The Fifth Sunday of Lent – Freedom through Judgement
Much of our focus in Lent is on the condition in which we find ourselves. At the very beginning of this season, we reluctantly take the opportunity to take a long hard look at ourselves. And from this self-examination, there are few of us who are able to say that we have not been found wanting in some way. We shake our head, sigh deeply, then start off on our Lenten journey, heavy-heartedly refusing to give in and buy the rather superb looking chocolate muffin that we see in the coffee house on the high street. We long for Easter, when our feasting and celebrations mean it would be perfectly proper to buy that muffin, maybe even two…..
But hang on a moment…. isn’t this supposed to be the ‘joyful season’? It seems so strange that joy and austerity can go hand in hand. But perhaps today’s readings show us something about why this season should be joyful. If we examine our lives and find ourselves lacking in some way, we should be aware that this is not the end of the story. Yes, we have allowed sin, and the spiritual void that creates, to enter our lives, and we stand accused. But God gives us an assurance: our graves will be opened, we will be restored to life. Judgement is the beginning of new life. As the Psalmist says in today’s reading, ‘ If you, O Lord, mark iniquities, Lord, who can stand? But with you is forgiveness, that you may be revered’. Knowing that we have sinned is the beginning of the path to freedom and holiness. The repentant sinner is brought to life again.
The story of the raising of Lazarus is one of the most beautiful passages in the Gospel. It is hard not to be struck by the fact that Jesus hears of Lazarus’ death, and he goes to seek him out. And on finding him, he weeps. And so it is for us, that when we are dead through sin, Jesus comes and seeks us out, seeks us because he loves us, and has compassion for us. He seeks us out that we might have new life, that we might be free from the bonds which keep us from living a life of friendship with God. So judgement is good news for us, because standing before God, imperfect as we are, we can receive the grace that leads us to a new fullness of life in Christ.
