The Resurrection and the Life

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 

We have been traveling the last few days to see our daughter and our grandchildren. I am reminded how much we miss when we don't see them every day. Our youngest granddaughter started kindergarten and wanted to tell me all about it. Our grandson, who just started first, is much more reluctant to share. And our granddaughter in sixth grade, well, her school is all about changing classes and figuring our the where and when of her new schedule. There are many, "if you had been here" moments in our lives. I wish I could be with them every moment. Yet, they have great parents and I entrust them to God's protection every day. Martha ran to Jesus when he arrived. She truly believed that if Jesus had been present her brother would not have died. She would have been spared from life's pain. Yet none of us are spared from life's challenges. And we are also immeasurably blessed by life's daily wonders and miracles.

Loving Creator, you placed us in community

embedding us in family and with loved ones

although we cannot be with them at all times

you show us miracles and wonders through them.

We ache when we are separated and often worry

yet you hold us all in your tender loving hands

you are always moving to the toughest places

when our hearts are on the ground, you are there. Amen.