Rise Again

When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, some two miles away, and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them about their brother. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, while Mary stayed at home. Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of him.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” She said to him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.” When she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary, and told her privately, “The Teacher is here and is calling for you.” And when she heard it, she got up quickly and went to him. John 11:17-29

Great Creator, source of every new day

you bring the sun around every morning

you turn the seasons and the light

giving us abundance at all times.

The great dying seems to be ceasing

yet the shadow of sorrow and grief

cling to the world like a sodden blanket

we are weighed down with so much loss.

You came among your friends in Bethany

amidst their great loss and deep sorrow

you invited them to consider riding again

although they doubted your power.

Help us not to doubt but to believe

give us your spirit again so we might hope

help us to run to the people when you call 

so your love and miracles might be here now. Amen.