Wednesday of the Seventeenth Week of Ordinary Time
This Gospel passage has been used at many funeral masses, and masses for the faithful departed.
We hear a key declaration of Jesus himself: “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.”
And, yet, perhaps equally, his dialogue with Martha and her reply to Jesus is a key teachable moment. “Do you believe?” “Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world.”
Martha’s question is a familiar one, or a frequently expressed sentiment. “How could you allow this to happen?” This implies that Jesus would not have let Lazarus die if he had been present. A not so unusual comment we hear is, “if things had gone differently, our friend would not have died.” Today it sometimes comes out as, “where was God in that even (perhaps some tragedy)?” “How can God allow this to happen?” The answer to those questions could call for a lengthy dissertation. But suffice it to say, “Where was God in this or that event?”
Answer: God was and is right here in the middle of it. We know well that death is a reality. Tragedies happen, some accidentally, others out of ill will on the part of another person. When such things happen, I believe that we can say that Jesus is there in the midst of it. His presence is a very real support. He knows well the human heart. In this case, Jesus wept at the death of Lazarus. His presence is and can be life-giving. He proclaims again and again: “I am the resurrection and the life, whoever believes in me even if he dies, will live.” Those words may not always console us. Sometimes we will simply not understand. But in turning to Jesus, always present with us, we will find a rock on which to rest.
Again, the Resurrection is proclaimed as the source of eternal life. And nearly every moment can be an invitation to see how present Jesus really is – always, and in every situation.
Reflection by Fr. Peter Ullrich, OSB
Posted in Articles for Lent, Daily Reflections, Lenten Resources