I’ll be taking a min off this bird app, but in the meantime, I wanted to leave my fellow Copts with a little food for thought as we start Holy Week (yes Holy Week starts on Lazarus Saturday)

The Sunday Lent readings focus on the progression of us as sinners and we slowly become less sympathetic but are healed or forgiven regardless

On Lazarus Saturday, we cap off the progression. We are literally dead! The focus is on the raising of the dead today, but I think there’s a part of the picture we don’t think about enough: WOMEN

So many remarkable women we can learn from. Both of the past and in the present

Martha and Mary (Lazarus’s sisters) were truly remarkable people, and I think it’s important to pause and think about what we can learn from them

First, St. John was one for the details. In the beginning of today’s story, he makes clear Christ’s love for these sisters

Nevertheless, one incredibly insightful story is an interaction that Christ has with them prior to the events of today. Martha and her sister were believers for sole time, and Martha invited Jesus and His followers over for dinner as they were traveling

When He rolled up, Martha started to get to work to prepare the house and be sure all the ducks were in a row. To her, this was no easy feat! Look who the Guest was! She had an epic heart for service

On the other hand, Mary dropped everything when He rolled up, sat next to Him, and just listened. Martha was worked up and distracted and told Christ to tell her sister to come help. She didn’t want to embarrass the company!

Of course, hospitality was a big deal historically and was botched frequently, so all this is understandable. What is striking is how Christ gently replied to worked up Martha

Three takeaways from this very short dialog

First, Christ showed us the importance of humility in service. Martha was the servant of the party here, and she was a little upset. Christ was the servant of all and didn’t hoop and holler, but gently reminded her, saying look that’s all great, but you’re missing the point here

Also of important is the getting bogged down in the details piece, but I’ll set that aside

Second, faith-first service. Christ acknowledged that Mary had the right idea (more on that in a sec). It’s so easy to consume ourselves with the minutiae of service that we detract from the way. Tune the inward before the outward

Finally, and my personal favorite. Fellowship! Bear in mind the Christ was a dinner guest as a friend to these two sisters! The most important thing is to embrace the fellowship with Him and with one another. No need for grandiose

The combination of these two women is something I will always aspire. Let us remember the importance of learning from women

May we all embrace the heart of service of Martha and the simplicity of faith of Mary through this Holy Week and beyond, and learn to embrace our fellowship with Him and with one another

Sorry for the typos. I’ll also work on my spelling this week