This Sunday we heard the Gospel account of Lazarus being raised from the dead (Jn 11:1-45 or 11:3-7, 17, 20-27, 33b-45). I love this passage from St. Therese’s autobiography and her view of the death and resurrection of Lazarus
“the One whose heart watches even when he sleeps (Song of Songs 5:2) made me understand that to those whose faith is like that of a mustard seed He grants miracles and moves mountains in order to strengthen this faith which is still small (Matt 17:19); but for His intimate friends, for His Mother, He works no miracles before having tried their faith. Did He not allow Lazarus to die even after Martha and Mary told Him he was sick (John 11:3)? At the wedding of Cana when the Blessed Virgin asked Jesus to come to the help of the head of the house, didn’t He answer her that His hour had not yet come (John 2:4)? But after the trial what a reward! The water was changed into wine…Lazarus was raised from the dead! Thus Jesus acted toward His little Therese: after having tried her for a long time, He granted all the desires of her heart.” –Story of a Soul, p. 142
Sometimes it is necessary for us to experience the thickest darkness in order to finally be able to see the light. We are like gold that is tested in fire – the fire of God’s love. A fire which, though it burns, is not meant to destroy us but to soften our ugly, sinful, hardened hearts so that the Divine Goldsmith can more easily shape them into something beautiful:
“In this you rejoice, although now for a little while you may have to suffer through various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold that is perishable even though tested by fire, may prove to be for praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” -1 Peter 1:6-7
Next week is Holy Week. Let us see this as an opportunity, not to rush to Easter Sunday, but to stay by the Cross. To see the Cross not as the “bad news” before the good news of the resurrection, but to understand that It is the path of discipleship for those who follow the risen Lord (Fr. Richard Neuhaus).
The way of the Christian life is cruciform. Jesus did not suffer and die in order that we need not suffer and die, but in order that our suffering and death might be joined to his in redemptive victory. (Neuhaus)
“Take up your cross and follow me,” says the Lord, “in the world you will have trouble, but fear not, I have overcome the world (John 16:33).” Just as Christ was “made perfect” by what he suffered and was able to Rise again and be seated at God’s right hand, so shall we be sanctified through our own sufferings united to the Cross of Christ, and share in His eternal glory in heaven.
2 Comments on “Stay By the Cross”
Our dignity is manifested through suffering, which you show in your post. Well done, young lady.
God bless you.
By the way, have you ever read The Dialogue of St. Catherine of Siena? I’ve just started reading it and the Father is teaching Catherine about redemptive suffering.