“... and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:26)
Origen of Alexandria comments on this verse from the Gospel proclaimed at Mass today:
”The Savior does not inquire “Do you believe this?” in ignorance as to whether Martha did or did not believe what was said. Rather, he did so in order that we, or indeed those who were then present, might learn from her answer what her disposition was. But another will say that it is not a question but a statement: “You believe this.” In this case, Martha then completes the Savior’s statement saying, Yes, Lord, and not only do I believe what you now say, but I believe now that you are the Christ, something I also believed before. And I believe that you are the Son of God who comes into the world and lives with all who believe in you.” (Fragment 81 on the Gospel of John)
Collect
Almighty ever-living God,
Whose Son was pleased to be welcomed
in Saint Martha’s house as a Guest,
grant, we pray,
that through her intercession,
serving Christ faithfully
in our brothers and sisters,
we may merit to be received by You
in the halls of heaven.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
who lives and reigns with You
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Whose Son was pleased to be welcomed
in Saint Martha’s house as a Guest,
grant, we pray,
that through her intercession,
serving Christ faithfully
in our brothers and sisters,
we may merit to be received by You
in the halls of heaven.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
who lives and reigns with You
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Glory to the Father
and to the Son
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and will be forever. Amen
and to the Son
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and will be forever. Amen
