Fifth Sunday of Lent

John 11: 1-45

 

It’s good to rest.   That’s why we sleep.  If we don’t sleep, we’re no good for anything or to anyone.

However, at some point we must wake up and get back to work.  We can’t sleep the day away.   If we do, we’re certainly no good for anything or to anyone.

 

It’s good to rest, relax and restore on a retreat.  Yet, at some point we need to return to the “real” world.   Otherwise, we’re just hiding from the real world. We may feel renewed, but, for what?  The intent is to use that break so that we can be better able to do the work we are called to do.

 

Even Jesus took breaks. It is said that there are nine occasions where scripture tells us, in so many words, that Jesus went off to pray.  But each time he returned, renewed, to the mission that the Father had given him.

 

When we lose loved ones we say, “May they rest in peace.”   Even while dealing with our loss, our grief, we know through our faith that their suffering is over, and that paradise awaits them.  We pray, “Eternal rest grant unto him/her, Oh Lord …”  Yet, we also know that they are called to new life, eternal life.

 

When we hear the story of Lazarus we certainly understand that he has now entered the realm of eternal rest/eternal life.  That he has now transcended the trials and tribulations of this world.  We can imagine that comfort and peace he must have been experiencing as he lay in rest in the tomb, though this time was difficult, indeed, for his sisters, Martha and Mary and for his friend, Jesus.

 

However, his work on this earth was not yet done.  There was more for him to do, even if it was only to stand as a witness for all the ages of the power, glory and mercy of God.

 

So, whenever we discern the need take a break, to sleep, to rest, recharge, renew, we also must be mindful that this is not the goal in and of itself, because Jesus always calls us to more.  Eternal rest and eternal life will be ours someday, but not yet. We cannot become lulled into a sense of bliss by the comfort that a temporary break provides.  Complacency, self-isolation and despair are forms of death.  Jesus doesn’t want that; it makes him weep.  So He calls to us, “Come out!”  His words bring us to new life and loosen that which binds us.

 

The story of Lazarus is a reminder that our purpose is to live life and serve God to the fullest, and to love without limits.

 

 

“Call Me Ishmael”