by Bishop Guy Sansaricq
Ezekiel 37, 12-14; Psalm 130; Romans 8, 8-11; John 11, 1-45
The great event of Jesus’ Death-Resurrection is approaching. In today’s liturgy, we are called to view and celebrate Jesus as the undeniable LORD OF LIFE as we read the story of the Resurrection of Lazarus.
The powerful and uplifting words used in the text have been used for canticles, poetry and sacred hymns. Let me recall some of them “I am the Resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live. And everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.” Or again: “Did I not tell you that if you believe you will see the glory of God?”
The loud voice of Jesus crying out “Lazarus, come out” still resonates in our assemblies every time we perform a sacrament. Jesus’ words produce what they say. So is the voice of the Church when the priest says: “I baptize you” or “I forgive you your sins” or when he says over the bread “This is my body.” His words produce the intended effect. Through the Church, Jesus continues his saving mission.
But the real point made by the entire story is the power of faith “If you believe you will see the glory of God,” said Jesus. The immediate response of Mary, Lazarus’ sister: “LORD, I BELIEVE THAT YOU ARE THE CHRIST, THE SON OF GOD” is pointed out as the key factor that triggered the miracle.
The Easter Celebration of the death-Resurrection of Christ is a call to all of us to receive penance and the eucharist as a way to connect with Christ in his victory over sin and death! Like Mary, we are called to proclaim wholeheartedly “LORD YOU ARE THE CHRIST, THE SON OF THE LIVING GOD.”