The raising of Lazarus is a revival or return to his own life. Therefore, it is not the same as the resurrection of Jesus. Lazarus eventually died, as we all will, and relies on the risen Lord for his participation in eternal life, when all things will be restored. This sign, like all of those in John's gospel, points to the truth about Jesus: "But these (the signs) are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name." (Jn 20: 31) The purpose of us listening to the Word is not recreation, amusement or academic interest, it is a living Word that calls forth a response of belief in Jesus Christ just as Jesus' conversation with Martha asks for faith in him. Let our response, together with the catechumens and candidates preparing to come into the Catholic Church be: "Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world." (Jn 11: 27)
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