Reflection on the Fifth Sunday of Lent

In the northernmost portion of Pakistan, north of the capital of Islamabad, is the Balti region, named for Baltistan. Here Pakistan borders Afghanistan and China. In 2006, Greg Mortenson wrote a book titled “Three Cups of Tea.” The blurb on the cover of the book reads: 

This book begins with Mortenson’s attempt to climb K2, the world’s second largest mountain, in 1993. After a failed ascent, he becomes lost and stumbles into the remote village of Korphe in Pakistan. There he is welcomed by the villagers, particularly the chief, Haji Ali. Mortenson is struck by the lack of educational facilities, witnessing children trying to learn by writing in the dirt. Moved by their kindness, he promises to build a school for them as a way to repay their hospitality. 

The title of the book reflects a Balti saying, “The first time you share tea with a Balti, you are a stranger. The second time you take tea, you are an honored guest. The third time you share a cup of tea, you become family.” This illustrates the importance of building relationships and trust. The book emphasizes themes of compassion, perseverance and the transformative power of education.* 

*Full disclosure: there is some controversy over the source/use of funds Mortenson used to finance the building of the school. 

Hmm…the importance of building relationships and trust. Hold that thought. 

The joint celebration of the fifth Sunday of Lent and Pakistan Day affords us a chance to learn about the country of our Sisters, celebrate their ministry and perhaps learn about them individually and appreciate how they are creating relationships that move from strangers to family, sisters and brothers in the Spirit of Loretto. (There will be a program after Mass.)  

But may I take a few moments to focus on the Gospel of John for today? 

This is one of my favorite Gospels because of how it portrays its raw emotion. I have always assumed that Jesus loved Mary, his mother. I have always assumed that Jesus loved the disciples, I have always assumed that Jesus’ compassion for those who suffer comes from his love of all of God’s people, but this Gospel says it clearly. Those who brought Jesus the news of Lazarus, identified Lazarus as “the one you love.” Jesus “loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus,” John tells us. We know from other passages in the Gospels that Jesus spent time at the home of Martha and Mary and Lazarus. I wonder if they shared tea as they deepened their relationship from honored guest to family? 

Martha’s irritation at Jesus is something I can relate with. I have often caught myself saying to God, “Why don’t you do something, for heaven’s sake? What’s up with how absent and slow you are?” 

I am also struck by how similar the raising of Lazarus is to the resurrection of Jesus. There’s a cave with a stone covering it. Lazarus has been in the cave for several days –  one day longer than Jesus. The description of the garments on Lazarus and Jesus are very similar. But of course we know that it is Jesus who commands Lazarus to come forth, and when he does Lazarus is recognizable as he is freed, whereas, we know that Jesus is raised by the unseen God and is not recognizable to even his closest friends. 

Critical to any reflection on any passage in the Scriptures is the question: Am I in the passage? The answer today is definitely YES. 

Am I loved by God? YES – check! 

Does God know that I struggle and need help? YES – check! 

Can God do something for me? YES – check! 

Do I get frustrated with God at both God’s seeming absence and slowness? YES – check! 

Do I trust that God will help me? YES – check! 

And so, with Martha, we say, “Yes, Lord, I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world.”