When he had said this, he cried with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" John 11:43
This Sunday is All Saints Day when we will remember all those we love who have died, especially those who have died in the past year, and who now know the joy and restoration of God’s eternal kingdom. We will hear the story of the death of Jesus’ friend Lazarus, and of his resurrection through Jesus’ life-giving power.
Let’s say it–Death is the enemy. We fear it, worry about it, are devastated by it when it comes to those we love. The “little deaths” we face–loss of jobs or of dreams, betrayals, illness, all the struggles that try to knock us out of balance–are soldiers in Death’s army that we battle constantly during our time in this world.
But we’re not in this fight alone. Jesus is at the head, leading us through, giving us our battle strategy. As he says a little later in John’s Gospel, “In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!” And in his crucifixion and resurrection, he conquered Death.
When they led Jesus to Lazarus’ tomb, he called to Lazarus to “come out!” from the death that had bound him. Lazarus was restored to life and to service to Jesus–in the very next chapter, he is hosting a dinner for Jesus.
No matter what deaths we might be facing now–whatever lies heavy on our hearts or what sorrow the world gives us–Jesus is calling to us “Come out!” He offers us his love, his comfort, and his promise of salvation to come out and be restored to life and to service in his name. Pray to hear his voice calling you, and pray that we are there to love and support each other as each of us, at some time or another, heeds that call to come out from the darkness that has bound us.
Peace to you,
Mary Beth Commisso
mbjerry@comcast.net
Let loose your inner Martha–your “Martha Stewart,” that is! Trinity needs a few people who have a creative flair and who would help us to bring beauty to our worship and worship space through decoration and art. If you are interested in helping with our Worship Arts activities, please contact the church office or Mary Beth.
Readings for the Week
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Psalm 119:1-8
Exodus 22:1-15
Hebrews 9:1-12
Friday, October 30, 2009
Psalm 119:1-8
Leviticus 19:32-37
Romans 3:21-31
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Psalm 119:1-8
Numbers 9:9-14
Luke 10:25-37
Sunday, November 1, 2009 - All Saints Day
Isaiah 25:6-9
Psalm 24
Revelation 21:1-6a
John 11:32-44
Monday, November 2, 2009
Psalm 51
Deuteronomy 6:10-25
Romans 12:17-21; 13:8-10
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Psalm 51
Deuteronomy 28:58-29:1
Acts 17:17-29
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Psalm 51
Micah 6:1-8
John 13:31-35
