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Written by Sr. Sharon Kalert, ASCJ

Jesus told her, “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. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26)

The raising of Lazarus is one of the most dramatic stories in the Gospels. Perhaps the story is so powerful because it portrays particularly significant moments in our own lives. Most of us have experienced the death of someone we love and can understand the grief Martha and Mary feel over the loss of their brother. We see Martha’s sorrow and disappointment when Jesus arrives: “If you had been here, my brother would not have died.” Jesus wept with Martha and Mary as he shared their grief.

How many times have we prayed that someone would return to good health only to find ourselves having to accept his or her death? Sometimes we think God has not heard our prayers. And yet, we see in this story that Martha and Mary do not give up: “Even now I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you.” Jesus replies, “Your brother will rise.” That may have sounded like the right answer, but not in the midst of their great suffering and loss. They persist in their request because they truly believe that Jesus can bring their brother back to life.

Touched by their great faith, he raises Lazarus from the dead—but not permanently! Jesus leaves Martha and Mary—and us—with the promise that our belief in his resurrection makes our own resurrection to new life possible.

Take some time to reflect on the following questions: