Today’s Thoughts: I find myself still moved at times by the images of Pope Francis on Good Friday three years ago. The solitary walk in the rain, as I read today’s Gospel, I could see Jesus overwhelmed by Martha and Mary’s grief making a solitary walk to Lazarus’ tomb. I sensed his profound prayer, the same kind of prayer I saw from Pope Francis. So, I live in the hope that Jesus, through the gift of Pope Francis will bring us as a Church, as a people of faith out of the grave of our divisiveness, hate and violence just as he brought Lazarus out of the tomb.
There are a number of interesting things about our Gospel (John 11: 1-45) story today. Obviously, the raising of Lazarus from the dead sits center stage. But we also see Jesus as human and divine. He cries and he performs a miracle. Then there is the growth of Martha. When last we met Martha, she was complaining about her sister’s lack of work. Yet, today she is the first out to meet Jesus and she believes not only in miracles but also in Jesus as the Christ and the gift of everlasting life. we might say she moves from complainer to preacher of the Good News! Yes, there are many things that we can take always from the scripture today. Perhaps the most important is faith, faith in our relationship with God and faith in what lies beyond this life. Ezekiel (Ezekiel 37: 12-14) reminds the community of this gift and St. Paul in his Letter to the Romans (Romans 8: 8-11) does the same. Pope Francis has asked us to look at things differently by his words and actions. His picking of the name Francis reflects a different way of thinking about, seeing and living life. His humility and care for others reflects a different way of thinking about, seeing and living life. His putting people first, his care for the poor, his desire for peace, for the healing of our world, reflects a different way of thinking about, seeing and living life. Our challenge as people of faith is to always see and live life through the lens of faith. We are to think of life not death. We are to see the others first rather than just ourselves. We are to live compassionate lives of justice and peace. If we believe we will have eternal life. If we have hope healing and life will come. Sunday blessings everyone and don’t forget to give God and little time today!
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Fr. Paul R. Fagan, C.P. "Preacher on the Run"Just a few thoughts to help you on your journey through life...let me know from time to time what you think... Archives
May 2023
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