Many of the Jews who had come to Mary
and seen what Jesus had done began to believe in him.
But some of them went to the Pharisees
and told them what Jesus had done.
On this last day before Holy Week, the Church gives us this transitional story from Saint John's Book of Signs to his Book of Glory. We have seen the last and greatest of his signs, the raising of Lazarus. As the long awaited hour arrives we shall see his glory.
We are moving into apocalyptic time. Some people religiously acknowledge the demands of apocalyptic time even in our quotidian world: Jews light candles as the Sabbath arrives and attend synagogue; Christians celebrate their faith on Saturday evening or Sunday morning. We keep holy the sabbath and remember that our finite lives and measured hours will come to an end as the Day who is our End takes his seat upon the throne.Apocalyptic time brings an irretrievable decision of great consequence. Today's gospel tells us that many Jews, seeing Lazarus stumble out of his grave, believed in Jesus even as others hotfooted into Jerusalem to report that, "He's back, and you won't believe what he has done now!" The crowd that had been united around Lazarus's sealed tomb was split in two when he broke out of it. Each decision, for or against the Lord, was final.
Holy Week, with its memories of Jesus arrival in Jerusalem, his celebration of the Pasch with his disciples, his arrest, trial, torture, and crucifixion, makes demands upon all Christians. If these observances mean nothing to us; if they do not interrupt our routine daily and weekly practices we should not suppose we belong to God's people. As Saint James said, "Show me your faith without works and I'll show you the faith that underlies my works!"
...You believe that God is one. You do well. Even the demons believe that and tremble. Do you want proof, you ignoramus, that faith without works is useless? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered his son Isaac upon the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by the works. Thus the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called “the friend of God.” See how a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. (James 2:18-24)
The Lord's disciples live in earthly time and mark eternal time. We are in this world but not of it. Holy Week marks the difference and everyone -- good and bad alike -- knows it.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.