From the Rectors Desk

In one of my reflections in the past, I have shared with you what it means to live in the atmosphere of faith. Faith is recognizing that as humans we are limited by what we see, but we need to trust God that by confessing in what we do not see, because He is God is that unlimited to safe, to give power and strength when all hope in us is gone; God is unlimited to meet our needs when all hope is gone!, He has the power to heal if we believe and have faith in Him with that power to restore and to renew life in us. Faith tells us that our life on earth is just to trust that God will always “Be God” and we will continue to be human. Faith encourages us here that our lives here on earth are only a “Proving Ground.” So there are hidden lessons in faith from what we have seen as key moments in the story of Lazarus, our Gospel reading in John 11:1-45 for this Sunday, where Jesus raises his friend from the dead to life, and where He helps us to see living in that reality of hope and faith as we journey with Him as well. Jesus' power over death is a reminder that death isn't the end; Jesus brings life and hope. Our faith isn't about understanding; it's about trusting Jesus that "He can do exceedly, abundantly, above all we can ever think or ask" (Ephesians 3:20-21).

Our modern faith and belief system say we should believe in ourselves, but living and having faith in Jesus further grounds our faith and gives us hope in life beyond the tomb (what we see sealed off!). Because without faith it is impossible to please God, for whoever who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that he rewards those who seek him (Hebrews 11:6). He brings hope in our hopeless situations. Jesus understands our struggles, grieves and pains. Jesus weeps with us in our pain as well.

We need to trust God for His timing: Like Martha and Mary, we often want answers NOW. However, Jesus shows us His timing is perfect. In our questions, faith and sometimes in doubts Jesus will always reveal His glory at the end. We, like Martha, might want to question Him in our dire situations, but He will always reveal His glory at the appropriate time. That's why He is God! So until that time, let us wait for our loving Jesus to call us out of our own tombs (struggles, grieves and pains, etc.), back to life (v 43-44) to reveal His glory to us.  He says, "I am the resurrection and the life" (v 25), emphasizing His power over death.

Thanks be to God. Amen.