Lent begins at the mouth of a tomb. In the raising of Lazarus, Jesus confronts more than physical death—he names the quiet resignation that says, “This is just how it is.” Jesus delays but does not abandon. He weeps, fully entering grief. He calls Lazarus by name. And then he turns to the community: “Untie him.” Resurrection begins with Jesus’ voice—but freedom requires participation.
This Sunday invites us to notice where we have grown accustomed to death-shaped living—fear, grief, or something that feels immovable. As we place stones in a shared bowl, we remember: when Jesus says, “Remove the stone,” he speaks to all of us. We are not spectators of resurrection. We move stones together.
