And What of Lazarus?

"And What of Lazarus?" is actually the title of an old Star Trek episode that was on television a few days ago, but it seemed fitting this weekend as well. At mass on Sunday they had the RCIA group there so they read from the alternate readings, the Gospel of which was the story of Jesus bringing Lazarus back to life. As I listened and read from the Gospel, the title of the Star Trek episode popped into my mind. In John 11:3-4 Jesus hears of Lazarus' declining health...

So the sisters sent word to him, saying, "Master, the one you love is ill."

When Jesus heard this he said, "This illness is not to end in death, but is for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it."

And for the first time I thought of Lazarus. What about his declining health, his pain, his suffering, his angst, his weakness. Even though he was to be raised from the dead "for the glory of God" he still had to endure the illness and death.

And it occurred to me that we too may be asked to suffer, to face challenges, to face turmoil for the glory of God. If such a fate was acceptable to Lazarus, someone whom Jesus knew and loved to the point of weeping at his death, then should we not be surprised if we are expected to face our own challenges for our faith?

Over and over again in the bible people are healed due to their faith, but it never means they did not have to suffer prior to that miraculous moment.

Just a thought...