Rising up to renewed life
(03-21-2010)
Often today’s gospel is interpreted as a resurrection story--but Jesus is the only one who has been resurrected to eternal life. Lazarus was brought back to life here on earth—not resurrected to heaven. Brought back and given another chance to live his life with his family—another chance to see life as a tremendous gift.
The desire to live is a strong part of our God-given instincts for our preservation.
Life--frequently I visit our parishioners that are homebound, hospitalized, or in one of our convalescent homes. This past week I visited an elderly woman in her late 80’s who really is a great example of our gospel today—of wanting life here. As I went to anoint her with oil and give her Communion she said “…let me say an Act of Contrition—in case I die.” “Although”, she said as she winked at me, “I’ve still got a lot to live for—my family, friends and more prayers for others!”
Very often threats to our life--surviving a disease or serious surgery-help us connect to life and Jesus in a deeper way. Sometimes we meet Jesus in challenging situations, -- when we are vulnerable, when others attack our reputation—defame or gossip about us, we meet him when we are open and receptive to connect our cross with his. We learn that life is worth living in all sorts of ways:
· it can happen through an experience of suffering loss
· surviving a disease or serious surgery
· reconciling with a loved one
· renewal in a marriage that was stagnating—so many chances to be brought back to life here and now.
I think that this Gospel reading is placed here in Lent to help us to realize that we have to live this life to the full and being aware of death makes us appreciate life. It is amazing how often we need to be reminded that life is worth living.
And I believe the gospel today is here at this time of Lent, to get us to wake up from a sleepy life.
Reconciling with a loved one Renewal in a marriage that was stagnating—there are many chances God provides for us to be brought back to life here and now.
It is amazing how often we need to be reminded that life is SACRED worth living—from conception to natural death. If we don’t life becomes disposable refuse.
Even in economic difficulties, we can look at our family and friends, faith, the beauty of another spring and find ways to love it here—I believe God wants us to be happy here--LIFE. Story of Mom and Las Vegas.
I believe the gospel today is at this time of Lent, to help us wake up from a sleepy life and see our blessings. I’m not saying it is easy or that life doesn’t have many challenges, but the way we view life and our problems is the way we will live life and live God.
God has given us this wonderful journey to Him called life with the joy, pain and all—to live here and now, but we have to cooperate with his grace and be open to grow. There are many examples of people who have experienced being raised back to life here.
A friend recently had a heart operation which took ten hours. Now he sees life very differently—as a second chance.
An elderly parishioner who is homebound suffered a stroke and has worked hard to regain speech and some mobility. She adds daily prayers of thanksgiving and makes it a point to pray every week for each name in the bulletin of those who are sick—she said— “I feel connected with purpose—I do what little I can!”
We all know people who see life as a gift when they overcome the odds. There are many examples and through such encounters Jesus shows us how to be like him-- we help carry other people’s burdens without a price; help those who are suffering in poverty, the many deeds of faith we do in serving God through others.
Dying to self is the process; God's presence in us is the result! We need to die to self frequently! Letting go of envy—not seeking praise for good works or accomplishments-is dying to self.
One of the people I provide spiritual guidance to told me that he was about to go through an intersection and a car coming from the opposite direction started to turn in front of him, instead of getting angry, in the spirit of Lent, he waved the man to turn in front of him. Then looked to see the man’s response—nothing he said, got nothing, no nod of thanks, no wave, nothing. It was then he said that his real intention for Lent hit home. Why should he expect praise and thanks for being kind or generous? The journey of surrender to the ways of Christ is daily.
We know from experience it includes doing for othersbrings life to us and when the motives are those of Christ; the activity of God’s spirit is within us.
Jesus holds open his love for us, calls to us to come out to him and rise up to new life here and now —die to self that we may live life—his ways. Let our prayer be a question, what do I need the Lord to resurrect in me to live life in Him?
Rise up, Fr. Gordon
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