A reading from the Holy Gospel according to John(11:1, 5-7, 17, 32-36)
Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha.Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.So, when he heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was.Then after this he said to the disciples, “Let us go to Judea again.” Now when Jesus came, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. Now when Mary came to where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet, saying to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled.3And he said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.”Jesus wept.So the Jews said, “See how he loved him!”
FromThe Mirror of Charityby St. Aelred of Rievaulx
The flesh is dead so that it may be brought to life, dissolved so that it may be renewed yet better.Sown in weakness, it will rise in strength. Sown in corruption, it will rise in incorruption.Sown in dishonor, it will rise in glory. Lastly, sown an animal body, it will risea spiritual body.O death, where is your victory ? O death, where is your sting? Where you seem to have done something to him, you are shown to have been profitable to him. So you spewed all your poison over me. Seeking him, you inflicted dire wounds upon me. Me, what sorrow, what bitterness, what harshness I bore, because I lost my guide on the journey, the mentor for my way of life.
But why, O my soul, did you gaze so long without tears on his dear mortal remains? Why did you bid farewell without kisses to that body so dear to you? I grieved and moaned, poor wretch, and from my inmost being drew long sighs, but yet I did not weep. I realized that I should be grieving so hard that even when I was grieving exceedingly, I did not believe I was grieving at all. So I felt afterwards. My mind was so numb that even when his limbs were at last uncovered for washing, I did not believe he had passed on. I was astonished that he, whom I had clasped to myself with the bonds of sweetest love, suddenly had slipped from my hands. I was astonished that this soul which was one with mine could, without mine, cast off the shackles of his body. But my numbness at last gave way to attachment, gave way to grief, gave way to compassion. Now, O my eyes, what are you doing, what are you doing? I beg you, do not be sparing, do not pretend. Offer whatever you have, whatever you can, over the remains of my beloved. Why do I blush? Am I the only one to weep? Look at how many tears, how many sobs, how many sighs surround me! Are these tears reprehensible? Yet the tears you shed over the death of your friend excuse us, Lord, for they express our affection and give us a glimpse of your charity. You took on the attachment of our weakness but only when you wished it, and were also able not to weep. O how sweet are your tears and how gentle. What savor and consolation they give to my troubled mind.Look at how he loved him, they said. And look at how my own Simon was loved by everyone, embraced by everyone, cherished by everyone! But perhaps some stalwart persons at this moment are passing judgement on my tears, considering my love too human. Let them interpret [my tears] as they please. But you, Lord, look at them, observe them! Others see what happens outside but do not heed what I suffer within. That is where your eyes see, O Lord. Certainly in my eyes your servant had nothing to hinder his passing over into your embrace.
Musical Selection
Don't cry for me Don't shed a tear I've been set free No need to fear God spoke to me My time has come He made a way to bring me home.
Don't cry for me My pain is gone forever Don't cry for me My body's been made whole Don't cry for me We'll soon be back together Don't cry for me I'm well within my soul.
I saw the light I took his hand We flew on high To a promised land My soul lives on To a better place With all his glory With all his grace.
My pain is gone Please understand My passin was in God's great plan I with you still each day and night Just close your eyes I'll hold you tight.
I am your heart I feel the pain Don't give up hope Our love remains I wait for you at heaven door We'll met again one day for sure
Prayer
Almighty and merciful God,
whose Son willingly suffered death for our sake,
grant in your goodness that your servants
may share the glory and triumph of his resurrection.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,