Raised to new life

It is quite extraordinary how the lectionary seems to have something to say to us in the current situation. John's gospel is the only gospel that has the story of the raising of Lazarus (John 11.1-46). This is the final sign in John's book of signs prior to the beginning of the book of Glory which begins in chapter 13. It perhaps speaks to us in today's COVID 19 world as a reminder of the power and presence of God within our own communities and hearts. At Easter we will celebrate Christ's rising to new life and what that means for us but here we celebrate the fact that Christ brings new life into our lives even prior to the glories of the Resurrection.

New life is called from the desert by the water of life

It is quite fascinating to me that Christ awaits Lazarus' death before he entertains the idea of going to Bethany. He is "moved" and obviously upset on arrival but has still allowed the delay to occur. In the context of the times that this analogy was written, those leaving the synagogue system are encouraged to wait. Even if the delay means a sense of loss surfacing and a period of mourning. This is indeed what we often allow for with the death of things which are dear to us. Indeed we ourselves can be thought as being in a state of mourning at this time as our normal lives have come crashing down around us. Self isolation and the restrictions being placed on us are not only onerous but cause us to grieve what we have lost as communities, not only of faith but in all respects. The loss of our way of life drives us to grieve. The very concept of change so drastic as to fracture and disrupt our traditional life disables us into grief and loss. The idea of fellow citizens being so selfish as to take more than is needed with little respect for others cuts to the heart of community and leaves us all bereft and mourning. One wonders if that trust of a wider community will be regained following this crisis or will our social lives as Australians be forever changed. Forcing us to take on a more suspicious outlook with regards our politicians, our communities and our neighbours as we are reminded of the failures of those in leadership, our neighbours and our extended communities.

During our time of isolation we need to discipline ourselves in true Lenten style and examine our own failings, our own barriers, our own idiosyncrasies all of which deny others the presence of Christ. No matter who we are we place borders and obstacles in the way that either prevent or delay others from joining us on the Way. Be it our own attitudes, our groups inability to accept change, the way we show Christ to those around us. Christ removes the blockage by opening our hearts and minds. In this period of imposed fasting we may find new avenues that open ourselves towards the other and our ability to call others into faith We are not, I think, quite in the valley of dry bones (Ezekiel 37.1-14) but even there God spoke and brought life to the desiccated and strewn bones on the floor of the valley. We may feel ourselves to be strung out and desiccated by the dryness of society around us and by our inability to be sacramental around the table. However, just perhaps the hope of Christ's presence in our lives will revitalise the journey of faith and bring the light into the darkness of our broken and relationless world.