We are coming closer to the end of Lent. Our gospel this weekend is the story of Jesus bringing back to life Lazarus from Bethany. Of particular note is the end of the passage when Jesus cries out in a loud voice “Lazarus, come out.” And when Lazarus came out, he instructed them to “untie him and let him go.” There was no need for Jesus to call to Lazarus to come out, nor to have other unbind him. These actions were not for Jesus’s benefit, but rather for ours. While he calls each of us from the death and darkness of sin(particularly through our baptism), we each also have a responsibility to help one another overcome the sins and challenges that bind us up each day. We are to free others from their difficulties in life. In so doing, we come to believe because we see the power of God manifested through those actions.
As Vincentians, our call to holiness comes through the unbinding of the poor and less fortunate. As we unbind them from their challenges in life, they unbind us from our prejudices, from our pride, and from our self-centeredness. We grow in our humility and patience and the Spirit of God comes to dwell fully in us and we come to know the Lord that we may believe. We become as the woman at the well, the man blind from birth and, Mary from the gospel this week, saying, “Yes Lord, I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God.”
Lord Jesus, unbind me from my sins and give me the courage to do likewise for others. Let me be your instrument that others may come to know you through my ministry to them. Reveal to me your spirit of faith and hope through those whom you bring to me. Allow me to join the woman at the well, the blind man and Mary of Bethany proclaiming your goodness and testifying to your Word though my words and actions.
We pray all of this in your name.
Amen
Deacon Mike