FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT
Lazarus
If only Lazarus had given an interview! We are all fascinated by what lies beyond the grave, and would love to know something of that ‘undiscovered country from whose bourn no traveller returns’. The raising of Lazarus from the dead was another one of the ‘signs’ given by Jesus. In this extraordinary episode He appears to be teaching us two things. Firstly, He is showing us that, where there is death He brings life. Secondly, He seems to be telling us that we can be in death even this side of the grave. The images underline the message. The stone is removed; the bindings are cut; Lazarus goes free. Whenever we are tied-down by pride, covetousness, lust, anger, gluttony, envy or sloth we are already dead. We need the Lord to come to help us to remove the obstacles and cut the bindings that prevent us from living life to the full and becoming the kind of people we were meant to be. The name Lazarus means ‘the one whom God helps’. So, Lazarus is you and me.
Is gaire cabhair Dé ná an doras!