Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days. The evangelist, John, is not just providing a chance detail to the reader. Instead, Lazarus is decidedly dead. His body has begun to decompose, producing a stench. The stench of death is an image of hopelessness. We are in a situation which no one thought to be. The smell of death and fear is around us, too, because of the devastating Covid19 sickness. I believe this is a time for us to repent and trust in God's mercy. This is the time for us to turn back to God as we read in the book of the Prophet Jeremiah (13:15-16),
"Hear and pay attention, do not be arrogant, for the LORD has spoken. Give glory to the LORD your God before he brings the darkness, before your feet stumble on the darkening hills. You hope for light, but he will turn it to utter darkness and change it to deep gloom." We still have time to amend our lives. The grace of God is still alive. We still have opportunities to give glory to his name and to gain his mercy by gathering in our families to pray by participating in Holy Mass and devotions virtually.
We often bind ourselves with chains of addiction to alcohol, drugs, sexual deviations, slander, gossip, envy, prejudices, hatred, and uncontrollable anger and bury ourselves in the tombs of despair. Sometimes we are in the tomb of selfishness, filled with negative feelings such as worry, fear, resentment, hatred, and guilt. If we want Jesus to visit our dark dungeons of sin, despair, and unhappiness, let us ask Jesus during the Holy Mass to bring the light and the power of the Holy Spirit into our private life and liberate us from our tombs. Are there times when we refuse to let God enter into our wallets, fearing that faithful tithing will endanger our savings? When we receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Jesus will call our name and command, "Come out"! This is good news for all of us: "Lazarus, come out!" This can be the beginning of a new life.
We see heart touching beauty in Jesus in today's gospel. We see Jesus, the Son of God, cry at the tomb of Lazarus. It's one of the most moving scenes in the gospels. And the reason it's moving is that Jesus shares his humanity with us. But today's gospel contains an even more important point about Jesus. It not only shows Jesus weeping for Lazarus; it also shows him raising Lazarus from the tomb. Today's gospel makes it clear that Jesus isn't just another human person. He's also the Son of God. Jesus can not only inspire us by his humanity. He can also empower us by is divinity. Jesus can touch our lives in a way that no other human can. He became one of us and shared our humanity with us. Because of this, he inspires us and gives us hope. The gospel reminds us that Jesus is also the Son of God. He can help us in a way no human can. He can help us beyond our wildest dreams. He can raise us to new life, as he raised Lazarus. This is the good news in today's readings. It's the good news of the humanity of Jesus, which inspires us. It's also the good news of the divinity of Jesus, which empowers us. It's the good news of Jesus, who raises us to new life. As we near Easter, let allow Jesus to set us free of fear and sins. And let us embrace him as the resurrection and life.
Let us pray,
Lord Jesus, hear our pleas, our good shepherd, and divine physician. We implore your mercy in the wake of an outbreak of serious illness and disease. Guide our efforts to prevent contagion and make preparations to care for those most vulnerable. Assist all professionals and volunteers who work to eradicate the epidemic now spreading. May our actions be marked by your steadfast love and selfless service and never by panic or fear. Bestow your comfort and healing to the sick, sustain and strengthen them by your grace. May they know your closeness as they carry the cross of illness. And may all you have called from this life come to worship you eternally with all the saints as you grant consolation and peace to their mourners. Amen.