Introduction
Let us begin with a moment of reflection. It’s good to see you all again this morning as we gather on this fifth Sunday in Lent. Today, we’re diving into a passage from John’s Gospel, chapter 12, where we encounter a profound message hidden within a familiar scene.
Understanding the Elephant in the Room
Many of us are familiar with the phrase "the elephant in the room." It’s a metaphorical expression that suggests the presence of a significant, often awkward topic everyone knows about, yet no one addresses. Whether it’s in politics or personal relationships, such elephants often remain unspoken due to discomfort or fear.
In today’s Gospel, John sets the scene in Bethany. Jesus is dining with his friends, including Mary, Martha, and Lazarus—Lazarus, who was raised from the dead, now sitting at the table with Jesus. A scene that might go unnoticed unless we confront the elephant present.
The Significance of Jesus Dining with Lazarus
The unusual scene of Jesus sharing a meal with a man who once was dead serves as our elephant. It’s not just that Lazarus was resurrected; it’s what this act signifies about Jesus’s identity and the divine work of God. It demonstrates that death is not the final word and offers a tangible testament to the renewal and redemption God offers.
The Call to Believe in a New Reality
Jesus’s claim, "I am the resurrection and the life," challenges perceptions of both life and death. It’s a radical invitation to believe in His power, not as a distant future promise but as a present reality. This meal with Lazarus foreshadows the promise that through Him, even death cannot separate us from God’s love.
Mary’s Act of Worship and Recognition
Amidst this profound revelation, Mary acknowledges God’s presence through an extravagant act of worship. Anointing Jesus’s feet with costly perfume, she not only expresses gratitude but also proclaims the magnificent grace of God at work, echoing through the fragrance that filled the house.
Confronting the Elephant in Our Lives
As we navigate our lives, are we willing to confront the elephants, recognize God’s work, and respond like Mary? We mustn’t ignore the divine presence in our midst, lest we be overcome by the very truths we avoid.
Conclusion
In this season of Lent, I urge us to embrace the courage to address the divine elephant, to take up our cross, and follow Jesus. May we be transformed by His presence and may our lives reflect the extravagance of His grace.
Let Us Pray
Creator God, you pave a new path in the wilderness, watering the deserts of our lives. Help us see your hand in all things and open our hearts to be transformed by your renewing grace. May we proclaim your work through our lives, now and forever. Amen.