God's Motif of Resurrection - March 29
Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 51:1-18(19-20); PM Psalm 69:1-23; Jer. 12:1-16; Phil. 3:1-14; John 12:9-19
“So the chief priests planned to put Lazarus to death as well, since it was on account of him that many of the Jews were deserting and were believing in Jesus.” I am not sure I have paid much attention to this little bit before. We spend so much of Holy Week, and on our faith in general focusing on the death of Jesus Christ. But here the same people who are conspiring to put to death Jesus, are conspiring to put to death Lazarus as well. And I am left wondering why. Lazarus has not blasphemed by calling himself God. No, Lazarus only draws attention to Jesus’ ability to breathe life into our world.
On Tuesday, my book group will have our final discussion on “Love is the Way” by Bishop Michael Curry. Curry’s book is about the power of love which can transform broken systems and imperfect people. Probably the most touching story for me to read was Bishop Curry’s own transformation through a relationship with a drug dealer and gang member who he met when he was a priest in Baltimore.
Curry gives the name Eddie to this man who shows up one day asking to get out of the life he is living. Curry confesses his skepticism and his strong dislike for the person he was counseling. In fairness, Curry’s congregation had to live daily with the consequences of drugs and violence such as officiating the funerals for young men who met violent endings to their lives.
After several meetings in Curry’s office, Eddie finally asked a question about God when he said, “Tell me about Jesus.” And it hit Bishop Curry that after all of this time spent with Eddie, he had never once brought Jesus into the conversation. And this is a man who seems like he can’t go a minute without talking about God’s love through Jesus Christ. Curry had been trying to help Eddie his life, and he wished him well, but it was in the question that Curry realized, he had yet to see him as more than just another drug dealer. He had yet to see Eddie with life and possibility and the hope of the Resurrection.
Curry continues to tell the story of how together they dive deep into the faith, studying for weeks, until finally, Eddie chooses to be baptized, making a public profession to renounce Satan and to turn to Jesus Christ. Curry writes about the moment when he anoints Eddie with oil, “Never before had I trembled or felt myself tearing up during baptism, but I did that day. Never before had I looked into eyes gazing at me with such intensity.” The Holy Spirit touched more than one life that day.
I share Curry’s story, but it isn’t unique to him. I’ve answered the phone more times than I can imagine, met with people in my office, listening to more and more stories asking for help and assistance, and more often than not, finding myself frustrated by the life decisions others have made that have led them to me that day. I’ve been judgmental more than I want to admit.
So, I’m back at Lazarus, and I am wondering not only if the religious leaders are frustrated that Lazarus is back stirring up trouble for the community, but they want to deny Jesus’s ability to give life and value to Lazarus again. Maybe it is easier to wish him dead than to give credence to his life. Lazarus is no longer dead, much to the dismay of the religious leaders.
We are people of the resurrection. This means to see possibility and life where others have given up, even to the point where others would find it much easier to keep things as they are already perceived. What in your life needs to be explored with new eyes to see things as Jesus might, naming life where others have missed the opportunity? Isn’t that what we really celebrate this coming weekend? God’s motif of resurrection?
Faithfully,
John+
Questions for Self-Reflection: Are there people or groups of people that you find it easier to be overly judgmental towards? What are your experiences and beliefs that could contribute to that response?
Daily Challenge: Make a list of three people who could be considered Lazarus in this story. Consider one way of naming the life, hope, and resurrection in one of those people as a way of sharing in our Christian support and witness.