Respond to the Word: Jesus coaches his disciples

Tell the story of Beauty and the Beast (particularly well known in the Disney film version). The bewitched prince appears as an ugly and demanding monster until he is truly loved by a kind woman. How does God transform what is ugly in our lives by kindness and patience? How does God bring to life what has become dead in us?

Begin to crack open our current taboo about death. Ask an undertaker to talk about how they go about their trade. Or invite someone who has done bereavement counselling — even someone who has come through a bereavement — to talk about the stages of grief that people experience. Acknowledge the suffering involved in losing someone you love in a way that will be supportive for whoever in the congregation is presently bereaved. Do all this in the context of our sure faith that it is not death, but God, who has the last word.

Take the story of Lazarus as an opportunity to list and pray for members of the community who have died in the last year, and those who have been bereaved. Is there anyone who would appreciate being sent a card of remembrance in time for Easter?

This story has particular significance for gay people, for whom ‘coming out’ has a special meaning and is a very risky and courageous thing to do. How would your congregation respond if you asked a gay person to tell the story of their ‘coming out’? Alternatively, you might ask the parents of such a person who have come to terms with their child’s sexual orientation. What are the parallels with the story of Lazarus?