Okay – I get that this isn’t the same Lazarus from yesterday’s Gospel reading, but it got me thinking.
In the world between Adam and Jesus, man’s relationship to sin was one of slavery. The relationship was based not only in fear, but, as St. Paul tells usFor the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:23, ultimately in death. As I mentioned before, the Father offers us a spirit of adoption as Christ calls us out of our spirit of slavery and death to new life with Him. Each person still experiences attachment to their vices; and, while some braves souls might seek a way out from their slavery, others are more hesitant to shake off the shackles.
Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. “Take away the stone,” he said.
“But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.”
Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”
So they took away the stone. Then, Jesus called out, “Lazarus, come out!”
From the tomb came the voice of Lazarus, “No.”
Photo by texasgurl
Jesus is constantly calling us out from our death, out from our sin and asking us to be faithful to the gospel. How often do we simply refuse to change and hold to the familiarity and comfort we think our sins bring us? Essentially, we’re taking the position of a baby: Yeah, it’s a mess, but it’s warm and it’s mine.
Not sure of an any attachment to a particular sin? What do you seem to say in confession every time? Make use of the strength you have gained so far this Lent by entering into an attitude of detachment from sin. In the quiet moments of prayer, ask God for the honesty needed to evaluate your soul and the sins you enjoy. Then, ask the Father for the grace to envision yourself without them.