2 Kgs 4:18-21,32-37 / Jn 11:1-45
You've heard the old expression, "It's not over till the fat lady sings." Well sometimes, we're too quick to conclude that she's sung and it's over. Whether it's a marriage, a friendship, a job, or an experiment, weariness and frustration can persuade us that there's no life left there and it's time to move on. Sometimes we're right and it is time to move on, but often we're quite wrong.
Jesus reminds us of that in today's gospel story. Everyone was quite sure that Lazarus was dead. But Jesus saw something more. "He's just asleep," he said. He told them to open the tomb and then he commanded Lazarus to come forth. And Lazarus did – very much alive!
The Lord looks at the dead and dying parts of our lives with those same eyes of hope, and he sees in us the seeds of new life and growth. Not a day goes by without his calling each of us by name, "Don't stay in that tomb. Come forth and live!"
Listen to the Lord, after all, he knows just a little more than you do! Listen to him, see what he sees, and come forth and live!
