Fifth Sunday of Lent

“I am the resurrection and the life, says the Lord” (Jn 11:25)

Brothers & sisters!

As we approach the end of our Lenten journey, we continue to walk with the Lord Jesus in these beautiful encounters in the Gospel of John. Last week we saw the tenderness of the Lord to touch the eyes of the blind man and heal him. This week we have the resurrection of his friend, Lazarus, from the dead.

A primary element to reflect upon is the reality of suffering and death. Death is something we believe was not wanted by God, who created everything good and desired us to live and share his love forever. I had an interesting conversation last week with some students about this fundamental question: how do we believe in a good God when there is so much suffering in the world. It seems as though it is easier to understand the suffering caused by people’s decisions, but it is hard to deal with so much pain and suffering that families go through when they lose loved ones, or when tragedies happen. Why does God allow this?

I was struck watching an episode of “The Chosen” this week, in which Jesus meets with James the Lesser, who is upset with Jesus because he hasn’t yet been healed of his own ailment. I loved Jesus’ response: “James, I trust you.” While James’ healing could bring about a good, Jesus sees that if he carries this burden with faith in eternal life, he will give a greater testimony of God’s glory to come.

Might this be a reason God allows us each to suffer? Jesus seems to have a similar approach in this passage, and it is striking to see Jesus intentionally wait two days before returning to Judea. He clearly chooses to let Lazarus die, in order for the greater good he intends in his resurrection. Throughout the passage, he seems to be inviting the different characters (his disciples, Martha & Mary) to believe in him and in his power to save. If he is able to resurrect a man from the dead, will he not be able to offer us eternal salvation?

Jesus shows us through this and other encounters that he is not indifferent to our suffering. It is moving and mysterious to see weep in this scene, together with Lazarus’ loved ones. He is truly “God with us” (Emmanuel) and the “God who saves” (Jesus).

Patrick Travers