AUDIO MEDITATION:

Vincent van Gogh (Dutch, 1853-1890), The Raising of Lazarus after Rembrandt. Public domain.

FULL TEXT:

This painting from Vincent van Gogh places us inside yesterday’s image from Rembrandt—we sit right at Jesus’ feet, peering into Lazarus’ tomb. The perspective narrows the focus to just Lazarus and his sisters, which allows us to experience this event from within their family circle.

In this Gospel, Jesus says, “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

Jesus does not appear in this image, but van Gogh has added a blazing sun that floods the painting with radiant light. Indeed, the color in this scene reflects the emotional tenor of the event—these two sisters have their dead brother restored to them!

This painting captures an image of Christian hope: the promise of life beyond death. This is the destination of our Lenten journey—the resurrection—and our preparations for Easter move us to an ever greater participation in God’s abundant life, which brings light and meaning to our lives.

Jesus, who reveals himself as the resurrection and the life, asks us, “Do you believe this?”