As we continue our Lenten journey, we turn to Mary of Bethany, the quiet yet profound sister of Martha and Lazarus. Unlike many in the Gospel, Mary does not speak often, but when she acts, her actions reveal a heart deeply attuned to Christ. In this sacred season, her life offers us several lessons.

1. BEING before DOING

First, Mary teaches us the importance of being before doing. In the house at Bethany, while Martha was busy with many tasks, Mary chose to sit at the feet of Jesus Christ and listen (cf. Lk 10:39). Let’s look at our lives, we have many responsibilities: work to finish, people to care for, expectations to meet. Like Martha of Bethany, we were constantly moving, doing, trying to keep everything in order. Outwardly, we were productive. Inwardly, we were restless.

Reflection:
Lent invites us into that same posture: to pause, to be still, and to let God speak. Our world values productivity, but Mary reminds us of that intimacy with Christ should come first.

2. LOVE with a GENEROUS HEART

Second, Mary shows us how to love extravagantly. In a striking moment, she pours costly perfume on Jesus’ feet and wipes them with her hair (cf. Jn 12:3). It is a gesture that seems excessive, even wasteful to others. Yet in God’s eyes, love is never wasted.

Reflection:
During Lent, we are called not to calculate our love, but to give it freely, through prayer, sacrifice, and quiet acts of devotion.

3. A HEART THAT OPENS ITS WOUNDS TO THE LORD

Third, Mary embodies a heart that brings sorrow to Christ. At the death of Lazarus, she falls at Jesus’ feet weeping (cf. Jn 11:32). Her tears move Him deeply. This reminds us that our suffering, when brought honestly to the Lord, becomes a place of encounter.

Reflection:
Lent is not about hiding our pain, but about placing it before Christ, trusting that He receives it with compassion.

4. SURRENDER TO THE LORD

Finally, Mary reveals the beauty of humble surrender. She does not try to control, explain, or fix everything. She simply remains close at His feet in listening, in grief, and in love.

Reflection:
This is the heart of Lent: not to master God, but to surrender to Him.

As we walk these forty days, may we learn from Mary to slow down, to love deeply, and to remain at the feet of Christ. It is the place where true life begins.

Not first to do great things for Christ, but to be with Him deeply.
A true disciple is not the one who does the most, but the one who stays closest.

Let us pray:

Lord Jesus, teach me to sit at Your feet like Mary,
to listen with a quiet heart,
and to love without counting the cost.
In this Lenten season,
receive my sorrows and my small offerings,
and draw me closer to You. Amen.

With love,

Little-pencil