Wait

Jesus has waited too long to go and see Lazarus hasn't he? It is too late. Martha, Mary, and others watching, questioned what Jesus was doing – surely he could have kept Lazarus from dying. He had already carried out some miraculous cures, including making a blind man see.

But by waiting Jesus was able to transform the death of his friend into a symbol of what he offers to all of us – the opportunity of a new life.

Waiting until the moment is right is really hard. It’s easy to jump in too quickly, especially when we are trying to help, or wanting to sort things out for someone, but that doesn’t always work out for the best.

Next time you get into a situation where you really want to help, stop for a moment and take a breath. Take time to think, and time to pray. It doesn’t mean that you’re not going to act, it just means that you are going to act with thought.

Help me to know when the time is right, and to know how I should act, Lord God. Guide my words and my actions.

Amen.

Adapted from a contribution by Suzanne Elvidge, a writer who specialises in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, technology, business and ecological issues.