Today’s well-known story from the Gospel of John is the final in a trilogy that together, prepare us well for the renewal of our Baptismal vows at Easter. Two weeks ago, we heard Jesus offer living water to a thirsty woman, abundantly there and flowing for all who thirst. Last week’s Laetare Sunday theme of light and darkness invited us to go beyond the literal account to consider deeper, spiritual truths and to be people who live, enlightened, in the light. And today we hear a story about life itself. Water, light and life: yes Lord, I believe! There are some other interesting considerations about today’s Gospel story that are worth pondering on. Firstly, the characters of Martha and Mary. In Luke’s story of Jesus’ visit to their home Mary is presented as pensive, brooding. Contrastingly, in John, she is portrayed as the emotional, demonstrative one, her sorrow and absolute faith deeply moving Jesus. “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died”.  Like the solid faith of the friends of the paraplegic who brought him to Jesus for healing, Mary’s trust and faith brings about the miracle of Jesus bringing her dead brother back to life. “Lazarus, come forth!” And so we hear the narrative of the greatest “sign” in John’s Gospel.  Lazarus emerges from the tomb alive, assuring us of the power of Jesus over death. “I am the resurrection and the life…” Yet herein lies is the difference. Lazarus would in time die again.
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