John 11:32-44  Answering the Call.....

The story of the raising of Lazarus provides examples of two different ways we are called. In Mary's time of darkness, the death of her brother, Martha calls Mary to Jesus with the words, "The teacher is here and he's calling you" (John 11:28).  After they go to the tomb and roll away the stone, Jesus calls "Lazarus, come out!", and Lazarus emerges from the great darkness of the tomb. 

We are all being called to Jesus and by Jesus to come out of the darkness. Imagine being alone, bandaged and in total darkness, and hearing a call to leave that darkness. There are many times in our lives when we, those we love or those around us are in darkness-- either waiting for a call to the light or not able to answer that call.  Disease, addictions, depression, hardness of heart and other forms of isolation from God's light exist in and around us.  

The youth are reading the book The Shack, which is a fictional story about one man's call to leave "The Great Sadness" associated with a tragic event in his life.  Though many will probably discuss the theology of the book, the moral example of a person being called to address his darkness and being able to come to the light through faith should not be lost.  This character was led to reconcile with God and the person who had hurt him deeply in order to leave The Great Darkness. The story shows that our call to apply our faith justly begins with our own reconciliation with God, those who have hurt us, and those we have hurt.

At times our call is to be like Lazarus, the one who hears the call of our Lord and those around us to leave the darkness. At other times we need to be like Martha, the one who calls someone living in darkness to the light through our words, our prayers and our actions. How can we truly work for justice? Answer our own call to be reconciled and then help others reconcile.