I always feel sorry for Lazarus. There he was, for three days partying with the angels in heaven, only to be yanked back here. I wonder, when he went to bed at night after he was brought back, did he dream of heaven, and long to be back there? I too, can relate to having too much of Marth’s spirit, so much to do, so little time to take in what’s important.

Another thing to consider is how potent are Jesus’ abilities? I picture Lazarus ending up like Captain Jack from ‘Doctor Who’, raised from the dead and suddenly confronted with the inability to die again.

It would frustrate the mob, surely, but might get old for Lazarus after a while.

The kind of extreme love that I desire to have for my God!

Those of us who have read the Bible for most of our lives have heard these stories since we were small and often we become numb to the significance of them. How sad. Reading these scriptures of Holy Week stirs an emotion within my soul that I cannot not resist.

I want to be known as a women of extreme devotion such as Martha. She experienced her God in a way that none other had, thus explains her devotion to her Lord. (John 11)

I find “You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me,” one of the most trenchant things Christ says. It’s got everything: humor, tragedy, sadness, victory, resignation. It’s so … human, basically. I treasure it.

Nothing says it as perfectly and simply as the Word. Thanks for reminding us in this simple, perfect way.

I, who am such a social justice person, receive this as a cogent reminder to keep my priorities right. HE is always at the pivot point of our praise and passion. All else will flow from that.

A blessed Resurrection Day to you, friend.
Judith