Fifth Sunday of Lent

Dear Friends,

In today’s Gospel reading about the resurrection of Lazarus, it struck me that twice in this passage, Jesus was “perturbed. Jesus is fully human and fully divine. He must have experienced a wide range of human emotions. Feeling troubled and perturbed is not a feeling that I often think about when meditating on the life of the Son of God. However, I find it consoling to know that Jesus can relate to us and our feelings - whether positive or negative - because He felt them all too. God does not look down on us and extend a sympathetic hand or ear in our times of difficulty. God is within us - “the Spirit of God dwells in you” from today’s second reading - and we are not alone in whatever we are feeling and facing in this life.

Today’s Gospel also tells us that “Jesus wept”. Not only is this further validation of Jesus’ humanity but it also reveals the authenticity and intimacy of his friendships. To be moved to the point of tears shows a beautiful depth and sensitivity of Jesus’ heart. I pray that we may all cultivate our friendship with God and with each other in the same way that Jesus was friends with Martha, Mary and Lazarus.

I was also struck in this passage by Mary’s words as she says “I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God”. She does not say “I believe” but that “I have come to believe”. Faith is a journey. It’s okay if you are struggling, questioning or even wrestling with God. Faith doesn’t typically come immediately and all at once. It takes time to come to know God, to know your own heart and to know the path that God has for you. Like Mary, we can all reflect on our life and our faith journey and hopefully repeat the words: “I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God”. Today, let us pray for an increase of faith and reflect on how God has worked in our lives and our hearts to get to where we are today.

Amy Burghardt
Development Manager