MONTHLY DEVOTIONAL FOR 29 JULY
July 29, 2025
FEAST OF SAINT PETER CHRYSOLOGUS, BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH – 30th JULY
July 30, 2025
TODAY’S GOSPEL READING
29 JULY, 2025
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.”
THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD!
REFLECTION
In this powerful gospel passage, Martha encounters Jesus after the death of her brother Lazarus. Her words are filled with grief, but also with remarkable faith: “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.” (v.21-22). Though mourning, she holds on to hope. Jesus responds with a truth that transcends death itself: “I am the resurrection and the life.”
Martha’s confession — “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God” (v.27) — is one of the most profound declarations of faith in the Gospel. Despite not fully understanding what Jesus would do, she believes in who He is. This passage invites us to trust not only in God’s power, but in His presence — especially in our times of loss and waiting. Christ doesn’t just offer resurrection as an event; He is resurrection, now and always.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, when life feels heavy with sorrow, and grief clouds our hearts, help us to come to You like Martha did — honest, hurting, but full of hope. Thank You for being the Resurrection and the Life. Thank You that in You, even death is not the end.
Strengthen our faith to declare, “Yes, Lord, I believe,” even when we do not see the full picture. Help us to trust in Your timing, Your power, and Your love. In every season of waiting or loss, may we find life and peace in You alone.
We praise You for being near to the brokenhearted, and for giving us the assurance that those who believe in You, though they die, shall live. Comfort our hearts today with Your promise of eternal life. Amen
