7/29/2025 (Wednesday) Today’s Gospel reading: John 11:19-27
19 Many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them about their brother [Lazarus, who had died].
20 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went to meet him; but Mary sat at home.
21 Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.
22 But even now I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you.”
23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise.”
24 Martha said to him, “I know he will rise, in the resurrection on the last day.”
25 Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live,
26 and anyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
27 She said to him, “Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world.”
7/29/2025 (Wednesday) Today’s Gospel reflection / homily / sermon: John 11:19-27
Life often brings us moments that leave us broken. We pray, we wait, and yet things do not happen the way we expect. We experience loss, disappointment, unanswered questions, and painful delays. In today’s Gospel, we meet a grieving family mourning the death of a loved one. Their hearts were filled with sorrow, yet their encounter with Jesus transformed despair into hope. This story reminds us that faith is not merely believing when everything goes well; it is trusting God even when life seems beyond repair.
The word LIVE helps us remember how to respond during life’s darkest moments.
L – Lean on the Lord.
When grief and uncertainty overwhelm us, our first response should be to draw closer to God rather than drift away from Him. Martha did not hide her pain or pretend everything was fine. She honestly expressed her disappointment, yet she continued to seek Jesus. Faith does not mean suppressing our emotions; it means bringing every emotion into God’s presence. When we lean on Him, we discover that His strength is greater than our weakness and His love remains constant even when circumstances change.
I – Increase your faith.
Faith grows when we continue trusting God’s promises despite not understanding His timing. Human eyes often see only endings, but God sees new beginnings. Delays do not mean abandonment. Closed doors do not mean God’s work has stopped. Sometimes God allows us to reach the limits of our own strength so that we can witness the greatness of His power. Every trial becomes an invitation to deepen our confidence that God is still working behind the scenes.
V – Value the victory of eternal life.
The greatest gift Jesus offers is not merely the restoration of our temporary circumstances but the assurance of everlasting life. Earthly success, health, and possessions are valuable, but they are all temporary. Our greatest hope is that our lives are securely held in God’s hands forever. This hope gives courage to face suffering because death is not the final chapter for those who belong to Christ. Even in seasons of mourning, believers can find peace because God’s promises extend beyond this world.
E – Encourage others with hope.
Many people around us carry silent burdens. They need someone who will remind them that God has not forgotten them. A comforting word, a listening ear, a sincere prayer, or a simple act of kindness can become a powerful testimony of God’s love. When we have experienced God’s faithfulness ourselves, we become instruments of hope for others who are struggling. Our faith is meant not only to strengthen us but also to uplift those around us.
The message of this Gospel is clear: Jesus invites us to LIVE with unwavering hope. He enters our sorrow, understands our tears, and leads us toward a future filled with His promise. Even when situations appear impossible, He remains the Lord of life. Therefore, let us lean on Him, increase our faith, value His eternal promises, and encourage others with the hope we have received. When Christ becomes the center of our lives, fear gives way to peace, despair is replaced by confidence, and every ending becomes an opportunity for God to reveal His greater purpose. Those who truly LIVE in Christ discover that hope is never buried, because God’s power is always greater than our greatest loss.
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