And Jesus Wept – Reflection for the Fifth Sunday of Lent

The experiences of life and of death are difficult to bear, they push us the brink and, in the end, can cast us into the deep. We, like Mary and Martha, cry to Jesus, “Lord, if you had but been here!” And at that moment, Jesus weeps with us, pained by our suffering.

Our gospel tells us the beautiful story of Jesus, moved by his love for his friends, by weeping at the death of Lazarus. But our question stays the same, “Jesus, why were you not there? Why are you not here, now?” This sentiment has been echoed through the centuries; our grief in the face of trouble begs for God’s presence. It aches for the tears of Christ. So, where are Christ’s tears in our moments of grief? Where are his words of encouragement? His healing touch?

In a strange but powerful passage, Jesus tells his disciples, “it is good that I am leaving you.” At that moment, he promises a great gift, the gift of the Spirit. In his earthly ministry Jesus, like us, was bound to our place and time, limited to whom and to where he could encounter. Not until he shed his own blood; not until the world shed its tears for the death of the Savior did this passage make sense.

The gift of the Spirit, which you have received at your confirmation, opened your life to that of Christ’s in a powerful way: you became Christ! United with him in the Spirit, your tears shed for lost loved ones become Christ’s tears. The moment of tender healing given is Christ’s touch. Your words of encouragement in the face of trials are Christ’s words of faith in you.

It is difficult to imagine death, any crisis, as a moment of joy, a moment for thanksgiving and praise. We weep, like Jesus did, for those whom we love, but our lives are not without faith. Martha, even in her grief, confesses that, in Christ, all will be raised on the last day. Jesus says that, in Him, he is the resurrection and the life, that he never abandons his people.

He has never abandoned us because we who are united with him and who serve our brothers and sister in his name are so united with his power, his grace, his Spirit, that we are him.

Rejoice, the Lord is with you, he weeps with you, and he will raise on the last day.

Reflection by Fr. Etienne Huard, OSB