Once again, we are in a position where we cannot physically come together to worship. However, it does not stop us from praying collectively, and our constant faith in God
In today’s Gospel, we hear about the story of Lazarus. The name Lazarus means “God is my help” which connects to the today’s situation where we live right now, Jesus certainly loved Lazarus and his two sisters and he often stayed in their home at Bethany. But to the surprise of his friends and disciples, Jesus did not go right away to Bethany when he was called.
Jesus explained that Lazarus’ sickness would bring ‘glory to God’. The glory which Jesus had in mind, was connected with suffering and the cross.
He saw the cross as his supreme glory and the way to glory in the kingdom of God. For Jesus there was no other way to glory except through the cross.
Here we find two situations, Firstly, Jesus did not go right way to Bethany when disciples called Him to cure the sickness of Lazarus.
St. John 6:68 reminds us that Simon peter answered Jesus by saying “Lord to whom shall we go you have the words of eternal Life.
Secondly Jesus speaks about Glory which Jesus had in mind was connected with the suffering and the cross. That is what we are now full of confusion, suffering, fear and anxiety, it is a time of troubles and it is a time of difficult situations, and major inconveniences.
And also it is a time for comfort and to be comforted. And it is a time for healing and time for spiritual renewal.
Before COVID 19 everyone around the world was so busy, so many things happening, so little time for self-reflection. Now we have the time to truly ask ourselves the hard questions and identify things we can do differently.
I believe that this a wonderful opportunity for us to reflect on our lives, and ask ourselves are we faithful enough? Are we prayerful enough? Are we trusting in God’s will?
Along with our family God has given us beautiful time to stay at home, time for relax and reflect on our lives, and take a challenge to turn back to God and offer ourselves fully to the Lord by saying; lord to whom shall we go you have the eternal life.
And those who trust in God will never be abandoned, Jesus reminds those people “do not be afraid!” or “have no fear!”
The power of God works through Jesus and Lazarus is raised from the dead. However, the event seeks to draw out the faith of Jesus’ followers, to deepen their trust in God and to find hope even when all seems lost.
I believe that, at this moment, God’s will for us and for the world is to deepen our trust and Faith in God.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit
Amen
Fr. John Paul Pasala
Parish Priest
29 March 2020
