Martha. Maybe You Are Too.
I relate to St. Martha so deeply. She’s the one making sure everyone is fed, the house is presentable, the schedule is managed. She’s doing what so many of us do every day.
But when Jesus gently reminds her that “Mary has chosen the better part,” He isn’t scolding Martha. He’s inviting her to rest. To trust. To put the person above the plate.
Hospitality is holy—but not when it comes at the cost of presence.
🛐 Mary Teaches Me to Pause
St. Mary, her sister, chose to sit. She chose silence. She chose stillness. And Jesus said that stillness—just being with Him—was “the better part.”
That hits me in the heart. Because I can lose myself in the doing, in the perfectionism, in the faith "to-do list." Mary reminds me that the heart of holiness is intimacy with Christ.
Both women are saints. The question isn’t “Which one are you?” It’s “What is the better part in this moment?”
💗 Marriage, Mission & the Right Kind of Worry
On our wedding anniversary, I think about Martha and Mary often. One served. One listened. And both loved Jesus deeply.
Marriage—and life in general—requires both kinds of saints:
- ✅ The kind who prepares the table.
- ✅ The kind who brings prayer into the chaos.
- ✅ The kind who knows when to stop and be still.
Both the active and the contemplative life can become holy ground when done with love.
✝️ Celebrate Their Feast with Meaningful Devotionals
Honor these beloved saints of Bethany with USA-made devotional items that remind us to love deeply, serve joyfully, and rest in Christ’s presence.
💍 Featured Products:
- St. Martha Sterling Silver Medal – A beautiful piece for those called to serve with strength and grace.
- St. Martha Laminated Prayer Card – Celebrate the contemplative heart that draws close to Jesus.
- St. Lazarus Devotional Items – A reminder of Christ’s power to raise, renew, and restore.
🛍️ Browse all Bethany Family Saints →
🙏 A Prayer to the Saints of Bethany
Lord Jesus,
In the spirit of Martha, teach me to serve without anxiety.
In the stillness of Mary, teach me to listen with my heart.
In the story of Lazarus, remind me that nothing is ever truly lost in You.
May my home, like theirs, be a resting place for Your presence. Amen.
💬 Do You Live Like Martha or Mary?
Do you relate more to Martha or Mary? What helps you find balance between service and stillness? Share in the comments or tag us @CatholicFaithStore with your reflections.
Let’s grow in holiness together—whether we’re sweeping the kitchen or kneeling in prayer.
