Do You Believe This?

In today’s gospel we hear of the death of Jesus’ friend Lazarus. St. John makes it very clear that “Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.” Yet, when they are most in need and asking for his help, he instead seems to ignore them. When he does finally show up, seemingly too late, Martha and Mary both confront him in confusion and perhaps even anger, “Lord if you had been here my brother would not have died.”

When our prayers seem to go unanswered we can find good company with Martha and Mary. Yet, just as was true in the gospel, Jesus does in fact hear our prayers. If he seems not to answer it is only because he desires to bring about a greater good. Who could have imagined that Jesus would bring the dead back to life? Jesus promises us that he loves us and will do what is best for us. Ultimately, he promises us eternal life. The question for us is the same he asked Martha, “Do you believe this?”