Miriam (Mary), Martha, and Eleazar (Lazarus) of Bethany
Mary & Martha of
Bethany were sisters, who together with their brother Lazarus were good friends
of Yeshuah. Mary or Miriam would sit at
Yeshua’s feet listening (rather controversial this as women were not disciples,
and sitting at the feet of the Rabbi was a sign of discipleship) while Martha
served. Martha was somewhat disgruntled
that Miriam left her the housework, but Yeshua tells her that Miriam has chosen
the better part. Martha also is the one
who comes to Yeshua after the death of her brother, and expresses faith in the
resurrection from the dead and Miriam expresses faith in Yeshua (If you had been here my brother would not have
died). Miriam is also the one who pour
expensive ointment over Yeshua’s feet to prepare him for his burial. After Yeshua raises Lazarus from the dead,
the family apparently continues on in Bethany
until the persecution following Stephan’s death. They fled Judah
and ended up in Cyprus,
where Lazarus became Bishop (appointed by Paul and Barnabus) of Kition (Lamaca)
where Miriam and Martha continued helping him in his ministry until his death. It is said that he almost never smiled after
his resurrection, thinking about the unredeemed souls he saw in Hades while
dead. He would smile when he saw someone
stealing a pot, when he would say with a smile, “the clay steals the clay.” Legend also has it that he became Bishop of
Marseilles, which is more unlikely. Most
probably, likes James in Spain,
relics were transferred to Marseilles
and became the root of legend. In passing too, some people think that Lazarus
may have been the disciple Yeshua loved, and if so the author of the 4th
Gospel.
Luke 10:38-42
Psalm 36:5-10 or
Psalm 33:1-5,20-21
Blessed Father, you raised up Mary, Martha & Lazarus
of Bethany
to serve our Lord, each in their own way.
Grant that we may serve you directly and though others with the same
love that Mary and Martha had, this we ask through our Lord and Saviour,
Yeshuah, who lives and reigns with you and Ruach haKodesh, one God in Glory
everlasting. Amen. (white)
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