THE CHURCH OF ST. LAZARUS IN BETHANY

The Church of Lazarus in Bethany

Today is the beginning of Lent and we received our ashes at the Church of St. Lazarus in Bethany. At Mass, some of us were pondering what Lazarus death had to do with Ash Wednesday. The homilist answered our concerns by saying that, "We need to die, like Lazarus, in order to be raised up." Death is a pretty scary thing, because it is very difficult to let go. However, as Lent begins it is when we let go of everything that we can rise and live to do God's will. 

At the tomb of Lazarus, we entered a very narrow entrance where each of us entered on our own. Imagining what our Lord told Lazarus, "Lazarus, come out" and he came out. After Mass and the tomb visit, we had a day of recollection. 

Silence was observed for the rest of the day and we gave up electronic devices, in a spirit of solidarity. Lent is a time to let go and get closer to God. We all have different methods of obtaining this, but the important thing is to grow with the Lord. It is a tremendous blessing for us to begin Lent here in the Holy Land and know of our prayers for each and every one of you, please pray for us too. 

The tomb of Lazarus