Monday, March 30, 2009

Faith Raised Lazarus From The Dead

My Dear People,

So, Be Strong in Your Faith!

The raising of Lazarus from the dead is a precursor to the Resurrection of Our Lord. Being raised from the dead is a reality not known by man. Once dead, always dead. Only the Apostles were able to raise the dead after Jesus's Ascension. We know that Lazarus died again after the Resurrection. He experienced physical death twice. So why this event before the Crucifixion of Jesus? We find the answer in the dialogue between Martha and Jesus.

The faith of Martha is the real focus of the Gospel. "Lord, had you been here Lazarus would never have died", says Martha to Jesus. Jesus then tells her that he will rise, in the Resurrection of the Just. Jesus then says that HE IS the Resurrection and the Life. He asks if Martha believes this. She says Yes! Once Jesus received Martha's faith, He then proceeds to raise her brother from the tomb. We see here, as we did in the woman at the well, that Jesus hungers for our faith in Him. It is essential for us to give our faith to Jesus. This is what Lent is all about for us. Strengthen by Lenten graces, we grow in our faith and surrender it back to Our Lord. So, be strong in your faith.

Entrusting you to the care of Our Lady,
Fr. Mark

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