Dia de Los Muertos, or The Day of the Dead, is an opportunity to honor and grieve lost loved ones. The sweet smell of marigolds and the soft glow of candles transform the gravesite into a special space where families share meals, music, and memories of their dearly departed. Dia de Los Muertos provides comfort and connection for grieving families.
Jesus is no stranger to loss. Scholars believe his father Joseph died during Jesus’ childhood. His beloved cousin, John the Baptist, was brutally beheaded during their ministry together. Christ lost his close friend, Lazarus, to a deadly illness. Lazarus’ death, and subsequent resurrection, teach us much about the power of community during difficult times.
Lazarus and his sisters, Mary and Martha, were beloved friends of Jesus. They hosted him during his travels. Mary learned at his feet and Martha confided in him (Luke 10:38-42). When Lazarus fell ill, the sisters begged for Christ’s help. Jesus waited two days before answering their summons. Before they departed, Jesus informed the disciples that Lazarus was dead, but that he would “wake him up” (John 11:11). The disciples feared persecution in Judea, but they accompanied Christ on this mission regardless.
When Jesus arrived in Bethany, Martha met him on the road. She was heartbroken over Lazarus’ death and desperate for God’s help. Jesus stopped to comfort Martha. He answered her questions and promised her brother would rise again (John 11:23). After caring for Martha, Jesus sought out Mary. She fell weeping at his feet. Jesus wept alongside her, shocking the crowd with his public display of emotion. Together, the sisters and Jesus proceed to the tomb, followed by the crowd of mourners. Upon seeing the grave, Christ was deeply moved once more. He commanded the crowd to remove the stone and raised Lazarus from the dead. Many Jews visiting the family witnessed the resurrection and believed in Jesus.
Jesus knew he would raise Lazarus from the dead before he arrived in Bethany. So why did he stop to cry with Mary and Martha? Why did he publicly grieve a man he planned to resurrect moments later?
Christ honored the family with his time and his tears. He shared the burden of grief. Jesus showed us that God understands our pain and does not leave us to suffer alone. Community provides essential support throughout the grieving process. Dia de Los Muertos is a chance to rely on that community, but there are many other days in a year when we need to grieve alongside the people we love.
God does not stop with comfort, however. He also provides us with hope. As Paul writes in his letter to the 1 Thessalonians, “Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him” (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14). Just as Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, just as Christ himself was resurrected from the grave, so we will be raised to life in Christ.
Jesus visited the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus a final time the night before his triumphal entry into Jerusalem. He knew he was headed to his execution and sought comfort from familiar friends. After dinner, Mary anointed Jesus with expensive perfume, wiping his feet with her hair (John 12:1-8). It was an act of incredible devotion, an honor afforded to Jesus before he would experience the ultimate dishonor. Community at work once again.
This Dia de Los Muertos, let us remember and mourn those we have lost. God is present with us in the grief. He comforts, sustains, and surrounds us with his presence. May we mourn, but not as those who have no hope. Instead, as we grieve, let us fix our eyes on Jesus and the promise of eternal life.
