In today’s world, where violence, vengeance, destruction, and killing seem to be nothing, it is very surprising to hear Jesus saying to his disciples: “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”. I cannot imagine the disciples’ reactions when they heard Jesus’ statement. They were probably disturbed, stressed out, and overwhelmed. However, Jesus wants to give them a new perspective on death. How do we understand today’s teaching?
In general, for us human beings, we easily show two attitudes when we face death. The first attitude is from people who believe that death is the end of everything, and nothing can change that. After death, everything is over. In today’s world, this attitude is obvious. The other attitude is of those who believe that after death life continues in a different form; life is changed but not ended. This brings a different level to our lives; we have hope, which is the fundamental basis of Christianity. This hope even gives a sense to our death as well as to our daily lives. For example, in today’s Gospel, Mary and Martha show that despite their unbearable loss, they are very determined with their trust in Jesus. For us, people of faith, it is true that what is going on in our lives is a test. We are vulnerable, but our faith in God must be the key factor to keep us moving forward. I strongly believe that with Jesus there is always a new spring, new opportunities, and a new horizon.
During this Fifth week of Lent, we have been called to trust God more and pray that the Holy Spirit will give us a creative way to move forward and stay connected with Jesus. Suffering is part of our lives, and amid suffering, our mission is not changing; we only have different opportunities to strengthen what was weak in our relationship with God. Our entire lives should be for the greater glory of God—and that includes our suffering! It is not that God wants us to suffer, but rather we have a lot to gain from it: strength, perseverance, faith, and a new perspective. Mary and Martha certainly gained a lot more, as this experience gave them the ability to see that eternal life with Jesus in heaven is a greater gift than more time with their brother.
Lazarus suffered and died, and his sisters suffered the grief of loss. They had frustration, sadness, and hopelessness. But what did this anguish allow for? Very often, suffering brings us together; it unites. Sometimes the pain of others is what gives us the opportunity to be Christ to others. At the death of Lazarus, we saw the community come together to love and support the sisters! Jesus performed a miracle that instilled faith in many bystanders. This is what we need to understand: a life free of suffering is not possible, but we do have the unique ability to lessen the difficulties of others.
