Lectionary – John 11:32-44
A not so useful observation: Here we see the practice popular with so many preachers of seeming to pray to God, but actually talking to the congregation. Jesus speaks to God, but the words are meant for human ears. How many times do we do that when we pray? Jesus can do that. Should we?
That command, “Lazarus, come out!” is one of the basic proclamations of the church. It speaks to things that are dead and calls forth life. It speaks to things that are dead past any hope of life – things that stink so bad you can barely stand it. The church – as the body of Christ – shouts for life from out of the tomb. And unbinds the grave cloths from our arms and legs.
All Saints Day is not a time to look back on the dead and think kind thoughts about them. It is a time to see in those who have come before signs and sources of life. It is a time for the mute stones to echo with the summons to life. It is a day of dangerous hope for the kingdom yet to come.
Well said. I will have to use this in my sermon this week. Don’t worry, I’ll attribute it to you!