In John 11:1-45, Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead after he had been dead for four days. This passage can be related to Lent in the Catholic calendar and RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) as it highlights the theme of resurrection, which is a central theme of Lent.
During Lent, Catholics are called to reflect on their common human experience of sin and brokenness, which leads them to a deeper appreciation of God’s love and mercy. The season culminates in the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus, which brings new life and hope to those who believe.
Similarly, the story of Jesus bringing Lazarus back to life points to the power of Jesus to bring new life out of death. It is a powerful reminder of the hope that comes from putting our trust in God, even in the face of death and despair.
For those in the RCIA process, the story of Lazarus can also provide encouragement and inspiration. As they journey towards baptism and full initiation into the Catholic Church, they may face challenges and obstacles that can sometimes feel overwhelming. However, just as Jesus brought Lazarus back to life, so too can he bring new life and transformation to those who seek him with an open heart.
Going Deeper
Fr. Lawrence Mick
When we celebrate the third scrutiny today with the elect, we are challenging them to base their lives on that motif, to be willing to embrace the multiple deaths that love demands with the faith that new life will arise each time we cast ourselves into the hands of our loving and life-giving God. We know of course,that as we challenge the elect, we also challenge ourselves, for we are all on the same journey of ever deepening conversion.
In John 11:1-45, Jesus offers hope and meaning in the face of death. He assures Martha that death is not the end, and that he has the power to bring even the dead back to life. Through his words and actions, Jesus reveals that he is the source of eternal life and the only way to find true hope and meaning. No matter what trials we may face in life, we can find comfort and strength in the knowledge that Jesus is the resurrection and the life.
Going Deeper
Joan Chittister
Sister Joan Chittister emphasizes the importance of faith, hope, and trust in God’s power to bring new life even in situations that appear to be hopeless. She also views the story as a call to action for Christians to remove the “grave clothes” of their fears, doubts, and prejudices and to embrace a new life characterized by love, compassion, and solidarity with those who suffer. Chittister’s interpretation of the story of Lazarus reflects her commitment to social justice, spiritual renewal, and a transformative vision of Christian discipleship.
Fulton Sheen
Fulton Sheen saw in the story of Lazarus a deeper meaning beyond the physical resurrection of Lazarus. He interpreted it as a symbol of the spiritual resurrection that occurs when a person is brought back to life from a state of sin and despair. To Sheen, the raising of Lazarus exemplified Christ’s mission to bring salvation and new life to all who believe in him.
In his book “Life Is Worth Living,” Sheen expounds on this idea, stating: “The greatest of all the miracles, the most stupendous of all the prodigies, the one that anticipates and symbolizes Christ’s triumphant victory over the kingdom of Satan, is the resurrection of Lazarus.”
First, the story of the raising of Lazarus highlights the importance of trust in the power of God. In the story, even though Lazarus had been dead for four days, Jesus still believed that God could raise him from the dead. Similarly, in family life, trust and faith can be essential to overcoming challenges and difficulties.
Second, the story emphasizes the importance of family support in difficult times. Lazarus’ sisters, Mary and Martha, were deeply troubled by his death, but they still had faith in Jesus, and this faith helped them to accept God’s plan. In the same way, families can support and encourage each other through challenging times.
Third, the story reveals the hope that exists beyond death. The resurrection of Lazarus gives hope that death is not the end, and that there is a life beyond this one. This can bring comfort and peace to families who are grieving the loss of a loved one.
Overall, the story of the raising of Lazarus can teach families valuable lessons about faith, support, and hope, which are all critical aspects of family life.
The story of Lazarus is primarily a story of faith and resurrection. However, some people also draw connections between this story and diversity and inclusion.
One interpretation is that although Lazarus was sick, poor, and marginalized, Jesus still came to his aid and brought him back to life, showing that every person is worthy of love and compassion, regardless of their circumstances. This message of inclusivity and valuing each person equally can be applied to modern efforts towards diversity and inclusion in society and workplaces.
Additionally, the story of Lazarus can be seen as a symbol of overcoming prejudice and bias. Lazarus was considered unclean and untouchable, yet Jesus overcame these barriers in his act of resurrection. Likewise, we can strive to overcome biases and prejudices that prevent us from fully embracing and including all people in our communities and workplaces.
In the story of Lazarus, Jesus demonstrates the power of His work by raising Lazarus from the dead. This serves as a reminder to us that our work, no matter how great or small, can have a significant impact on the world around us. Our work is not just about earning a living and providing for our families, but it also includes our service to God and to others.
If we face difficult situations or feel stuck in our careers, we must remember that Jesus is the ultimate source of hope, strength, and guidance. We must put our faith in Him, trust His wisdom, and allow Him to guide our steps in our careers and in life.
Rise Above the Challenge
Just as Jesus wept for Lazarus’ death and prayed for his resurrection, we too face challenges and hardship in our work. Sometimes we might feel discouraged or overwhelmed by our work responsibilities, and we may even feel like we have come to a dead-end. However, this story teaches us that with faith, prayer, and God’s intervention, resurrection and new beginnings are possible.
The story of Lazarus also reminds us of the power of community in our lives and work. Just as Mary and Martha reached out to Jesus for help, we too should not shy away from seeking help and support from others in our workplace. When we face work-related issues, we must not hesitate to seek advice, counsel or even prayers from our colleagues and mentors.
Moreover, the resurrection of Lazarus reminds us of the importance of resurrection moments in our work. Just as Jesus called out to Lazarus to come out of the tomb, we too must be ready to step out of our comfort zones, embrace new opportunities and solutions, and revive our careers.
In John 11, we see the character of Lazarus, who has fallen ill and is near death. His condition is a metaphor for the despair and hopelessness that many addicts face. However, just as Lazarus’ sisters Mary and Martha did not give up on him, we too must not give up on those who suffer from addiction.
Like Jesus, we must show compassion and provide hope for those who are struggling. We must not judge them but instead offer them love and support. The power of addiction is often too strong for an individual to overcome alone. They need a community of believers to come alongside them, providing them with encouragement and prayer.
In the story of Lazarus, Jesus reminds us that even when all seems lost, there is always hope. Jesus says to Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die” (John 11:25-26). This statement reminds us that even when things seem hopeless, with Christ, we are never truly alone.
As we support those in recovery, we must also remember that just like Lazarus, they may encounter setbacks along the way. Recovery is not a straight line, and there may be times when it seems like progress has stalled or even gone backward. But as Jesus shows, even after death, there is still hope for new life.
At the beginning of the story, we see Mary and Martha send word to Jesus that their brother Lazarus was sick. However, instead of hurrying to attend to the situation, Jesus remained where He was for two more days. This delay was a deliberate one, as Jesus wanted to use Lazarus’ illness to glorify God by displaying His power.
This delay is similar to the trials and setbacks we often face in our lives. Just like Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, we may find ourselves praying for a solution to a problem, but God’s answer may not come immediately. However, we must remember that God’s timing is perfect, and His ways are higher than ours.
Furthermore, throughout the story, we also see evil forces at play. Satan, in his desire to take away God’s glory, was stirring up fear and doubt among the people. The Pharisees were frightened that Jesus’ popularity and influence would lead to the Romans taking away their status and power.
But despite their schemes, Jesus demonstrated His power over sin and death. He called out Lazarus from the tomb and restored him to life, overcoming the stronghold of death that Satan had placed upon the people.
This display of Jesus’ power over death is an indication of His ultimate victory over Satan and sin. It was a victory over spiritual warfare. It is a reminder to us that just like Jesus, we are also in a war against the forces of darkness. The devil’s mission is to steal, kill, and destroy, but Jesus came to bring salvation, hope, and light into the world.
The story of Lazarus’ resurrection begins with his death. When Jesus hears of Lazarus’ passing, he tells his disciples that the illness was for God’s glory so that the Son of God may be glorified through it. However, when Jesus arrived at the tomb of Lazarus, he wept. This moment shows us that even when we know that God’s will is being carried out, we still experience sadness and grief. Jesus’ tears remind us that it is only through Jesus’ faithfulness and love that we are able to overcome death.
As stewards of God’s creation, we are called to be faithful and to trust in God’s promises. We must have faith that God will provide for and guide us through all of life’s struggles, just as he did with Lazarus. Sometimes, it can be difficult to see the good in difficult situations, but we must always remember that God works in mysterious ways, and his plans for us are always for our ultimate good.
Another aspect of stewardship that we see in this passage is the importance of community. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming to Lazarus’ tomb, she went out to meet him, saying, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” Her words show that she believed in the power of Jesus to heal and restore life. However, when Jesus asked for the stone to be removed from the tomb, Martha questioned him, asking if the smell would be too overpowering. In this moment, Martha was afraid to take the necessary action to help Jesus restore Lazarus to life.
As faithful stewards, we must not be afraid of taking what might seem like radical steps to follow Christ. We are called to trust Jesus’ teachings and follow his example, even when it feels difficult or risky. By being involved in our communities and taking action to follow through on the calling of Jesus, we can experience the power of God in our own lives, just like Lazarus did.
Finally, we see in this passage that Jesus’ love is more powerful than death. By conquering the grave and bringing Lazarus back to life, Jesus demonstrated the ultimate triumph of love over hatred, life over death, and good over evil. As faithful stewards, we must cherish this love and trust in the power of Christ to transform all things.
Youth face countless challenges in today’s world. They struggle to navigate academic pressures, familial and social expectations, and the constant bombardment of technology and social media. They are seeking guidance and direction, looking for hope and assurance that their dreams and aspirations can become a reality.
The story of Lazarus gives us a profound example of how God can intervene and transform even the most dire of situations. Just as Lazarus was resurrected from the grave, our youth can experience a spiritual awakening, a rebirth of their hopes and dreams.
Jesus delayed his arrival when he heard about Lazarus’ illness, but he arrived just in time to perform this astonishing miracle. This teaches us an important lesson about patience, timing, and trust in God’s plan. Our youth may feel as though their prayers are not being answered and that God is not listening to their pleas, but we are reminded in this passage that God’s timing is perfect, and His plan is always in motion.
The story of Lazarus also illustrates the power of community and faith. When Mary and Martha were grieving over the loss of their brother, they were comforted by the presence of their friends and loved ones. We can encourage our youth to build a strong support system of family, friends, mentors, and spiritual leaders. Through their collective prayers and support, our young people can find strength and courage to overcome trials and tribulations.
Finally, this passage reminds us that, ultimately, we are all in God’s hands. Lazarus’ resurrection is a reminder that death is not the end, but a passing into eternity. Our youth may fear the unknown and uncertain future, but we must remind them that their hope lies in the promise of eternal life.
As we delve into this story of Lazarus, let us also consider the parallels between this narrative and the current state of our planet Earth. Our planet is crying out for resurrection, and it is up to us, as God’s stewards, to listen to its cries and take action to reverse the damage we have done.
As we read the story, we see that Lazarus was dead for four days, and the people around him were mourning his loss. Yet, when Jesus arrived, he was able to bring Lazarus back to life, showing that nothing is impossible with God.
Similarly, our planet has been gravely injured by human activity. We have caused devastating climate change by polluting the air, contaminating the oceans, and destroying habitats. The earth is mourning, and even though it may seem impossible to reverse the damage we’ve done, with God’s help, we can make a difference.
Just as Jesus instructed the people around Lazarus to roll away the stone from the tomb, we need to start removing the barriers that prevent us from working towards a sustainable future. We must take actions that go beyond just recycling and reduce our carbon footprint. We need to advocate for change at a policy level, challenge our leadership to take action, and hold ourselves accountable for our daily habits.
As Jesus told Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live” (John 11:25). Likewise, if we believe in the power of God and His ability to bring new life even to the most broken things, we can hope for a better future for the Earth.
John 11:1-45 tells the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. This event is not only significant for what it tells us about Jesus’ power and authority, but it also has important implications for our understanding of the Catholic Church and its history.
One of the key themes in this passage is the importance of faith. When Jesus arrives at the tomb of Lazarus, he tells Martha that “your brother will rise again.”
In the history of the Catholic Church, there have been many moments when faith has been tested and challenged. From the early days of persecution under the Roman Empire, to the conflicts and controversies of the Middle Ages and the Reformation, to the scandals and crises of the modern era, the Church has faced many trials and tribulations. But throughout it all, the message of Jesus in this passage remains the same: those who believe in him, even though they die, will live.
This image of God bringing life out of death is a powerful one for the Catholic Church, which has often been associated with the themes of resurrection and renewal. Just as Jesus brought Lazarus back to life, the Church has been called to bring new life to the world through its teachings, sacraments, and witness to the Gospel. And just as Lazarus emerged from the tomb, still wrapped in his burial clothes, the Church is also called to help people shed the trappings of sin and death, and to embrace the new life that God offers.
Finally, this passage reminds us of the importance of community in the life of faith. When Jesus arrives at the tomb, he is greeted by Martha and Mary, as well as many other people who have gathered to mourn Lazarus. These individuals play an important role in the story, as they witness the power of God at work and are invited to share in the joy and wonder of Lazarus’ resurrection.
In the history of the Catholic Church, community has always been a central aspect of the faith. From the early Christian communities described in the New Testament, to the monastic orders of the Middle Ages, to the parish communities and movements of the modern era, the Church has always emphasized the importance of coming together as a community of believers. It is in this community that we find strength, support, and encouragement to live out our faith in the world.
Going Deeper
“I saw in his hand a glorious golden spear, and at the iron tip there appeared to be a point of fire. This he plunged into my heart several times so that it penetrated to my entrails. When he pulled it out, I felt that he took them with it, and left me utterly consumed by the great love of God. The pain was so sharp that it made me utter several moans; and so excessive was the sweetness caused me by this intense pain that one cannot possibly wish to have it removed, nor can the soul be content with anything less than God.” – St. Teresa of Avila, Interior Castle, Seventh Mansions, Chapter IV
