“At Mildmay, you seem to enjoy each other’s company. We hear lots of laughter ringing around the building” - this was a comment I heard from one of our patients last week. I suppose, like so many other establishments, we have our moments, but indeed, we are glad to be here, continuing to care for others, walking in the footsteps of those who have gone before us.
In our Estates and Facilities Team, we have a wonderful member of staff called Lazarus, so kind, gentle and caring. I love his name, and this Sunday’s reading from John 11:1-45 is about one of Jesus’ friends, Lazarus, with whom he dined and wined together with Lazarus’ two sisters, Martha and Mary. You know the rest: we are told in Scripture that Jesus’ friend had died before he had a chance to say goodbye to him. “If you had been here, my brother would not have died,” said Mary. Later, Jesus shouted, ‘Lazarus, come out’.
Death and life occur throughout our lives as death is indeed part of life. However, our spirit can die before death, our hearts can shrivel, and we can choose to live in darkness rather than in the light.
We have a choice.
Sister Bernie
Mildmay Chaplain
Image credit: Fr Lawrence Lew, O.P
"A fine early Christian ivory detail in the Victoria & Albert museum shows Christ, holding a magician's stick (!) calling Lazarus from the grace. At his feet is Lazarus' sister Mary."