![]() The setting is very similar to the one that will claim him shortly. The greatest sign of love will be the cross where Jesus will lay down his life for the world. The signs of compassion, grief and sorrow, meaningful as they are, are only a glimpse into the love the Lord has for Lazarus, his sisters and for every human being. Many said in response: “See how much he loved him.” He, too, is overcome with sorrow for the death of his friend and with compassion for the sisters so much so, as St. Jesus is aware of the sorrow and grief that Martha and Mary are experiencing at the death of their brother. She has a clear understanding of his identity and mission. I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world.” Martha makes a great profession of faith in Jesus. But even now I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you.” Jesus says, “Your brother will rise.” Martha, speaking about the general resurrection, says: “I know he will rise, in the resurrection on the last day.” Jesus replies, “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.”Īfter this Jesus asks, “Do you believe this?” Martha says, “Yes, Lord. “Lord, if you had been here my brother would not have died. ![]() The interchange demonstrates Martha’s great faith. Nearing the village Jesus is met by Martha. Lazarus has already been in the tomb for four days when Jesus arrives. The narrative continues with Jesus’ returning to Bethany fully knowing that Lazarus has died. It is through the restoration of Lazarus to life, as well as the curing of the man born blind, that Jesus will offer a sign that manifests his glory. In that account he said, “Neither he nor his parents sinned: it is so that the works of God might be made visible through him.” His reaction is similar to what he said regarding the man born blind in last Sunday’s Gospel reading. Jesus is away but does not return immediately on hearing the news, saying: “This illness is not to end in death but is for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” Lazarus is ill to the point of death so his sisters, Martha and Mary, send word to Jesus to come. John recounts the story in the fourth Gospel. ![]() The restoration of Lazarus to life is a powerful foreshadowing of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. (See the readings for the Fifth Sunday of Lent, April 6)
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |