I heard this on Sunday and thought it was a beautiful idea:
“When praying for someone who is sick, you can use the words of Lazarus’ sisters, who said to Jesus: ‘Lord, the one you love is ill.’”
Fr. Declan was referring to the story of the raising of Lazarus (John 11:1-44).
How did Jesus respond to Mary and Martha, when they sent word that their brother was ill? He said, “This illness is not to end in death.” Of course, several verses later, we find out that Lazarus has indeed died. And yet with Mary and Martha, we believe the words of Jesus, “Your brother will rise.”
Do you have a loved one or a friend who is facing a serious illness? This story from John’s Gospel is fertile ground for prayer and reflection: the delay of Jesus in coming to Lazarus’ side, the faith of the sisters, the tears of Jesus, the power of his voice that raised Lazarus from the tomb, the unbinding of death’s trappings, the foreshadowing of Jesus’ own death and triumph.
Lord, the one you love is ill. I trust you. You know what is best. In your time, raise him, untie him and let him go free.
"This is not to end in death." The death and raising of Lazarus foreshadows the death and resurrection of Jesus. Botticelli, Pieta (detail).