Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: July 29, 2025

Date: Tuesday of the 17^th Week in Ordinary Time/Memorial of Martha, Mary & Lazarus

Scripture Text:  John 11:19-27

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.”

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel reading for today recounts Martha’s conversation with Jesus after Lazarus’ death but before Jesus brought Lazarus back to life.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I believe that Jesus is the resurrection and the life? Do I believe with my mind, heart and soul that Jesus is the Son of God?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, we come to You this day full of praise and thanksgiving for You and all that You have created, especially our lives. We give thanks, also, for the gift of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, who opened up for us a deeper and clearer understanding of your abundant and merciful love for us. Nowhere was your love more evident than in sending your Son to be our redeemer, to save us from sin and death. Send your Spirit to grow our faith, our hope, and our love for You and for your Son, Jesus Christ. We ask this in the name of your Son who live and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.