https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032121-YearA.cfm
I quote:
But if Christ is in you,
although the body is dead because of sin,
the spirit is alive because of righteousness.
If the Spirit of the one who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you,
the one who raised Christ from the dead
will give life to your mortal bodies also,
through his Spirit dwelling in you
end quote
When a child visiting my local dentist's surgery waiting my turn I passed my time browsing the coffee table magazines in anticipation of finding something of interest. The Reader's Digest predictably attracted my attention with its wide selection of articles, including personal reflections on near death experiences. Despite my fascination with this topic I am not one easily persuaded by well written articles understanding well that many wordsmiths are prone to entertain their reading audiences with a desire to please. Journalists and other authors spend their lives encouraging their readers to appreciate their skills with the written word. It is often said that fiction is a portal into a world of fantasy where our dreams, even our hopes are nourished in anticipation of better days ahead.
On the other hand I am open to believing that our life continues following the death of our flesh.
Jesus has demonstrated to His followers that He is the light of the world by restoring sight to the blind; now He appears as the life of the world by restoring Lazarus to life: "I am the resurrection and the life
" ~ John 11.25
The Greek form of the name Λάζαρος (Lazarus) is drawn from the abbreviated Hebrew name el'āzār (God has helped).
Lazarus is again referenced at a meal given in honour of Jesus (John 12:18), apparently the same gathering that Matthew and Mark place at the house of Simon the Leper six days before the Crucifixion (Matthew 26:613; Mark 14:39)
Today's Gospel teaches us that with The Father all is possible, there being an awareness that death heralds new life in the caring embrace of Our Father.
Need presents itself to us wearing a multitude of faces inviting us to lend a helping hand, enabling them to rise out of their pit of helplessness.
If you cannot find Christ in the beggar at the church door, you will not find Him in the chalice.~ Saint John Chrysostom
end
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