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 bourne 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 three things.
Firstly, He hesitates when He hears of the death of
His friend and only arrives at the burial place on
the fourth day. God’s timing is not ours! Secondly
is showing us that, where there is death He brings
life. Thirdly, 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!