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Gospel Reflection- 07/29/2021 (Feast of Saint Martha)

7/29/2021

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Today, on the feast of Saint Martha, we read in John’s Gospel the strong, prophetic act of faith by Saint Martha. Jesus has arrived in her hometown of Bethany after hearing of the death of Lazarus. Upon seeing Jesus, Martha blames Jesus saying if you were here he wouldn’t be dead. How many times have we turned towards God with those exact words on our lips? The raw human emotions that come with death were ones even Jesus couldn’t escape. People like to put Jesus into a box, as a kind-hearted preacher whose life until his passion was peace and love. The reality is, Jesus’ mission was to be a warrior against death. To fight the one uncontrollable thing in our lives.

The free will of a human given by God does not exclude death. It is up to us where we go when we die and how we die. I don’t mean in the literal sense but in the spiritual sense of course. Jesus reminds us of this in today’s Gospel when he said “Your brother will rise again.” Not only was he speaking about Lazarus but to all of our brothers and our sisters. We profess this every single Sunday we attend Holy Mass. It’s what fills us with uncontrollable hope and countless thanksgivings for God. Jesus has defeated death, there’s nothing else to fear.

Jesus has allowed us to live fully. Through our Baptism and the graces we receive from Reconciliation and Holy Communion. There should be no fear of death as long as you continue to turn like Saint Martha to Jesus. Have you allowed Jesus to strip the chains of death from you? 

Pray with me: “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.” Saint Martha, pray for us.

God Bless,
Jonathan

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    Authors

    Carol Mullins-
    Pastoral Associate

    Jonathan Molik-
    ​Youth Minister

    Tweets by Pontifex
Saint John Paul II Parish 
2052 Lakeview Road 
    Lake View, New York 14085  
 Phone: (716) 627-2910                 Fax: (716) 627-7972


Email:  Parish@JP2Parish.org
  • Home
    • Bulletin
    • Calendar
    • Lawn Fete >
      • Classic Car Show
    • Mass Schedule
    • New Parishioners
    • Picture Page
    • Formed
    • Our History
    • Online Catholic Resources
    • Resources >
      • Catholic Prayers
      • Outreach, Links & Info >
        • Vocation Prayers
  • Faith Formation
  • Ministries
    • Ministries & Organizations
    • Ministry Schedules
    • Youth Ministry
    • Young Adult Ministry
    • WYD 2023
    • Respect Life
  • Sacraments
    • Anointing of the Sick
    • Annulments - Q&A
    • Baptism
    • Becoming a Catholic
    • Reconciliation
    • Confirmation
    • Holy Orders
    • Marriage
    • Mass of Christian Burial >
      • Funeral Planning
      • Recent Deaths
      • Nearby Funeral Homes
  • School
    • SCS Website
    • Ways to Donate
    • SCRIP Program
    • Tuition Angel
    • SCS Amazon Smile
  • Forms & Requests
    • Forms
    • Submit a Bulletin Article
    • Mass Intention
    • Request Letter of Recommendation
    • Maintenance Work Request
    • Sick List Request
    • Calendar Request
    • Parish Event Publicity Form
    • Parish/SCS Event Planning Request Form
  • Contact
    • Address & Directions
    • Contact Parish Office
    • Contact Faith Formation
    • Who Do I Contact For ...
    • Staff
    • Social Media
  • Blog