29/07/2025
When we face sorrow, doubt, or delays, Jesus meets us there—not just to comfort us, but to call us to believe again. Like Martha, may we meet Jesus even when things don’t make sense, and confidently say:
"Yes, Lord, I believe."
𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗗𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗼 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲: 𝘿𝙤 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝘽𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙫𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙍𝙚𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙇𝙞𝙛𝙚?
Have you ever wondered about life's most profound mystery? I'm talking about life and death – those two intertwined realities that have captivated human minds for a very long time. What if I told you there's someone who claims to hold the key to conquering death itself? Sounds intriguing, right?
Our gospel reading from 𝗝𝗼𝗵𝗻 𝟭𝟭:𝟭𝟵-𝟮𝟳 revolves around Jesus and two sisters, Martha and Mary, who have just lost their brother, Lazarus. The message conveyed here is about Jesus' identity as the resurrection and the life, and the importance of faith in Him.
Imagine you're at a party, and suddenly the power goes out. Darkness envelops the room, and everyone starts searching for a light source. Then, out of nowhere, someone confidently steps forward, pulls out their smartphone, and activates the flashlight app. Instantly, the room is filled with light, and people start cheering. That's Jesus – the light of the world in our darkness.
Now, picture this: you're playing your favorite video game, and it gets incredibly challenging. You keep losing at a certain level, and you're on the verge of giving up. Just when you're about to quit, a seasoned gamer comes to your rescue and shows you the best strategies to overcome the obstacles. That's Jesus – the ultimate guide in navigating life's toughest levels.
My friend, Jesus once encountered grief and mourning too. When He arrived at the home of Martha and Mary, their hearts were heavy with sorrow over the loss of their brother Lazarus.
Martha, like us at times, felt that if Jesus had been there, everything would have been different. Maybe you've felt that way too – wondering where God is in your darkest moments. But Martha also expressed her faith in the future resurrection, believing in life beyond this world – much like how we talk about heaven today.
But then, Jesus revealed something extraordinary – a truth that sets Him apart from anyone else in history. He said, "𝙄 𝙖𝙢 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚. 𝙒𝙝𝙤𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙢𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙚, 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙙𝙞𝙚." Can you grasp the magnitude of that statement? It's like saying He holds the power-up that grants eternal life even after death.
Well, Jesus wasn't just talking about raising Lazarus from the dead; He was revealing His power to breathe life into us, even when we feel spiritually dead.
Here's where it gets more personal. We all face moments when life feels overwhelming – when we're uncertain about the future, or we experience the loss of a loved one, or perhaps even doubt our own faith. But remember, Jesus didn't just claim to know the way; He claimed to be the way. He wants to be your hope in times of hopelessness, your strength in moments of weakness, and your comfort when your heart aches.
So, my dear friend, when you feel like the darkness is closing in, and you can't find your way forward, turn to Jesus.
When life's challenges seem impossible to overcome, remember that He's right there, guiding you through the toughest levels.
When you face the inevitability of death, have faith in the One who offers eternal life – the resurrection and the life Himself.
Just as He asked Martha, He asks you today, "𝘋𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴?" Embrace this truth with open hearts, and watch as the resurrection unfolds within you.
Believe in Jesus, and you'll discover that He's not just a distant figure in history or a concept to ponder. He is alive and present, ready to walk with you through every step of your journey.
Embrace His promise of eternal life, and let His light shine through you to others. The power of the resurrection and the life is within your grasp – share it, live it, and let it transform you and the world around you!
You are loved, cherished, and destined for a life that transcends death itself!
𝗟𝗘𝗧 𝗨𝗦 𝗣𝗥𝗔𝗬:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of life and the opportunity to explore its mysteries.
Lord Jesus, you are the resurrection and the life, the light that shines in our darkest moments, and the guide who leads us through life's challenges. We are in awe of your power and grace, knowing that you conquered death so that we may have eternal life through faith in you.
In the midst of our doubts and uncertainties, help us to cling to the truth of your words. May your presence be felt in our lives as a source of hope, strength, and comfort. When we face trials and grief, remind us that you are the ultimate conqueror of death, and in you, we find the promise of life everlasting.
Lord, we pray for those among us who are struggling, those who are hurting, and those who are searching for meaning. May they encounter your love in a profound way and be drawn closer to you.
Empower us to share your message of hope and life with others, that they too may come to believe in you as the Christ, the Son of God.
Thank you, Lord, for your unending love and for being with us every step of the way. We place our trust in you, knowing that you hold our lives in your hands.
In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.
Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, pray for us.
