Blogging toward Sunday

"Raising of Lazarus"; Dimitar Vishanov Molerov; Wikimedia Commons

In preparation for worship this Sunday, April 6, 2014, read John 11:1-45 and consider the following:

1. Herein, what does Jesus do that puts him in danger?
2. What is the most important message of this story to you?
3. Taken as an historic event, the story has great power. How might it also have power if considered metaphorically?

Continuing your reflection on this text, I invite you to meditate on the following poem, "Lazarus," written by Joy Cowley. May it bless you on your journey toward Sunday.

Lazarus

I don’t intend it to happen.

It just sneaks up on me

and before I know it

there’s been a kind of death,

part of me wrapped in a shroud

and buried in a tomb

while the rest of me stands by

wondering why the light has gone out.

Then you, my Friend, all knowing,

seek me out and knock

at the edge of my heart,

calling me to come forth.

I argue I can’t.

Death is death and I’m too far gone

for story book miracles.

But you keep on calling,

“Come forth! Come forth!”

and the darkness is pierced

by a shaft of light

as the stone begins to move.

My Friend,

I don’t know how you do it

but the tomb has become

as bright as day, as bright as love,

and life has returned.

Look at me!

I’m running out,

dropping bandages all over the place.

 


Shalom,
Glenda