American Jesuit Father James Martin, author of *Come Forth: The Raising of Lazarus and the Promise of Jesus’s Greatest Miracle*, delves into the profound and multifaceted story of Lazarus, brother to Martha and Mary, and a close friend of Jesus.
In a compelling interview with Andrea Tornielli at Vatican Radio, Fr. Martin shares his journey of exploring Lazarus's significance, the tangible reality of Gospel events, and the rich tradition of Jesuit spirituality in engaging with these narratives.
Fr. Martin’s fascination with Lazarus was ignited by Franco Zeffirelli's film "Jesus of Nazareth," where the dramatic portrayal of Lazarus’s resurrection made a lasting impact on him. He recalls the powerful scene where Lazarus emerges from the tomb, orchestrated by stirring music and the awe of onlookers. This pivotal moment sparked his curiosity about Lazarus, leading him on a lifelong quest to understand more about Lazarus and his sisters, Martha and Mary, who are depicted with distinct personalities in the Gospels.
Historical and Spiritual Context of the Gospel
Fr. Martin emphasizes the importance of understanding the Gospel events as real occurrences that happened at specific times and places. Visiting the Holy Land, particularly Lazarus’s tomb in Bethany, was a deeply moving experience for him. He describes descending into the dark, wet tomb and contemplating what he needed to leave behind to embrace new life fully. This personal experience, coupled with leading pilgrimages to the same site, profoundly influenced his decision to write the book. The tangible experience of the Gospel places enriches the understanding and spiritual engagement with the stories.
Theological and Spiritual Insights
In discussing Lazarus’s resurrection, Fr. Martin highlights a notable theological insight: while Jesus leaves behind His grave clothes in the Resurrection, symbolizing eternal life, Lazarus comes out wearing his grave clothes, indicating he will face death again. This distinction makes Lazarus’s story relatable as it mirrors our human experience of spiritual renewal and the ongoing need for liberation from what binds us.
Moreover, the fact that Lazarus is named in the Gospels, unlike other individuals Jesus resurrected, suggests his significance to the early Christian community. The detailed portrayal of Martha and Mary’s personalities in the Gospels further underscores their historical reality and connection to Jesus.
Jesuit Spirituality and Imaginative Prayer
A key aspect of Jesuit spirituality, which Fr. Martin practices and teaches, involves immersing oneself in Gospel scenes through imaginative prayer. This method, tracing back to St. Ignatius of Loyola, invites believers to place themselves within the Gospel narrative, envisioning the scenes and allowing God to speak through their imagination. Fr. Martin recounts his initial skepticism about this form of prayer and how he came to embrace it as a powerful way to encounter God. This imaginative engagement makes the Gospel personal and alive, revealing new insights and deeper connections.
Fr. Martin presents a dual approach to understanding the Lazarus story. Theologically, it affirms belief in Jesus as the resurrection and the life, offering hope for eternal life. Practically, it invites believers to examine what binds them spiritually and to hear Jesus’s call to “come forth” into new life. He emphasizes that Jesus is unafraid of confronting the parts of ourselves we consider shameful or "stinky," encouraging a trust in divine grace that penetrates all aspects of our lives.
Encouragement for Personal Spiritual Journeys
Fr. Martin’s book, *Come Forth*, seeks to inspire readers to rediscover the miracle of Lazarus with fresh eyes. By engaging with the story both theologically and practically, he hopes to provide a pathway for readers to experience spiritual renewal and to trust in the transformative power of Jesus’s love and grace. Through this deeper understanding, believers can find hope and encouragement for their own spiritual journeys, confident that there are no situations beyond the reach of divine grace.