This weekend, as we mark the fifth Sunday of Lent, Catholics will hear the story of Jesus in Bethany and Lazarus’ rising from the dead. This Gospel inspires Journey to Bethany’s name and our work.
At Bethany, Jesus found deep renewal through friendships. It was here that Jesus called his friend Lazarus forth from a tomb and asked those present to unwrap his burial cloths so that he could be free. Bethany inspires our accompaniment model that brings us – the Body of Christ – together to serve and care for survivors just as Jesus’ friends cared for one another.
A few months ago, a survivor needed truck repairs so that he could supplement his income by picking up odd jobs. We didn’t hesitate to reach out to the Journey to Bethany community. With one email, we had three repair shops willing to do the work and three individuals willing to pay for repairs.
This happens over and over again; whenever we ask, we receive meals, repairs, rides, medals, cards, prayers, and more. Soon, we will introduce a companion program where volunteers accompany survivors one-on-one and increase our capacity for accompaniment.
Support like this from the community of faith opens the door for ongoing conversation with survivors and literally brings Christ’s love into their lives. In connecting the gifts of the community with needs of survivors we manifest “Bethany.”
Gospel for fifth Sunday of Lent, Year A Readings, March 25-26, 2023, John 11:1-45