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Faith, Life and Love (Lent V)

This Sunday we are presented with the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. It is a story regarded by many as a prefiguring of Jesus’ own resurrection, but a comment made by a prominent Jewish biblical scholar has made me look at this story in a new light.

We have come across Mary and Martha before, two strong willed and independent women that John tells us hold a special place in Jesus’ heart. Together they live with their brother Lazarus, but he is not the head of the household, Martha is. She is the one that goes out to meet Jesus as he approaches. She is the one in Luke’s Gospel that offers him the hospitality of their home. She is the one that accompanies Him to the tomb. 

So, where does this leave Lazarus in this family? 

We never hear Lazarus speak. And unlike others whose lives have been touched by Jesus, he doesn’t become a witness proclaiming Him as Messiah. 

All we know is that he is deeply loved, and that his passing causes Jesus, Mary and Martha great distress.

Consider then, the possibility that Mary and Martha have never married because they have devoted their lives to caring for a brother who cannot care for himself. There is no Scriptural or historical evidence that Lazarus had a physical or intellectual disability, but it might make sense given what we are told, and what we not told, about this unusual family. And it would be in keeping with the character of Jesus, who is drawn to those who are most vulnerable. 

Consider also the dialogue that takes place between Jesus and the sisters prior to Lazarus' resurrection. He asks them, 'do you believe?' 

The story tells us that those who witnessed what happened came to believe in Jesus, but we are also presented with the fundamental truth that faith leads to life, and life after death. 

Faith, life and love are fully entwined in our life with Jesus. And fully embodied in Mary, Martha and Lazarus. 

In my own life I have been moved by the gentle and uncomplicated faith of a young friend that requires substantial support and care. She finds great joy in music, is affectionate, and communicates in her own way, although she remains non-verbal. And I have witnessed the peace that she finds in the sacraments, and the joy that others find in her love. 

Many are the times that I have arrived at Mass immersed in my own problems, only to have her smile and uplifted face, and her making the sign for me to sing, pull me out of my head, and remind me not to take myself so damned seriously. 

This Sunday, as I wonder about Lazarus, and think about my own little mate, I will remember that there really is no such thing as ‘the least among us.’  Just an invitation to love unconditionally and open our hearts to God’s unconditional love for us - that we might have life, and have it to the full.





Comments

  1. Team Amazing Virtual Greek Adventure21 March 2026 at 15:06

    Always on point Michael! What a wonderful way to engage with this very familiar scripture passage. Thank you for sharing the way the Spirit has moved you. Sharing in the joy of our friend! V

    ReplyDelete

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