The Death and Raising of Lazarus
Over the next four days, you are invited to engage with one longer passage of Scripture: the story of the death and raising of Lazarus.
Each day, you are encouraged to read the whole story, but you may want to focus on one section per day. There are a number of ways that you might enter into this story, but I would suggest a riff on an Ignatian spiritual practice of imaginatively praying it. (For a more intense version: https://catholicidentity.bne.catholic.edu.au/prayer/SitePages/Ignatian-meditation.aspx?csf=1&e=LRom3O)
Each day, read the passage and imagine yourself as one of the characters. Begin with some basic questions. What are you experiencing with your senses? How are you feeling? Then ask God to draw your attention to one detail of the story. Use that to formulate a prayer, which might be in the form of a question, or gratitude, or just the beginning of a longer conversation with Jesus. The goal is simply to experience the story more deeply, and let that experience draw you further into the presence of God. There is no right or wrong. Some simple examples are provided—use them only as is helpful.
Day 1, Sunday: John 11: 1-16
As I read and prayed this part of the story, I was imagining first the fear and disbelief as the disciples questioned Jesus’ risky decision to return to Judea. I could hear their concern and doubt. I suspect that part of that is for Jesus’ safety, but also because they knew that wherever Jesus goes they are expected to go too. There’s a lot of tension and anxiety about what Jesus is up to.
But then, when I heard Thomas’ determination to go with Jesus, even if it means his own death, I was both amazed and convicted. I want to be more like Thomas here, than the rest of the disciples. His courage to follow Jesus, come what may, is encouraging.
Jesus, help me to trust that You know what You’re doing. And even more, that what You’re doing is so good that it is worth everything I have to give. Amen.