Have you ever fallen asleep in the chair with the TV on, and then awaken in the middle of the night to an infomercial? Of course, not – me neither!
However, the poor souls who have had that experience tell me that some of the best infomercials have the catchphrase “But wait, there’s more!” The actor thinks we’re so excited about whatever they’re selling – like OxyClean or Kaboom – that we’ll miss the best selling point of all.
I would never reduce the promise of Eternal Life to the level of a late-night infomercial, but I do think the phrase applies: “But wait, there’s more!”
Over the past several weeks, we’ve had the opportunity to reflect on the Lord’s dominion over death.
During Lent, we saw Christ’s demonstration of His authority with the raising of Lazarus. This divine power was predicted long in advance through the prophets. He spoke through Ezekiel, 600 years before Jesus, to a people in desperate need of encouragement: “O my people, I will open your graves and have you rise from them.”
Jesus’ friend Lazarus was in the grave for four days. Christ raised him from the dead. The Lord made a promise and kept His word: Kaboom! I think most would agree that was fairly impressive. But wait, there’s more!
In the passage from John 11, we get a glimpse into the mystery of Jesus Christ – the Eternal Word who became Flesh. We see His humanity, and His divinity.
Jesus is human, in all things except sin. He experienced the range of human emotions, even weeping at the death of His friend. He felt the human pain of death, and He came to confront it. He even entered into it, to conquer it.
Jesus is divine. The Son of God called Lazarus from the tomb, with authority. At the word of Christ, he was restored to life. Jesus told them to unbind him and set him free.
In this account, we also learn a lot from Lazarus, described by John as “the one loved by Jesus.” He was a real man in history, and yet, he also represents each one of us. Like Lazarus, you are the one loved by Jesus.
Like Lazarus, we can be bound up – by our own wounds and sins, and fears. Jesus comes to unbind us and heal us. Like Lazarus, our lives, our sickness and death are not random and meaningless tragedies. The Lord permits these sufferings, to bring a greater good in God’s plan.
Like all of us, Lazarus would again die another day. But by raising him, Jesus showed His power over death and promised a greater miracle yet to come – the promise of Eternal Life. But wait, there’s more!
In this Easter Season as we celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus, we ought to allow the Lord to raise our expectations of Eternal Life. Too often, I think we see this life as the main event of our existence, and heaven as a sort of retirement community in Florida – to take it easy, play shuffleboard, and reminisce.
As St. Paul tells us, “Eye has not seen, ear has not heard … what God has prepared for those who love Him” (1 Cor 2:9).
God keeps His promises. We can be confident of that. This confidence should clarify our priorities, and give Him permission to unbind us from sin, hopelessness, and fear of death. He is calling us to trust in Him.
Jesus is saying: Just wait, there is so much more!
By Father John Maria, Pastor of St. Mary, Kutztown and Director of Vocations for the Diocese of Allentown.
