Today’s Gospel is Jesus’ final miracle before His Passion and sets the scene for his arrest (John 11:1-45). Jesus who is making His way toward death, stares death in the face in advance.

11:1 Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha.

Three figures are presented: the sick man and his two sisters. One sister – Martha – embodies action, the other – Mary – embodies contemplation. In a sense, they represent the Church: one needs help, one who acts and one who prayers. The LORD loves them all and he lives and embodies Himself in all three.

11:6  So, when Jesus heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was.

The LORD knows exactly what He will do and he also knows the time at which He will do it. What is to happen will not take place within the laws of what is earthly and human. The love of the LORD does more than heal a sick person; it brings to life.

11:25-26 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?

When we hear the word of the LORD, do we assent to it? Dare we make it our own? Is our faith in life or our life in faith? The LORD’s love urges a decision.

11:35 Jesus wept.

By displaying His grief, Jesus attests to His love.