Friends, today is the fifth Sunday of Lent. The Church reminds us that what gives life to our mortal body is the Spirit of God. The same Spirit will resurrect Christ on Easter day. He is the one that makes a difference in the life of every child of God. Hence, as we prepare for the Paschal Feast, we must be docile to the Spirit of God that gives us life. The Gospel of today brings us one of the most powerful stories in the Gospel of John. Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead. This story helps us remember that even when everything feels lost, God can still bring life. Jesus shows He has power over death and that He brings hope to those who trust Him. Lord, you are the resurrection and the life. Help us to trust in your promise of new life. Give us courage in times of sorrow and hope in the face of death. Guide us to live in faith and to share your love with others.
Friends, in the first reading from Ezekiel, we hear about dry bones coming back to life. This reminds us that God never forgets His people. Even in dark times, He gives His Spirit to bring us back to life and lead us home. Brothers and sisters, this reading brings a message of hope and renewal. God promises to open the graves of His people and bring them back to life. He vows to put His Spirit within them, giving them new life and returning them to their homeland. This promise of resurrection and renewal points to God’s power to restore what is lost. It was a promise that God made to Israel while she was in exile. Today, this promise is still valid for us through Christ our Lord. It is a promise of the regeneration and restoration of our lives weakened by sin, sickness, and the difficulties of this life.
Friends, in the second reading, Paul also reminds us that it is only the Spirit of Jesus that can restore us to life; “If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you…he will give life to your mortal bodies…” In order words, without the Spirit of God one is as good as dead. This is because Christ himself tells us that; “What gives life is the Spirit of God, the flesh profits nothing.” Brothers and sisters, the Spirit of God is the evidence of God’s activity and life in us. Paul warns us; “…Do not grief the Holy Spirit of God who is God’s mark of ownership of you…” (Eph 4, 30). This is very important because he is the one that guides and sustains us.
Friends, in the Gospel, Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead, showing his power over death. This miracle points to his own resurrection and gives us hope for eternal life. Jesus tells Martha that he is the resurrection and the life, calling us to believe in him for new life. This story shows that death is not the end. Just as Lazarus was called out of the tomb, we are called to new life in Christ. Jesus’ words and actions reveal his authority over life and death, affirming our hope in the resurrection. This hope helps us face our own mortality with faith and courage. The raising of Lazarus also shows Jesus’ compassion and humanity. He weeps with Mary and Martha, sharing in their grief. This reminds us that Jesus understands our pain and walks with us in our sorrow. He is not distant but close to us in our struggles.
Friends, Martha and Mary, were close friends of Jesus. When Lazarus dies, both sisters show their faith in Jesus, though in different ways. Martha meets Jesus and speaks with confidence about the resurrection. She expresses her belief that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Martha’s faith is rooted in understanding and knowledge. She listens to Jesus’ words and responds with conviction. Her faith is strong even in her grief, showing trust in Jesus’ power over death. She believes that even now, Jesus can do something remarkable. Mary responds differently. She is overcome with emotion and weeps at Jesus’ feet. Her faith is expressed through her sorrow and vulnerability. Jesus is moved by her tears and weeps with her, showing his compassion and sharing her pain. Both women show great faith but in their own ways. Jesus meets each of them where they are, responding to Martha with words of hope and to Mary with shared grief. This shows that Jesus understands and honors our different ways of believing and feeling. The readings of this Sunday remind us that God has the power to bring life from death. No matter how hopeless a situation seems, God can restore and renew. Just as Lazarus was unbound and set free, we are invited to let go of fear and despair, trusting in God’s promise of new life. The Lord be with you …may the Almighty God bless you, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. I wish you a blessed Sunday and a fruitful fifth week of lent ahead of you.
