The resurrection of Lazarus seems to be a” test” of Jesus’ teachings during the time he had traveled throughout the countryside proclaiming the kingdom of God, describing this new kingdom and even predicting his own passion and resurrection. Jesus’ teachings were extremely radical and revolutionary: they apparently overthrew the life that the Law and Prophets had instilled the Jewish people.
When Jesus heard that Lazarus was ill, it is really surprising that he did not leave immediately to go and comfort Lazarus, Martha and Mary. Everyone with him were truly mystified at this. However, I think that this action (non-action?) was an integral aspect of his message. In a way, this was a lesson in waiting, in awaiting the answer to a plea for help and consolation, and a chance to reflect on his message.
We spend a good part of our lives waiting for something or someone. How we spend these moments can reflect on how we welcome and accept the awaited moment, response, person, etc. If we are worried or impatient, or if we spend these moments anticipating the upcoming event in a spirit of patience, of productive activity or of positive outcome, the arrival of the appointed time will be an equivalent experience. Waiting can put a test to our expectations and dreams.
When Jesus finally decided to go to Bethany, he arrived four days after Lazarus had died. The family and the community were in deep mourning. Yet, when Martha went out to meet Jesus, we see that she is deeply steeped in Jesus’ message. Martha said to Jesus:
“Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of him.’” (Jn 11,21-22)
After their short dialogue, Martha said to Jesus,
“Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.”
When Jesus arrived weeping at the tomb, he cried with a loud voice,
“Lazarus, come out! . . . The dead man came out, his hands and feet bound with strips of cloth, and his face wrapped in a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.” So Lazarus walked out and “Many of the Jews who had come with Mary and had seen what Jesus did, believed in him.” (Jn 11,1-45)
We don’t know how Lazarus felt during those days before Jesus called him forth, but because his sisters expressed their faith in Jesus, he was able to obey the command to “Come out” and reinforce the faith of those present. We also, by a simple action or word, can be witnesses of God’s action in our lives. The Holy Spirit is always there to assist us in our faith.
“I will put my spirit within you, and you shall live, and I will place you on your own soil.” (Ez 37.14)
Palm Sunday, March 29
Today the Gospel tells us that it is the first day of the Holy Week, let us think of the cheering crowd who were in jubilation as they carried palms and waved them at Jesus, who is their King. He came and entered the door of the city of Jerusalem on a humble donkey. The crowd spread coats and sang:
‘Hosanna to the Son of David Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’ Matt 2:19
This Sunday we celebrate the Lord’s mystery of his passion. It is an agonizing journey for his crucifixion and death. But Jesus wants to do God’s will, and so it is in Jerusalem where he will be judged and crucified.
Holy Week invites us to walk with the Lord in prayer, reflection, and faith as we prepare for the joy of Easter. The Gospel readings recount the story of Jesus’ death and Passion, inviting us to reflect on his sacrificial love and the profound significance of Holy Week.
Let us take time to pray and reflect and look at a crucifix. Jesus died for us, not for himself. Meditate and look at his suffering face, Jesus showed us his great love for us. He was despised and rejected by others that did not like him. He made his sacrifice, and carried his cross without saying a word.
At this time, we can ask ourselves: Do I need to forgive someone or have I been disrespectful to God in some way?
Let us ask Jesus to grant us more strength and wisdom to face our own trials of life and carry our crosses by trusting in the name of the Lord. Learn to accept your sufferings and all that happens in your life so as to become a better person. I need to trust that God is with and in me.
Let us pray for those who are experiencing trials and feel abandoned at this time. Thank God for the times he stands beside us when we are in pain.
‘Ask and you shall receive’, John 16: 24
