Even after hearing this Gospel many times, and realizing the significance of the Messianic prophecy that Jesus says, it is not Jesus' divinity and power that I sit with, but in contrast, his humanity. Jesus knew that Lazarus was ill; Jesus was told that Lazarus had died; Jesus told his disciples he would go to Lazarus so that Lazarus would in fact not die; Jesus was berated for not being present; Jesus prophesied that he would rise. And even with all this foreknowledge, Jesus, when faced with the mortality of humans-specifically his dear friend-he cannot help but cry.

We know this cast of characters well. Martha ever busy, Mary who practices presence, Lazarus their brother who shared his name with the poor man who made an appearance a few weeks back... We can all find a place for ourselves in this reading. I find this empathy that Jesus demonstrates incredibly comforting - the reminder that the Savior too, while all knowing and powerful, cannot stem the flow of tears in sorrow for someone who matters deeply to him. This permission in the Lenten Season is given for us so that we too may be reminded how important reflection, grief, and remembrance are. It is powerful and prayerful and grace-filled to go through the darkness before you reach the resurrection.

Finally, I think this Gospel is placed in the days preceding Holy Week, because it reveals a moment when Jesus realizes how much death will hurt. He knows how much he will need to sacrifice. I think his tears in this week's Gospel are to mourn his dear friend, but they are also a premonition for him of his own mortality. However, what does John leave us with? A little bit of Easter hope: We know that after the weeping, there is life.

--Claire Geruson
SSJ Mission Corps

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