Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live.”

Gospel Reading: John 11:19-27

Many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them about their brother [Lazarus, who had died]. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went to meet him; but Mary sat at home. Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise.” Martha said to him, “I know he will rise, in the resurrection on the last day.” Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and anyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” She said to him, “Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world.”

What is it that we all hope for but to share in the eternal resurrection with Jesus Christ.  Today’s Gospel message talks about the joy and the hope of our own resurrection. Martha approached Jesus with great confidence. She had no doubt that Jesus could raise her brother from the dead. She did not say if you can - she says I know you can, but will you… We too need to approach Jesus Christ with the same level of confidence. Jesus tells us that he is “the resurrection and the life, … and anyone who lives and believes in me will never die.” This is our hope, that through our faith we will find eternal life. Martha recognized in Jesus this hope of eternal life. She says to Jesus, “I know he will rise, in the resurrection on the last day.” Again, her statement is made without doubt. The grace of hope which was given to her allows her to realize the eternal salvation which awaits her. When Jesus asks her if she believes she replies, “Yes Lord; I have come to believe…” She realizes that Jesus is the Christ and the kingdom of heaven which is “coming into the world.” The miracle of Lazarus is a sign of Christ’s power to give life to people. Therefore, as Christians, we believe and hope that death is not the end, but simply a step into eternal life. The Roman missal says, “Lord, for your faithful people life is changed, not ended. When the body of our earthly dwelling lies in death, we gain an everlasting dwelling place in heaven.” What are you willing to die for? Do you believe in the resurrection and the life of the world to come? Do you believe that Christ is the source of eternal life? It is through our hope that we are saved.

A Simple Prayer

Lord Christ, you are the resurrection and the life.

Give me the strength to die to the worldly treasures so that I may know the eternal treasure of heaven.

I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, he who is coming into the world.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon