There was once an old lady who went to her Rabbi to ask why God did not answer her prayers. She complained that she had been praying for a long time, that she would win the lottery but no response. O yes, he did respond the Rabbi replied, he said NO.

How are you praying this Lent?

Our gospel today can give us some pointers as we join Martha and Mary in their grief over the death of their brother and their dear friend Jesus who himself wept at the death of his friend.

We notice firstly that Martha did not tell Jesus what to do, she left it to him. How often are we prepared to leave things to God and not get frustrated and sometimes upset if we do not get what we pray for. Can we leave things in the hands of God. Many words can distract us from prayer. If we liken prayer to our friendships and to those we love, is not it enough sometimes just to be with them, enjoying their presence, their company, the intimacy of a non-verbal conversation. Just to spend time with them. That is prayer. Just being there, knowing that God is there, everywhere.

Martha and Mary are hoping that Jesus will heal their brother, but their concern leaves Jesus free to address their concern in in whatever way he sees fit. Their prayer simply invites Jesus into what is happening in their lives, a sign of their faith in their loved friend.

There is always the danger when we make ourselves the center of our prayer and we do not get what we want that we give up as do many marriages and friendships when communication ceases, but Martha’s prayer teaches us the importance of faith and of persistence in our prayer life. She could have easily given up when her brother died but her persistence is a fine example of hanging in there when we could give up.

When Jesus arrives at the tomb, he is greatly disturbed in spirit and deeply moved and he begins to weep.

In our world there is much to weep about as our world is filled with sadness and brokenness and death but we are called to pray and hope and not loose heart.

We forget sometimes that God is present in all our joys hopes and struggles. Jesus weeps with us as he tells us to unbind the poor the destitute and the wounded of the world. Not to be deaf to those who are in need of help.

We know that prayer can transform and enlighten us to open our hearts to bring the loving presence and be medicine to a world that needs like Lazarus to be unbound from its suffering and wars and terrible cruelty imposed on so many.

We can’t change things but we can ask the Lord to comfort and bring healing and peace into this broken world so that those suffering in so many ways may be strengthened and comforted by the Lord who weeps with us.May we in our small way be instruments of his love and hope.

“Near restful waters he leads me, to revive my drooping spirit.” Ps 22