But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who have died, so that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have died…Therefore encourage one another with these words.
1 Thessalonians 4: 13 – 14, 18
Now the chief priests and the Pharisees had given orders that anyone who knew where Jesus was should let them know, so that they might arrest him. Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him…. When the great crowd of the Jews learned that he was there, they came not only because of Jesus but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests planned to put Lazarus to death as well, since it was on account of him that many of the Jews were deserting and were believing in Jesus.
John 11: 57 – 12: 1 – 2, 9 – 11
In the Armenian Church, today is known as Lazarus Saturday. The Scripture presents us with both an actual event and a profound statement of faith and truth: Jesus is the Resurrection who raised Lazarus from the dead and will do the same for those who believe in Him. The enemies of the truth have fought against it ever since. The chief priests planned to kill both Jesus and Lazarus. They organized an attack against God’s anointed one. However, they did not know God’s battle plan. Recall God’s very words from yesterday’s passage: “I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass; I have planned, and I will do it.” This week is one of warfare – it is when God Himself defeats Satan and death once and for all. The first attack is Christ’s death on the cross. His final triumph is Jesus’ conquering death through His resurrection. Through our faith, we join this battle.
Let us pray with St. Gregory:
And by the seal of the sign of your cross,
which you renewed by staining it with your divine blood,
and by the same grace of your Fatherhood, with which you baptized us,
and in the glory of your image, in which you fashioned and created us,
with these divine gifts,
may Satan be confounded and his machinations foiled,
may his snares be removed and his forces be defeated,
may his sharp edged weapons be ineffective,
may his fog be lifted, his darkness dispelled, his shadow withdrawn.
May your arm shield me and your right hand seal me,
for you are compassionate and merciful,
and your servants are called by your name.
To you with the Father and your Holy Spirit,
glory and power forever and ever.
Amen.
Prayer 94B
