The world today is facing the serious effects of conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. This military action, known as “Operation Epic Fury,” is affecting people across the globe. Many nations are already experiencing economic hardship as gasoline and oil prices continue to rise. Soon, food and other basic commodities may also become more expensive.
Where is the direction of the world today? If no resolution through peace talks is reached, the conflict could escalate further. What we hear in Scripture about “nation rising against nation” (Mt. 24:7) seems increasingly possible.
However, even in times of uncertainty, sorrow, and fear, we continue to seek courage and hope. In the face of death and suffering, we look for guidance so that we may live in faith and share love with others.
Today’s readings remind us that true life comes from the very source of Life—God, who has the power to bring life even from death.
In the first reading from the Book of Ezekiel, the prophet proclaims that God will open the graves and restore the people of Israel. This promise reveals God’s power to bring life where there seems to be none.
In the second reading from the Letter to the Romans, St. Paul strengthens the believers’ trust by reminding them that the Spirit of God dwells within each of us. The same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead now gives life to those who believe in Him.
In today’s gospel, the evangelist John narrates the powerful story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. This miracle is one of the great “signs” in John’s gospel, inviting us to reflect on what it truly means to call Jesus the Resurrection and the Life.
There are several important lessons that strengthen our faith in Jesus.
First, people were pressing Jesus to declare plainly whether He was the Messiah. Instead of simply answering, Jesus pointed them to His works—works that testify that He came from God and reveal His true identity.
Second, Mary and Martha, the sisters of Lazarus, sent word to Jesus that their brother was ill, and later that he had died. Although Jesus loved Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, He delayed His coming for two days. This delay may have been due to the danger in going to Bethany or because Jesus was still engaged in His ministry to the people. Nevertheless, Jesus remained obedient in fulfilling His Father’s will despite the obstacles. By restoring Lazarus to life, Jesus ultimately glorified the Father.
Third, when Jesus arrived in Bethany, He was deeply moved. Martha approached Him with sorrow, saying that if He had been there, Lazarus would not have died. Yet she still expressed confidence that God would grant whatever Jesus asked. She professed her belief in the resurrection on the last day. Later, Mary came with the same faith and sorrow. Jesus then went to the tomb, prayed, and called Lazarus out from it. Because of this sign, many came to believe in Him. However, when the Jewish authorities heard of this miracle, it stirred their intention to act against Jesus.
Fourth, the raising of Lazarus foreshadows the good news of Jesus’ own Resurrection. Jesus’ fidelity and obedience to the will of the Father eventually led to strong opposition from the authorities and resulted in His death. Yet this miracle reveals Jesus’ power over death so that when we die, all believers may remember and find hope.
Fifth, just as Jesus commanded that the stone be rolled away from Lazarus’ tomb, the disciples would later discover the stone rolled away from Jesus’ own tomb. For Jesus no obstacles prevent Him to accomplish His salvific mission.
Through our Baptism, we too are restored from death caused by sin to new life, which unites us with Christ who conquered death once and for all. Because of this victory, those who believe in Him share in eternal life. Like Martha and Mary, we are called to profess our faith that Jesus is truly the Resurrection and the Life.
This message clearly points to our own resurrection on the last day, when the Lord will give life to all who belong to Him.
The story of Lazarus reveals the tremendous power of Jesus. On the last day, Christ will call us forth from our graves as His friends—if we have lived in friendship with Him. As our Lord, He will command us to come out of the tomb and enter into the resurrection of the dead, the new creation, and the life of the world to come.
Even amid the darkness and turmoil of our world today, Jesus continues to bring new life. Just as He called Lazarus out of the tomb, He calls each of us out of darkness into the light of life.
Therefore, I sincerely encourage you to offer a simple prayer each day, asking Jesus for the healing of our world, that lasting peace and new life may prevail.
God bless you.
Fr. Arlon, OSA
