Today begins Passiontide with its increasing emphasis on the cross as the means of our Redemption.  During this period the customary veiling of crosses and statues reminds us that without the cross there would be no salvation or access to the heavenly Jerusalem – no saints to help us with their prayers.  However, the Triduum Sacrum is a single unit – Last Supper, Crucifixion & Resurrection – and today’s Gospel is the story of the raising of Lazarus.  It points to the triumph of the Lord over the powers of death and the promise not of resuscitation in this world but of eternal life.  The Third Century Synagogue at Dura-Europus in Syria has this charming illustration of the Valley of Dry Bones from Ezekiel – our First Reading today.  You can see the hand of God reaching down from heaven, literally raising people from their graves.  It is important that we do not lose sight of our ultimate destiny and the transcendent power of God.