By

John Kubek

Text of Reflection:  
March 9, 2008

This reflection is based on Sunday's gospel of John, Chapter 11, verses 1 to 45.  It is the story about Jesus' friend Lazarus, whom Jesus raises from the dead.  It is also the story of Mary and Martha, whose brother Lazarus died before Jesus could come to him and how their faith in the power of Jesus went from one of hope to doubt.  In addition, it is the story of Jesus' love, who wept with compassion for those who loved Lazarus so much.  Finally it is a foretaste of the resurrection of Jesus and of our own resurrection too, as we prepare for the resurrection of Jesus during this season of lent.

I, like Mary and Martha, discover my trust in God wavering in some of my troubling situations and crosses of life. So many times I expect God to answer my prayers right away and according to my agenda.  But in almost all situations I find that God has a better plan that works out much better than mine.  The more I trust in God's way instead of my own, the more I feel the peace that only comes from God, knowing that he cares and loves me.  I have found that certain scripture passages help me during the trials of life.  The first is from Romans 8:28 which basically says that all things will work out for good according to God's purposes, for those who trust in God.  The key phrases here are "according to God's purposes" and "for those who trust God".  Trusting God in all situations becomes hard for me at times but I know it is essential if I want to feel the presence of God in my life. 

Another passage that helps me when I am anxious is from 1 Peter 5:7 which tells me that I should cast all my anxieties on God who cares for me.  Basically Jesus is telling me not to worry and give my concerns to Him.  Again, God knows what is best for us.  I must confess that there are times that I do not show enough trust in letting go of my worries and letting God take charge. 

In this past Monday's mass Father Butler opened up the Eucharistic Celebration with the song "How Can I Keep From Singing".  The refrain really spoke to me with the words – "No storm can shake my inmost calm, while to that Rock I'm clinging".  With eight children (Thank God they are all grown up!!), I have found that I would have been lost without clinging to that Rock, who is Jesus.  The Lord has blessed my wife Elaine and me with children who love us and each other very much, by words and by action, and we pray that all of them and their spouses and our grandchildren experience the love that Jesus has for them.  We praise God for all the good times we have had as family and the not so good times which helped us to grow and trust in God.