Faith now

This Sunday’s Gospel offers us the remarkable story of the raising of Lazarus.  In itself, it is astounding but the events swirl around the disciples, Martha and Mary as they carry the dialogue with Jesus for the most part.  I’ve always appreciated Martha’s reply to Jesus as he first arrives in Bethany after the death of Lazarus.  She speaks to her belief in the resurrection on the last day.  She has come to appreciate this concept in her own journey of faith and while she wishes Jesus had come earlier to heal her brother, she trusts in what is to come.

Jesus, however, does not let her remain complacent in her belief.  He challenges her understanding that limits his action.  Here he calls forth from her belief that he is the Lord for all time…past, present and future.  Martha uses all the right words, but they are the same words used by others in the journey to true faith.  The Woman at the Well asked, “Could this be the Christ?” while still not accepting fully.  The crowd he fed asked if he was the prophet “…who was to come into the world,” and he fled from them who failed to understand his mission.  Martha believes in the miracles of Jesus, but is she capable of more?

When Mary comes on the scene we have the hope of one who truly believes in Jesus as she falls at his feet in homage and faith, but her tears are associated with those of the unbelieving Jews.  The disciples, Martha, Mary, and the crowd all have yet to truly learn who he is, and come to faith.  The sadness of the predicament overwhelms him.  He must make known the action of God! 

The transformation of the moment is not just about Lazarus coming from the tomb, but the action of God being made manifest before all present that they may believe.  The call of the Gospel is extended to us as well.  How do we limit the authority and power of God in our lives?

How often do I fail to include Jesus in the decisions of my life?  Have I laid the blame of struggles on the Lord even though I’ve not included him on the journey that led to this moment?  Do I view him as a “miracle-worker” who fulfills my expectations all the while failing to honor him as Lord and Savior regularly?  Is he really for me the Lord of all, or only of where I relegate him so I can behave as I choose in all other areas of my life?  Is it only Lazarus that needs to come to life in Christ?

 

Holy Week Schedule;

Monday, March 30: Mass at 8 am; Confessions at St. Raphael’s from 6:30 pm until all are heard.

Tuesday, March 31: Mass at 8 am; Confessions at St. Gabriel’s from 6:30 pm until all are heard

                        Regular Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament with Benediction at 9:00 pm

Wednesday, April 1: Mass at 8 am; “Silhouette Stations” at St. Gabriel’s at 8 pm by Youth Group

Thursday, April 2: Morning Prayer at 8 am; Mass of the Lord’s Supper at 7 pm; Church open to 11 pm

Good Friday, April 3: Morning Prayer at 8 am; Stations of the Cross at 12:00 Noon

Passion of the Lord at 3:00 pm

Holy Saturday, April 4: Morning Prayer at 8 am; Easter Vigil at 8:00 pm

Easter Sunday, April 5: Masses offered at 6:30 am, 8:00 am, 10:00 am and 5:30 pm at St. Gabriel’s