Allegory of Lazarus

Christ loved a man named Lazarus. When he learned of his death, great was his grief, and he had himself led to his tomb. The sister of Lazarus implored the Lord, saying: “Is it possible for you to restore life to my brother? O you, who loved him so much, give him back his life!” World of the nineteenth century, you too are dead. Faith, which is the life of peoples, is dying out day by day; in vain have some believers wished to rouse you from your agony. It is too late. Lazarus is dead; only God can save him.

Then the Christ had himself conducted to the tomb. They raised the stone of the sepulcher: surrounded by bands, the corpse presented itself in all the horror of death. Christ cast a glance toward heaven, took the sister’s hand, and, raising his other hand on high, exclaimed:

“Lazarus, arise!” Despite the bands, in spite of the shroud, Lazarus awoke and arose.

O world, you resemble Lazarus; nothing can give you back life. Your materialism, your baseness, your skepticism are so many bands that envelop your corpse, and you smell foul, inasmuch as you have long been dead. Who will cry out to you as to Lazarus: In the name of God, arise? It is the Christ who obeys the call of the Holy Spirit. Century, the voice of God has made itself heard! Will you be more corrupt than Lazarus? Lamennais. n [1]

[see Lamennais.]