Bethany Was Near Jerusalem A homily on the occasion of the Memorial of William F. Buckley Jr. By Rev. George W. Rutler Editor's Note: The following homily was preached on the occasion of the Memorial Mass for Repose of the Soul of William F. Buckley Jr. on April 4, 2008, at St. Patrick's Cathedral. “Now Bethany was near Jerusalem. . . . ” John 11:18 In the village of Bethany was the house of Mary and her sister Martha and their brother Lazarus. There Jesus wept when Lazarus died, and then he called into the tomb and Lazarus came forth...