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 Raising of Lazarus 9th Christian Archaeological Congress Issue Scott 581 (1975)  Raising of Lazarus Sculptures in the Vatican Museum (2nd Series) Scott 626 (1977) The Feast of Saints Martha, Mary and Lazarus is celebrated on July 29. In the past, this day on the liturgical calendar was set aside to venerate Saint Martha alone, but in 2021 Pope Francis added Mary and Lazarus to the feast to concurrently honor the three siblings. Sisters Martha and Mary, along with their brother Lazarus, resided in the town of Bethany in Judea. Scripture portrays them as Jesus's friends and that He was a welcomed visitor to their home. In its 2021 decree combining the saints into one feast day, the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments stated: "In the household of Bethany, the Lord Jesus experienced the family spirit and friendship of Martha, Mary and Lazarus, and for this reason the Gospel of John states that he loved them.There are three memorable Gospel accounts of Jesus's interactions with the saints. In the first (told in Luke 10:38-42), Martha is troubled that Mary does not help in preparing a meal for Jesus. Mary spends the preparation time at Jesus’s feet, listening to his words. Jesus gently reprimands Martha by saying: Martha...you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.The most dramatic episode in their relationship is the raising of Lazarus from the dead. Despite the possibility of trouble should He return to Bethany, Jesus comes in response to a plea from Martha concerning a grave illness affecting Lazarus. Upon his arrival, Jesus finds that Lazarus has died. But, due to Martha's great faith, when Jesus announces Lazarus, come out!, Lazarus emerges from the tomb, still wrapped in his burial cloths (John 11:1-44). Finally, within one week of Jesus's crucifixion, Mary anoints the feet of Jesus with perfumed oils and wipes His feet with her hair (as described in John 12:1-8). Vatican City has not specifically honored Martha, Mary or Lazarus on any stamp issues. However, the miracle of Lazarus being raised from the dead has been depicted on two stamps, both shown above. The stamps portray two ancient works of art. Scott 581 shows a circular gilt glass representation of the miracle. Scott 626 shows one of the paleochristian sarcophagi, discovered in the catacombs of St. Callixtus, which portrays the scene. REFERENCES: |
