New Life in Christ
This week the Church gives us two Gospel options John 11: 1- 44 The Story of Lazarus and John 12: 20 - 35 The Parable of the Grain of Wheat. They both enlighten us on a New Life in Christ. In each daily reflection we will explore what this new life entails from the perspective of the Gospel narratives. I encourage you to read the two Gospel passages, they will help you arrive at your own insights.
In the story of Lazarus, Jesus brings him out of the tomb, a liberation from bondage - ‘Unbind him and let him go free’. We think of the times in our lives and that of family members and friends when we/they were / (are) in bondage of one type or another. These could be bondages such as - unhealthy relationships, addictions, mental illness, materialism, chronic diseases, jobs that destroy our soul, unemployment, a bad home environment or a bad neighbourhood.
Then someone arrives with a message of love and compassion like Jesus did in the story. They bring a new Christ perspective on life. Their message starts to unbind us from this bondage to a ‘new life’. A minister gives a service of healing in Christ and this loosens the bonds that bind us, a caring person brings news of a new career option, a Jesus like person encourages us to join an addiction program, we see a way out of the unhealthy relationship, we attend a spiritual retreat and get a new perspective on life.
Through person(s) bringing a Christ message to us we see a new way of life opening up before us. The bondage that held us captive is loosened. We are reconciled with God by hope for a better future. We recognize that this intervention in our lives is due to Jesus Christ breaking into our lives when we did not expect it. This reconciliation with God through Jesus Christ brings about a fundamental change in our outlook.
We experience the birth pangs of a new life in Christ. It is a profound spiritual experience that initiates a radical transformation in our life. We are being lead to a life characterized by hope, faith, love, joy, peace, and obedience to God. There are new opportunities and possibilities ahead.
Like Lazarus, we have come out of the tomb that held us captive. Jesus Christ has asked the Father that the stone that blocked our entrance to a new life be removed. Jesus speaks those words to us - ‘Lazarus come out’! And we do - to a new life in Christ.