If I had Been There – Reflection on John 11:19-27 ~
We all have “If I had been there” situations. I have lost track of the times that if I was not somewhere else, either physically or mentally, I might have prevented something wrong from happening. I had great difficulty dealing with this a few times in my life. One is very recent, but I can tell I am starting to put less emphasis on the situation being my fault because I cannot control everything. In some cases, I consider that even if I was there, the result would have been the same. Now, I am more comfortable accepting grief and sorrow as a sign that my feelings about these situations are improving. I also pray for God’s love, mercy, and compassion, combining the results with my positive nature. While not a perfect solution, I ask Jesus for peaceful spiritual resolutions since I have grown confident in prayer. I may not know when the outcome will result in the quieting of my second-guessing, but I know I will eventually be at peace.
Jesus, Mary Magdalene, and Martha at Bethany by James Tissot (full resolution painting).
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
John 11:19-27 – Scripture*
Jesus the Resurrection and the Life
17 When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. 18 Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, some two miles away, 19 and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them about their brother. 20 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, while Mary stayed 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 God will give you whatever you ask of him.” 23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” 24 Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” 27 She said to him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.”
Additional Thoughts
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Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities get to know your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite the world’s distractions.
Attributions
This site has written permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible for the John 11 Bible passage.
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