Sept. 29, 2019 The Temptations of the Rich

Sept. 29, 2019 -  The Temptations of the Rich    Year C

Reading I:  Amos 6: 1a, 4-7

Psalm:  146

Reading II:  1 Timothy 6:11-16


Gospel:  Luke 16:19-31

In the “Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus,” Jesus points out the temptation of the advantaged to focus on self-gratification and ignore the needs of the poor. Jesus warns them of the consequences.

While I did not grow up rich, I did grow up in an all-white neighborhood. My father had a secure job as a postman, and my mother was a stay-at-home mom. I never knew anyone personally who was hungry. Also, I had not witnessed violence.

When television showed the attempts of people trying to prevent the integration of the University of Mississippi, I began to understand the situation of African Americans. This remains an indelible memory because it was an eye-opener for me. God was making me aware of those who were being oppressed.

Later, when I was teaching in New Orleans, Louisiana, at Xavier University, a historically Black, Catholic Institution, I learned even more. Every night on the news, we would hear about young black men being murdered. Nothing seemed to be done about it.

One Sister shared with me that the Sisters had received a desperate call from the mother of one of the Xavier students. Her son and friends were driving and took a wrong turn into a white neighborhood. The police pulled them over and took them to the police station. The young man called his mother to tell her where he was. She was terrified. Even though she knew they had not done anything wrong, their names would be put in a book, and they would be considered suspects whenever there was trouble in the future. Some of the Sisters went down to the station and would not leave until the names of the young men were taken out of the book. Only God knows if they were put back in when they left. The Sisters did what they could.

Another Sister in an elementary school shared that there was a valuable movie which she wanted her students to see. When she attempted to bring the children into the theater, she was told that she could come in (She was white), however, she couldn’t bring her black students into the theater. After arguing on behalf of the children, the Sister was allowed to take them up to the balcony where they would not be seen.

When I attended an English Teacher’s Convention, my awareness of the plight of Native Americans was heightened when the guest speaker read a lament from Chief Joseph who had promised his father on his deathbed that he would never sell the land in which his father’s bones were buried. The Government came and took the land. Chief Joseph was heartbroken that he was not able to keep the promise to his father. I came away believing that we needed Native lawyers to be able to defend their interests.

Later, I read the story of an educated Native woman who went to a clinic because she was having health issues. She was told that she needed a hysterectomy. She knew that was not her problem, so she had an investigation made which revealed that any woman who went to the clinic was automatically told she needed a hysterectomy. Basically, it was an attempt at genocide. I was convinced that we needed Native health workers.

I realized that a good way to help these oppressed people was to provide them a good education so that they could hold positions to assist their own people. St. Katharine Drexel also believed that a good education would help both groups. Therefore, she established many schools for them. She also founded the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament to staff the missions, schools and provide social services for the people. It has made a difference. However, progress needs to continue.

On the other hand, with the media coverage of the cruel treatment of Latinos, Muslins, and immigrants from many countries, none of us can be ignorant of the situations of the needy, unless we choose to be. The whole situation is actually overwhelming. Also, it is very frustrating because good laws, like common-sense gun control, etc., are being blocked.

However, it is helpful to know that there are still good Samaritans who are volunteering to help situations, like those helping in the search and rescue efforts in the Bahamas. I heard of a man who purchased thousands of dollars of supplies in a Walmart for the Bahamas, but wanted to remain anonymous. We may not be able to contribute in these manners, but we do need to keep our eyes open for those who have needs which we can address.

In Matthew’s Gospel (Chapter 25), there is a description of the Last Judgment in which the King says that whenever you refused to help one of these least ones, you refused to help me. He goes on to say that those will be sent off to eternal punishment, but that those who reach out to neighbors in need will enjoy eternal life.

 Reflection Question:   With my unique gifts and resources, whom can I help this week?

Spanish Translation of Reflection Above...

Las Tentaciones de Los Ricos

En la "Parábola del hombre rico y Lázaro", Jesús señala la tentación de los favorecidos de centrarse en la autogratificación e ignorar las necesidades de los pobres. Jesús les advierte de las consecuencias.

Si bien no crecí rico, crecí en un vecindario completamente blanco. Mi padre tenía un trabajo seguro como cartero y mi madre era una ama de casa. Nunca conocí a nadie personalmente que tuviera hambre. Además, no había presenciado violencia.

Cuando la televisión mostró los intentos de las personas que intentaban evitar la integración de la Universidad de Mississippi, comencé a comprender la situación de los afroamericanos. Esto sigue siendo un recuerdo imborrable porque fue una revelación para mí. Dios me estaba haciendo consciente de aquellos que estaban siendo oprimidos.

Más tarde, cuando estaba enseñando en Nueva Orleans, Luisiana, en la Universidad Xavier, una institución católica históricamente negra, aprendí aún más. Todas las noches en las noticias, escuchábamos sobre jóvenes negros asesinados. Nada parecía hacerse al respecto.

Una hermana compartió conmigo que las Hermanas habían recibido una llamada desesperada de la madre de uno de los estudiantes de Xavier. Su hijo y sus amigos estaban manejando y tomaron un giro equivocado en un vecindario blanco. La policía los detuvo y los llevó a la estación de policía. El joven llamó a su madre para decirle dónde estaba. Ella estaba aterrorizada. Aunque ella sabía que no habían hecho nada malo, sus nombres se pondrían en un libro, y se los consideraría sospechosos cada vez que hubiera problemas en el futuro. Algunas de las hermanas bajaron a la estación y no se irían hasta que los nombres de los jóvenes fueran sacados del libro. Solo Dios sabe si fueron devueltos cuando se fueron. Las hermanas hicieron lo que pudieron.

Otra hermana en una escuela primaria compartió que había una película valiosa que quería que sus alumnos vieran. Cuando intentó llevar a los niños al teatro, le dijeron que podía entrar (era blanca), sin embargo, no podía traer a sus estudiantes negros al teatro. Después de discutir en nombre de los niños, a la Hermana se le permitió llevarlos al balcón donde no los verían.

Cuando asistí a una convención de maestros de inglés, mi conciencia de la difícil situación de los nativos americanos aumentó cuando el orador invitado leyó un lamento del Jefe Joseph, quien le había prometido a su padre en su lecho de muerte que nunca vendería la tierra en la que estaban enterrados los huesos de su padre. . El gobierno vino y tomó la tierra. El jefe Joseph estaba desconsolado porque no pudo cumplir la promesa a su padre. Salí creyendo que necesitábamos abogados nativos para poder defender sus intereses.

Más tarde, leí la historia de una mujer nativa educada que fue a una clínica porque tenía problemas de salud. Le dijeron que necesitaba una histerectomía. Sabía que ese no era su problema, por lo que hizo una investigación que reveló que a cualquier mujer que fuera a la clínica se le dijo automáticamente que necesitaba una histerectomía. Básicamente, fue un intento de genocidio. Estaba convencido de que necesitábamos trabajadores de salud nativos.

Me di cuenta de que una buena manera de ayudar a estas personas oprimidas era proporcionarles una buena educación para que pudieran ocupar puestos para ayudar a su propia gente. Santa Katharine Drexel también creía que una buena educación ayudaría a ambos grupos. Por lo tanto, ella estableció muchas escuelas para ellos. También fundó las Hermanas del Santísimo Sacramento para el personal de las misiones, las escuelas y proporcionar servicios sociales para la gente. Ha hecho la diferencia. Sin embargo, el progreso debe continuar. 

Por otro lado, con la cobertura mediática del trato cruel a los latinos, musulmanes e inmigrantes de muchos países, ninguno de nosotros puede ignorar las situaciones de los necesitados, a menos que lo decidamos. Toda la situación es realmente abrumadora. Además, es muy frustrante porque se están bloqueando las buenas leyes, como el control de armas con sentido común, etc.

Sin embargo, es útil saber que todavía hay buenos samaritanos que se ofrecen como voluntarios para ayudar en situaciones, como los que ayudan en los esfuerzos de búsqueda y rescate en las Bahamas. Me enteré de un hombre que compró miles de dólares en suministros en un Walmart para las Bahamas, pero quería permanecer en el anonimato. Es posible que no podamos contribuir de esta manera, pero necesitamos mantener nuestros ojos abiertos para aquellos que tienen necesidades que podemos abordar.

En el Evangelio de Mateo (Capítulo 25), hay una descripción del Juicio Final en el que el Rey dice que siempre que se negó a ayudar a uno de estos menos importantes, se negó a ayudarme. Continúa diciendo que aquellos serán enviados al castigo eterno, pero que aquellos que se acerquen a los vecinos necesitados disfrutarán de la vida eterna.

 Pregunta de Reflexíon:   Con mis dones y recursos únicos, ¿a quién puedo ayudar esta semana?

Comments:

Stephanie Morris, Ph. D, Historian, Certified Archivist, emerita

I don’t know how I will be able to help anyone this week because I don’t know what this week will bring me. If I am open to the opportunities God sends me, then I will know how to respond. As Mother Katharine pointed out, God gave us three very valuable gifts: Faith, Hope, and Love. If we believe that there is good in each person, then we will see God in that person. Loving God, we will be open to loving the person before us and this love will tell us how to serve that person. I trust that God will send me the grace to be able to respond to the request or plea that God sends me today.

Pat Chiaffa, ASBS

Regrettably, I see myself in the rich man. It is not that I am living in wealth and luxury, but I have been complacent (and apathetic) more times than I like to admit when it comes to recognizing and responding to the needs of others. I think that the rich man is so comfortable in his surroundings (probably with servants who take care of his every desire) that he doesn’t look beyond his immediate environment. All his needs are being met; there is no reason to go outside. Consequently, he doesn’t know, or maybe he really does not care, that Lazarus lies starving on the other side of the gate.

I live in the city where housing is very close. My daily life is very full, and when I get home at the end of the day I typically don’t go outside; rarely do I check to see what lies on the other side of the gate. Thus, I do not connect with my neighbors often, many of whom are slaves to the same busy routine. I did not know that my neighbor across the street was depressed until the flashy sirens of the police cars and ambulance caught my attention. They were responding to a call that my neighbor was found unresponsive after attempting suicide. I did not know she was suffering. How could I if I never venture outside my comfort zone? What hunger raged in the depth of her being? Dare I ask?

When we risk knowing another, we may very well recognize needs. If we see unmet needs, do we not have a responsibility to take an action – to give something of ourselves? This can cause a fear of sorts – do I have enough time, skill, resources – to share? Depending on how we look at it, looking out for one another can feel burdensome. The flip side is that it can be one of the most rewarding of life experiences in which we make a lasting contribution to an individual, a family, to society. Would we ourselves not appreciate support when we are vulnerable?

In his book, “The Rhythm of Life,” Matthew Kelly writes, “There is no greater satisfaction than laying your head on the pillow at night and knowing you have touched another person’s life, made his burden lighter, taught her some infinite wisdom, made him laugh, allowed her to cry on your shoulder, lent him an understanding ear...made a difference.” In the chapter entitled, “Be The Difference That Makes The Difference,” Kelly suggests that every morning when we wake, ask ourselves the questions, “Whose day can I make today?” and “How can I make that person’s day?” Some suggestions are to write and send an unexpected letter, buy someone chocolate or flowers, bake cookies, tell someone you love that you love them.

“These things may seem simple and external, but they reflect a much deeper quality in a person. Spiritually, we strive to be patient because God is patient, we seek to be kind because God is kind, we try to be humble and gentle because they are the ways of God, we seek to love and be loved because God is love...Yet above everything else, beyond everything else, before everything else ...God is a giver. He always gives. Giving is God’s life and existence. For God, giving is the perpetual motion of His being. It is an act of greatness because it is an act that emerges from the heart and mind of God”. Kelly writes that there is no surer way to share in the life, the power and the infinite joy of God than to give.

Your blog ended with the message from St. Matthew’s Gospel (Chapter 25) instructing that those who reach out to neighbors in need will enjoy eternal life. Matthew Kelly reminds us that, “The good we do is never lost; it never dies. In other people, in other places, in other times- the good we do lives on forever.”

Caring and sharing is a choice. Let’s choose to “Be the difference that makes the difference!”

April 7, 2019 The Raising of Lazarus

The Fifth Sunday of Lent - Year C    April 7, 2019

© www.LumoProject.com

Reading I: 
Ezekiel 37:12-14

Psalm: 130

Reading II:

Romans 8:8-11

Gospel: 
John 11:1-45

This Sunday we will pray again as
a community for those discerning whether or not to commit themselves to the Lord in a special way, as Catholic Christians. This is called “The Third Scrutiny.”  It is also the day when the Gospel illustrates the miracle of the raising of Lazarus from the dead. It is a very special presentation because it highlights both the real humanity and divinity of Jesus.

First, I want to focus on the humanity of Jesus. The death of a loved one is one of the most difficult of human experiences. Lazarus and his sisters Martha and Mary are very close friends of Jesus. It is noted that he would visit them and receive not only great hospitality on the part of Martha, especially, but also a special attentiveness to his word from Mary. We can assume that their brother Lazarus was involved in the experiences also.

When Lazarus dies, his sisters are distraught. Why didn’t Jesus come to their aid and save Lazarus? The male relatives played essential roles for the women of their times who depended on them for support since women did not usually have opportunities for employment outside the home. Also, there was a deep emotional bond between them.

When Jesus arrives, he weeps! He is feeling the profound pain of loss. Why does He choose to have this experience? He wants us to know that he understands what we go through when we lose a loved one. Also, He knows how we feel when we learn of a relative, friend, or any human being who has faced a loss, whether from natural causes or violence.

On the other hand, Jesus chooses to reassure us of His divinity by raising Lazarus. When Martha hears that Jesus is on His way, she hastens to meet Him. In her grief, she cries out, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you.”  Jesus responds simply, “Your brother will rise.”

Martha exclaims, “I know he will rise in the resurrection, on the last day.” Then, Jesus chooses to reveal Himself more fully. “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in Me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die.” 

Jesus questions her, “Do you believe this?” Thus, He calls forth a profession of faith from Martha: “I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the one who was to come into this world.” (Jn. 11:27)

Jesus wants us to know that human death is not the end of life, just a change in the type of life we live. When we leave this life, we move into an eternal, life with God and one another.  He tells us that we cannot even imagine what God has prepared for those who love him. How blessed we are!!!

 Reflection Question:   If you were to lose a loved one in death, how would you like a relative or friend to help and comfort you? What are some of the ways Jesus comforted Martha and Mary?

Spanish Translation of Reflection Above...

La Resurrección de Lázaro

Este domingo volveremos a orar como una comunidad para aquellos que están discerniendo si deben o no comprometerse con el Señor de una manera especial, como cristianos católicos. Esto se llama “El Tercer Control”. También es el día en que el Evangelio ilustra el milagro de la resurrección de Lázaro de entre los muertos. Es una presentación muy especial porque resalta tanto la humanidad real como la divinidad de Jesús.

Primero, quiero centrarme en la humanidad de Jesús. La muerte de un ser querido es una de las experiencias humanas más difíciles. Lázaro y sus hermanas Marta y María son muy amigos íntimos de Jesús. Se observa que los visitaría y recibiría no solo una gran hospitalidad por parte de Martha, sino también una atención especial a su palabra de Mary. Podemos asumir que su hermano Lázaro también estuvo involucrado en las experiencias.

Cuando Lázaro muere, sus hermanas se angustian. ¿Por qué no vino Jesús en su ayuda y salvó a Lázaro? Los parientes varones desempeñaban funciones esenciales para las mujeres de su época que dependían de ellas para recibir apoyo, ya que las mujeres generalmente no tenían oportunidades de empleo fuera del hogar. Además, había un profundo vínculo emocional entre ellos.

When Jesus arrives, he weeps! He is feeling the profound pain of loss. Why does He choose to have this experience? He wants us to know that he understands what we go through when we lose a loved one. Also, He knows how we feel when we learn of a relative, friend, or any human being who has faced a loss, whether from natural causes or violence.

Por otro lado, Jesús elige tranquilizarnos de su divinidad al criar a Lázaro. Cuando Marta escucha que Jesús está en camino, ella se apresura a encontrarse con él. En su dolor, ella grita: “Señor, si hubieras estado aquí, mi hermano no habría muerto”. Jesús responde simplemente, “Y tu hermano se levantará”.

Martha exclama: “Sé que él resucitará en la resurrección, el último día”. Entonces, Jesús elige revelarse más completamente. “Yo soy la resurrección y la vida; el que cree en Mí, aunque muera, vivirá, y todos los que viven y creen en Mí nunca morirán”.

Jesús le pregunta a ella: “¿Crees esto?”. Por lo tanto, Él exhorta una profesión de fe a Martha: “Creo que eres el Cristo, el Hijo de Dios, el que debía venir a este mundo”. (Jn. 11:27)

Jesús quiere que sepamos que la muerte humana no es el final de la vida, solo un cambio en el tipo de vida que vivimos. Cuando dejamos esta vida, nos movemos hacia una vida eterna, con Dios y con los demás. Nos dice que ni siquiera podemos imaginar lo que Dios ha preparado para los que lo aman. ¡Qué bendecidos somos!

  Pregunta de reflexión:   Si perdiera a un ser querido en la muerte, ¿cómo le gustaría que un pariente o amigo lo ayude y lo consuele? ¿Cuáles son algunas de las maneras en que Jesús consoló a Marta y María?

Jesus in the Midst of Suffering - Mar. 18, 2018

The Fifth Sunday of Lent - Year B

Reading I:  Ezekiel 37: 12-14

Psalm:  130

Reading II:  Romans 8: 8-11

Gospel:  John 11: 1-45


Today’s Gospel reading for the Christian Initiation recounts the raising of Lazarus. It is an illustration of the Lord’s presence with us in the midst of suffering.

In the icon to the right, we see a symbolic representation of the raising of Lazarus. We see Martha and her sister Mary in grief after the death of their brother Lazarus. It is in this situation that the Gospel writer describes Jesus as weeping. He is so deeply touched by his own loss and the grief of Lazarus’ sisters that he reacts emotionally. He exhibits deep compassion.

It is important that we see this characteristic of Jesus so that we can realize how Jesus, the human face of God, is able to understand and feel for us in our sufferings. That is a wonderful source of comfort when we are experiencing suffering. We do not have a God who is indifferent to our suffering, but one who has experienced it himself.

Why would our God choose to experience human suffering when it was not even necessary for our salvation? God could have redeemed us in some other way. Perhaps, He wanted us to feel close to Him.

Shared experience can draw people closer. Think of the bonds between members of AA who understand the struggles of one another. Think of the bonds between veterans who have experienced the horrors of war together. Jesus wants a deep emotional bond with us.

How close He becomes to us when we receive Him in the Eucharist! He becomes one with us in body and spirit. What an unbelievably intimate and loving God we have! The beautiful hymn: “Panis Angelicus” is one human expression which attempts to celebrate that wonderful gift from the Lord.


"Heavenly Bread"   English Translation   Luciano Pavarotti

Heavenly bread

That becomes the bread for all mankind;

Bread from the angelic host

That is the end of all imaginings;

Oh, miraculous thing!

This body of God will nourish

Even the poorest,

The most humble of servants.

Even the poorest,

The most humble of servants.

 Question for Reflection:   Can you recall any suffering that you experienced that brought about spiritual growth?

Spanish Translation of Reflection Above...
Jesús en medio del sufrimiento

La lectura del Evangelio de hoy para la Iniciación Cristiana relata la resurrección de Lázaro. Es una ilustración de la presencia del Señor con nosotros en medio del sufrimiento.

En el ícono a la derecha, vemos una representación simbólica de la resurrección de Lázaro. Vemos a Marta y a su hermana María en dolor después de la muerte de su hermano Lázaro. Es en esta situación que el escritor del Evangelio describe a Jesús como un llanto. Él está tan profundamente conmovido por su propia pérdida y el dolor de las hermanas de Lázaro que reacciona emocionalmente. Él exhibe una profunda compasión.

Es importante que veamos esta característica de Jesús para que podamos darnos cuenta de cómo Jesús, el rostro humano de Dios, es capaz de entendernos y sentir por nosotros en nuestros sufrimientos. Esa es una maravillosa fuente de consuelo cuando estamos sufriendo. No tenemos un Dios que sea indiferente a nuestro sufrimiento, sino uno que lo ha experimentado él mismo.

¿Por qué nuestro Dios elegiría experimentar el sufrimiento humano cuando ni siquiera era necesario para nuestra salvación? Dios podría habernos redimido de alguna otra manera. Quizás, Él quería que nos sintiéramos cerca de él.

La experiencia compartida puede acercar a las personas. Piense en los lazos entre los miembros de AA que entienden las luchas de los demás. Piense en los lazos entre los veteranos que han experimentado los horrores de la guerra juntos. Jesús quiere un vínculo emocional profundo con nosotros.

¡Cuán cerca se vuelve de nosotros cuando lo recibimos en la Eucaristía! Él se vuelve uno con nosotros en cuerpo y espíritu. ¡Qué Dios tan increíblemente íntimo y amoroso tenemos! El hermoso himno: “Panis Angelicus” es una expresión humana que intenta celebrar ese regalo maravilloso del Señor.

"Pan celestial"   Traducción al inglés Luciano Pavarotti

Pan celestial
Eso se convierte en el pan para toda la humanidad;
Pan del anfitrión angelical
Ese es el final de todas las imaginaciones;
¡Oh, cosa milagrosa!
Este cuerpo de Dios nutrirá
Incluso los más pobres,
El más humilde de los sirvientes.
Incluso los más pobres,
El más humilde de los sirvientes.

 Pregunta de reflexión:   ¿Puedes recordar algún sufrimiento que experimentaste que produjo el crecimiento espiritual?

April 2, 2017 - The Raising of Lazarus

The Fifth Sunday of Lent - Year A

Reading I:  Ez 37:12-14

Psalm: 130

Reading II:  Rom 8:8-11  

Gospel:  Jn 11:1-45


In last Sunday’s Gospel, we hear about the Transfiguration in which Jesus revealed his divinity to Peter, James, and John to strengthen their faith in Him. The events of the Passion could have easily shaken their faith in Jesus when they saw him put to death as a common criminal. However, Jesus chose to prepare them ahead of time.

This week we reflect on the raising of Lazarus from the dead. This time the close friends of Jesus and their townsmen witness a miracle which could sustain them during the horrific passion of the Lord. Again, Jesus is preparing those who would be witnesses of his ignominious suffering and death.

I recall a friend of mine sharing about the wonderful experience she had, had on her retreat.  The following year she lost several members of her family. Looking back on these events, I suspect the Lord was strengthening her faith because he knew what she would soon be facing.

Jesus also shows us that it is normal to experience grief at the loss of a loved one. He weeps at the loss of his friend, Lazarus. In that way, he lets us know that he understands our grief. He lets us know that it is good to cry and mourn our losses, while trusting in the wisdom and love of God.

While we might wish that the Lord would bring the person back to life as He did Lazarus, we need to trust that He knows what is best for each one of us. As I read about near death experiences, it seems that the people want to continue on their way to their new life in God.  Some are disappointed if the journey is interrupted and they have to return to earth.

I had a close friend who was dying of cancer. Her mother was still living so she was fighting to stay alive for her sake. I can recall being with her when she was trying to call her mother, but didn't have the strength to dial the phone. I dialed it for her so she could say a few words to her mother.  In spite of her weakness and suffering she kept fighting to stay alive.  Finally, someone told the mother that the best thing was for her to tell her daughter that it was all right to go.  Within a few minutes she relaxed and went home to her heavenly Father.

Like a good parent, Jesus prepares us for what we must face in life. Let us trust that He knows what is ultimately best for us and our loved ones.

Spanish Translation of Reflection Above...

El Levantamiento de Lazarus

En el Evangelio del domingo pasado, escuchamos acerca de la Transfiguración en la que Jesús reveló su divinidad a Pedro, Santiago y Juan para fortalecer su fe en Él. Los acontecimientos de la Pasión podrían haber sacudido fácilmente su fe en Jesús cuando lo vieron muerto como un criminal común. Sin embargo, Jesús escogió prepararlos antes de tiempo.

Esta semana reflexionamos sobre la resurrección de Lázaro de entre los muertos. Esta vez, los amigos íntimos de Jesús y sus vecinos son testigos de un milagro que podría sostenerlos durante la espantosa pasión del Señor. Una vez más, Jesús está preparando a aquellos que serían testigos de su ignominioso sufrimiento y muerte.

Recuerdo a una amiga mía que compartió acerca de la maravillosa experiencia que había tenido en su retiro. Al año siguiente perdió a varios miembros de su familia. Mirando hacia atrás en estos acontecimientos, sospecho que el Señor estaba fortaleciendo su fe porque sabía lo que pronto estaría enfrentando.

Jesús también nos muestra que es normal experimentar pena por la pérdida de un ser querido. Llora por la pérdida de su amigo, Lázaro. De esa manera, nos deja saber que entiende nuestra pena. Él nos deja saber que es bueno llorar y llorar nuestras pérdidas, mientras confía en la sabiduría y el amor de Dios.

Aunque deseemos que el Señor traiga a la persona de vuelta a la vida como lo hizo Lázaro, tenemos que confiar en que Él sabe lo que es mejor para cada uno de nosotros. Mientras leo acerca de experiencias cercanas a la muerte, parece que la gente quiere continuar en su camino hacia su nueva vida en Dios. Algunos están decepcionados si el viaje se interrumpe y tienen que volver a la tierra.

Tenía un amigo cercano que estaba muriendo de cáncer. Su madre seguía viva, por lo que estaba luchando por mantenerse con vida por ella. Recuerdo estar con ella cuando trataba de llamar a su madre, pero no tenía la fuerza para marcar el teléfono. Lo marcé para que ella pudiera decir unas palabras a su madre. A pesar de su debilidad y sufrimiento, seguía luchando para mantenerse con vida. Finalmente, alguien le dijo a la madre que lo mejor era que ella le dijera a su hija que estaba bien irse. A los pocos minutos se relajó y fue a casa a su Padre celestial.

Como un buen padre, Jesús nos prepara para lo que debemos enfrentar en la vida. Confiemos en que Él sabe lo que es mejor para nosotros y nuestros seres queridos.