ACC ~ John 12 v2

THE DEVOTED SERVICE OF MARY AND MARTHA

ATHANASIUS Martha herself was taking great care with the service and was ministering to Christ with all her heart. Mary herself was seated at the feet of Jesus and kissing them. … Christ beholds them both with his divine eyes and is cheered and rejoices over the purity of their mode of life and the offering to him of their undefiled service. HOMILY ON THE RESURRECTION OF LAZARUS. [1]

[1] AJSL 57:272-73.

MARY DIRECTS HER SERVICE TO GOD

CHRYSOSTOM “And Martha served” makes it clear that the meal was in her house, for they received Jesus as loving and beloved. Some, however, say that it took place in the house of another. Mary did not serve because she was a disciple. [1] Here again she acted in the more spiritual manner. For she did not serve as though invited, nor did she offer her service to all alike. Rather she directed the honor to him alone and approached him not as a man but as God. HOMILIES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 65.2. [2]

[1] Chrysostom speaks of Mary’s discipleship, focusing on her spiritual attitude toward Jesus in contrast to Martha’s preoccupation with more earthly concerns. Both served Jesus as his disciples, but in different ways.

[2] NPNF 1 14:242*. See also Theodoret Dialogues (FC 106:127).

LAZARUS ALIVE AND EATING

CHRYSOSTOM This was a proof of the genuineness of Lazarus’s resurrection, that after many days he both lived and ate. HOMILIES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 65.2. [1]

[1] NPNF 1 14:242**

LAZARUS PRIVILEGED TO EAT WITH CHRIST AND THE FATHER

ATHANASIUS You have seen this great public favor, that Lazarus was one of those who were reclining with Jesus. You saw not only that he gave him life again and took him from the hand of death but also that he granted him this great honor of eating with him at his supper. O these great favors that God grants to those who love him and keep his commandments! Moreover, you have seen the favor well fulfilled. Lazarus was reclining, eating with Jesus. For Jesus relied on his holy apostles to [eat and drink] with humankind. … Lazarus, on the other hand, [Jesus says], ate and drank with my Father. Come to me, Lazarus, and I shall take away the evil odor that is in your flesh over which death ruled, and I shall give you the sweet odor. See, I shall go to Jerusalem, and everyone will see you going with me in this body in which you have slept in the grave for four days. Afterward I gave you life, for truly again you yourself have served others. For in accordance with the measure that someone measures, it will be measured to himself. HOMILY ON THE RESURRECTION OF LAZARUS. [1]

[1] AJSL 57:271-72.