I am the resurrection and the life

This Sunday we hear one of the most amazing stories in all of the Scriptures: the raising of Lazarus from the dead. While one of the longest stories read at a Sunday Mass, it is also one of the most compelling and profound.

The story begins with Jesus hearing about his close friend Lazarus being extremely ill. After two days, Jesus tells the Apostles it is time to return to Judea, where there is an imminent threat to his own life. But, he says to them, "Our friend Lazarus is asleep, but I am going to awaken him."

Upon his arrival, Lazarus has been dead for four days. Martha, Lazarus' sister, meets Jesus as he approaches town and begins a conversation him. Jesus assures her that Lazarus will rise, saying, "I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die." Mary, Lazarus' other sister, then comes to see Jesus. She exclaims, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died," while weeping. This moves something in Jesus' own heart, for we are told "he became perturbed and deeply troubled... And Jesus wept."

This moment is one that has moved Christians ever since it happened. It reminds us of Jesus' being fully human, with the whole spectrum of human emotion. Even though he knows he is going to raise Lazarus, his compassion for his friends and the other people present and, according to the reflections of some Church Fathers, his sorrow at the reality of death because of sin, causes him to weep.

But, this weeping is not done in despair! Jesus approaches the tomb and exclaims, "Take away the stone!" The people are hesitant, with Martha saying, "Lord, by now there will be a stench!" But he insists, saying "Did I not tell you that if you believe you will see the glory of God?" And soon, after the stone is removed, Jesus exclaims, "Lazarus, come out!" And then... he does!

This whole story is a reminder to us of the compassion and love of God shown to us in his Son Jesus. The theological idea of God as merciful and compassionate is concretely displayed in the human love, mercy, and emotion of God's Son in this story. And, in his glorified body seated at the right hand of the Father, the human heart of Jesus continues to look upon us with love and mercy today!

So, as we enter into Passiontide (the last two weeks of Lent), let us be filled with hope! For, what Jesus has done here in time to his close friend Lazarus he has promised he will do for us also! And while we do indeed have sorrow and weep in the face of death, we do not do so as people who do not have hope. Our Lord and Savior tells us he is "the resurrection and the life." Let us pray that we, and our Elect and Candidates preparing to enter the Church, may always keep that in our minds and hearts!

Want to prepare your heart and mind for Mass this weekend? Click here to find the readings this Sunday's Mass.