“Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” (John 11:21) 

On the Fifth Sunday of Lent, we hear the account of the raising of Lazarus from the dead. It is a moving account which, like peeling an onion, has layer upon layer which we can take for our reflection as we live through this last week of Lent preparing to enter into Holy Week. 

Although we know that this account ends in the raising of Lazarus, notice how it begins. Lazarus suffered illness and death. Mary and Martha suffered grief at the loss of their brother. They were also hurt and frustrated that Jesus did not respond to their message asking him to come while Lazarus was ill. Jesus himself also seemed to be feeling desolate. He delayed journeying to Bethany – we don’t know why – and when he did get there, we read that Jesus was upset at the death of his friend. St. John tells us that “Jesus wept”. 

In our lives, we also know the pain of suffering from time to time. Someone we love passes away. Something happens that causes us the loss of a sense of ourselves, our integrity, and our dignity. We feel stripped or robbed. Suffering unites us – no matter who you are or where you come from, the fact that you are human means that you will experience this universal human challenge.

Notice what else happens. Jesus raised Lazarus, and, at that moment, we read that many who were with Mary and Martha believed in him. In their suffering, a community of love and support had formed around Mary and Martha. Their suffering united them with each other and created an opportunity for them to be together and have their faith affirmed. 

A suffering-free life is not possible. It is part of our human condition. But, when someone suffers, we do have the ability to be with them. This does not mean that we have to speak words necessarily. Often our being with another in pain is enough. But, in being with or present to them, we share a real human experience. We can love and support them and, hopefully, lessen their struggle. We have, at that moment, the opportunity to be Christ to them. 

Take time today to reflect on your own experience. Can you name the people who have loved and supported you in a time of suffering in your own life? How has a time of suffering been a time of anguish yet also unity? Is there anyone who, at this time, is suffering and needs your love and support? 

Lord Jesus, 
As you came to Bethany, you encountered the grief and pain

 of your friends and their community. Yet, you used that moment

 as an opportunity to bring people to faith.

 Help me to see that the pain of suffering is, 

paradoxically, also an opportunity for deeper faith.

 Amen.