Using the story of Jesus raising Lazarus, Bishop Ward reminds us of the words of Jesus foreshadowing Easter victory, “Roll back the stone. Unbind them. Let them go.”
Grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus Christ.
Very soon we begin the journey of Holy Week, and I share with you a family treasure, painted by an Armenian artist. The story of Lazarus. Lazarus who has died; his sisters deeply grieved, the people around losing their friend and neighbor. Jesus comes and Jesus says to them, “Roll back the stone.” They roll it back and Jesus says, “Lazarus, come forth.” The dead man arises and walks through the door. “Unbind him,” Jesus says, “Let him go.” As we enter into Holy Week, let us hear the words of Jesus foreshadowing Easter victory, “Roll back the stone. Unbind them. Let them go.”
In every place of pandemic, worry and threat, and illness and grief, in every place around the world such as Armenia and Myanmar, in every place where Jesus continues to be in love with humanity, may this Holy Week be a time of drawing again near to God, of giving generously, of praying for the healing of all that ails, of all that is broken, of all that awaits the resurrecting and healing power of the risen Christ.
May the spirit be with you as you journey through the week ahead.