Every now and again the news carries a report about a mummy that has been discovered or rediscovered, usually in Ancient Egypt. With careful unwrapping and a methodical approach, much is discovered about the ancient civilization- things about medicine, lifestyle, and even diet. Under all that cloth is a newly discovered life.

And it is that image of the Mummy that I get each time I hear today’s gospel and the raising of Lazarus. Certainly his burial clothing was not as elaborate as a traditional Mummy, but when he emerges John does describe him and being bound hand and foot and his face being wrapped in cloths. How frightening it must have been to be a spectator! Jesus immediately tells them to unbind him and let him go free.

And with that a whole new life is unleashed for him and he is returned to his sisters whose grief now must turn to joy and renewed faith in Jesus. The mourners are in awe and we can only imagine how Lazarus was feeling.

The fact is that we are all enshrouded by many things that keep us locked up inside ourselves and away from God. This may be our sin, our shortcomings, or whatever seems to give us the most trouble in life.

The good news is that Jesus is there, calling us forth from darkness of the tomb into the light of day. HE is there to free us of everything that binds us and is ready to offer us new life.

That is the message of this Lenten Season. Just as Christ rose from the dead and was given a new life by the father, we too are offered the chance to be free and more alive than ever before.

During these last two weeks of Lent let us listen to God calling us forward and know of His deep desire to bring us New Life.