Summary
Lazarus, newly revived from the dead, returns home dressed in fine clothes, surrounded by his sisters Mary and Martha, along with other relatives and friends who are joyously celebrating his miraculous resurrection. Yet, despite the jubilation, it's evident that his resurrection is incomplete. His body still bears the signs of decay, with bluish skin and blistered wounds that ooze—a stark reminder that the restoration of his health is unfinished. This physical transformation is matched by a change in his demeanor. Previously known for his joy and laughter, Lazarus now remains silent, unmoved by the festivities around him. It takes a while for those close to him to notice this transformation. Initially, they refrain from questioning him about his death experience, focusing instead on the miracle of his return to life. However, this celebration is tinged with an underlying fear: Lazarus’s return also brings them closer to understanding death.
Unasked Questions
As days pass, someone finally musters the courage to inquire about what Lazarus witnessed during his time in death. Yet, Lazarus remains mute, offering no insight. His silence, coupled with the eerie bluish hue of his skin and the sores that mar his flesh, becomes more pronounced. Observers begin to feel unsettled under his intense gaze, described as one of “destruction.” One by one, guests leave the house, and eventually, even Mary and Martha withdraw, unable to bear the ominous atmosphere.
A New Life Unwelcome
Far from embracing his second life, Lazarus appears detached, cold, and indifferent to his surroundings. Those who meet his gaze often find themselves plunged into a state of hopelessness, losing all zest for life. They become indifferent to pleasures such as food, music, and travel. Lazarus, having crossed the boundary from death back to life, ironically becomes the bridge through which the shadows of death extend into the world of the living.
The Encroaching Desert
As Lazarus becomes increasingly isolated, a metaphorical desert envelops him and his home. Abandoned by his friends and family, he finds himself alone, with life appearing utterly meaningless. His once vibrant existence fades into one of solitude and emptiness.
Visitors from Afar
News of Lazarus’s extraordinary resurrection attracts visitors from far and wide, all eager to meet the man who defied the grave. Yet, these visitors leave with a profound emptiness, their lives suddenly devoid of meaning. It's as if Lazarus casts a shadow that dims the light of even the youngest and most hopeful souls, leaving them haunted by death and decay.
The Sculptor's Encounter
A renowned sculptor, Aurelius from Rome, dissatisfied with his work despite others' praise, seeks the elusive essence in his creations by visiting Lazarus. Ignoring his friends' warnings, he embarks on the journey to the Holy City, unafraid of Lazarus or death itself. Confidently, he approaches Lazarus and requests to stay the night, dismissing the lack of comforts like a bed, light, or wine. When Aurelius bluntly references Lazarus’s death and appearance, the invitation into Lazarus's home is extended. Yet, by morning, Aurelius’s servant finds him changed, his creative spirit quenched by Lazarus’s gaze, marking the loss of his artistic genius.
Lazarus in Rome
Eventually, the emperor Augustus summons Lazarus to Rome. Awaiting the emperor's audience for seven days, Lazarus roams the city, encountering various people. An encounter with a reveler leaves the man joyless, while a loving couple who asked Lazarus to witness their joy soon find themselves engulfed in sorrow. A wise man claiming knowledge of death is humbled, realizing that theoretical understanding pales against the reality of death that Lazarus effuses, and his ability to think is paralyzed by despair.
The Emperor's Challenge
In his final encounter, Lazarus meets the imperious Augustus, who openly challenges Lazarus’s influence of despair. Proclaiming his own power and supremacy, Augustus is initially seduced by what he perceives as a gentle gaze from Lazarus. However, this gaze draws him into a chasm of desolation. In a bid to break free, Augustus orders Lazarus’s eyes to be burned out and sends him back to his homeland. Blind and alone, Lazarus wanders into the desert, following the setting sun, on a journey from which he never returns.
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