Sunday Reflections

A few years ago, I read the memoir From the Ashes, by Metis Cree Jesse Thistle. It is the story of how a childhood scared by trauma led to a life of addiction and criminality. As an adult, Jesse Thistle bounced between stints in prison, rehab and chronic homelessness. But through his own resilience, the return to his Indigenous culture, and the support of a loving partner, he was able to transform his life. Today he is an author, poet and assistant professor of Metis studies at York University in Toronto. His transformation happened slowly, guided by people who believed in him. Their belief gave him hope, which enkindled his belief in himself.

We all love a story about transformation. Whether it is a saga of rags to riches, the tale of a couch potato who wins the marathon, or a parable about a sinner who repents, these stories give us hope, and hope feeds our belief.

In today’s Gospel, we have the ultimate transformation story, that from death to life. Lazarus, who had been dead for four days, was brought back to life! But another theme runs through this gospel. The verb “believe” is mentioned seven times.

Belief is the key to all transformation. In order to sustain our efforts to change our lives, we need to believe that change is possible. In today’s world, it can be hard to find the hope that fosters belief. War, poverty, homelessness, crime, and climate disasters seems to be happening everywhere. A family crisis, job loss or poor health can overwhelm us.

That is why this Gospel story is so relevant today. If Jesus raised a dead man, He can also help us transform our lives. Jesus says repeatedly “If you believe…”.  Belief is a balm that gives us solace in times of hardship and suffering. It gives us the courage to keep going when we feel there is no hope. It helps us see the holy even in suffering.

We can also live the message of this Gospel by offering hope to others. Today is Solidarity Sunday, when Catholics across Canada are asked to share their Lenten almsgiving with our sisters and brothers in the Global South.

In the community of Piquia de Baixo, Brazil, industry and pollution surrounded the town, poisoning the air, the water and the crops. With the help of Development and Peace/Caritas Canada, the town was able to build a new community, away from the noise, dust and health problems. We take for granted that our children can run around outdoors, breathing the air without getting sick. For this community, having that freedom was like being brought back to life.

On this Solidarity Sunday, consider how your offering can become a transformation story. Let us ask God to guide us to offer hope to those who need it, so that the dream of our human family, living on a healthy planet, in dignity, solidarity, justice and peace, may come to fruition.