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March 29, 2020

Fifth Sunday of Lent

The raising of Lazarus is the ending of the Book of Signs in the Gospel according to St. John. Evangelist John does not use the word “miracle” but the word “sign.” Signs are wonderful acts or works of God which Jesus performs that have deeper meaning. Calling Lazarus from death to life heralds the resurrection of Jesus in the Book of Glory. Although listeners are draw to the climactic words of Jesus, “Lazarus, come out” … “Untie him and let him go” we should not overlook Jesus’ encounters with Martha and Mary, the two sisters of Lazarus.

When Jesus first hears that Lazarus is very sick and near death, Jesus seems purposely to delay. When Jesus finally nears Bethany, Martha goes out to meet him with disappointment. “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you.” Jesus and Martha talk about resurrection culminating in Jesus’ revelation, “I am the resurrection and the life” and Martha’s confession of faith, “Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world.”

Mary too expresses her regret to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” Her shedding of tears profoundly affects Jesus. He is deeply moved and cries. Jesus weeps!

Martha and Mary, two women, exemplify faith in Christ. Even though they are distraught, Mary and Martha remain faithful. They engage Jesus in conversation with honesty and readily express their emotions of hurt and sadness. As we deal with the threat of viral infection and mourn the loss of those who have succumbed to the coronavirus, we can recall the witness of Martha and Mary and trust that Jesus is with us and cares very much about our circumstance.

In the next chapter of the Gospel according to St. John, Mary will anoint Jesus with costly fragrant oil – a premonition of Jesus’ own imminent death and burial. In the face of sickness and death, we too must turn to Jesus as the source of healing and life.

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Fourth Sunday of Lent

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Palm Sunday