March 29

Readings for the Day: EZ 37:12-14, PS 130:1-8, ROM 8:8-11, Jn 11:1-45

As believers, we’ve been turning to our Lord and begging for a reprieve. Yet, it seems like things are just getting worse. Why wouldn’t God step in and temporarily suspend people’s free will to go out and spread this pandemic? Why wouldn’t God just step in and wipe out all disease as you read this?

Today’s Gospel reminds us of the story of Lazarus. Jesus hears his friend is very sick, but instead of grabbing the first donkey back, he does the opposite. He decides to remain even two days longer. He actually allows his friend to suffer and die precisely because he loves Lazarus. How does this make sense?

St. Peter Chrysologus pointed out, “For Christ it was more important to conquer death than to cure disease. He showed his love for his friend not by healing him but by calling him back from the grave. Instead of a remedy for his illness, he offered him the glory of rising from the dead.

Why do we even know the name of Lazarus? Because Christ raised him from the dead.

Here is the question we must ask ourselves—do we want comfortable lives or do we want our lives to help the Lord convince others of his divinity?

We are a people who—if we are unable to live in peace—can daily choose to offer the Lord our worry in exchange for the knowledge that today’s first reading says, “I will put my spirit in you that you may live...I have promised, and I will do it, says the Lord.”

Questions? Comments? Email David at dlins@oloj.org.

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