This gospel is all about the power of Jesus over death and the Hope that that offers to us as Christian disciples. A few weeks ago we heard of the Transfiguration and the bright light of Christ’s face and His dazzling white clothes as a sign of our destiny to come—all eternity with God. After that, we heard of the healing love of Christ with the Samaritan women at the well—God’s desire to heal all souls and bring them home to Himself. This weekend we hear of Lazarus being raised from the dead: not a resuscitation but actually being brought back to life. This is a sign and symbol of a new life given to us after our own Resurrection from the dead, when the Lord will raise us to new heights, the Heavens, and we shall become like God for all Eternity.

In this gospel, we have a family waiting in sorrow. Martha and Mary send for Jesus while their brother Lazarus is sick. Jesus delays his arrival and Lazarus dies. Often times we may pray to the Lord for help and it seems like He delays His answer, His help.  This waiting, this silence can resonate in our lives of faith too.  But why do we assume that the Lord’s “delay” is abandonment? Could it be His sorrow or just a preparation (of and for us) for a greater revelation? In our account today, the delay is that Jesus is not about removing our suffering but that He wants to enter into it. And, in the end—just like for Martha and Mary—Something greater is present here. The Lord comes with healing love and brings Lazarus to life again.

As Catholics, this gospel reminds us of the Easter Hope that we are preparing for this Lenten  season. Our own sadness, crosses, sufferings—even the loss of a loved one---are transformed (transfigured) by the promise of the Resurrection on Easter Sunday morning. May we live our faith lives as Resurrection people who embody hope, love and faith even in the face of trial.