Lent

Fifth Sunday of Lent

In this fifth week of the Lenten season, the readings focus on resurrection, from the story of the resurrection of Lazarus to how the indwelling spirit lives within us, and how the Lord transforms us in his infinite Mercy.

For many of us in life we experience moments that feel like the tomb of Lazarus, places of sadness, fear, shame, failure, or apathy. These feelings can become a trap, and we can define ourselves on who we are by these negative emotions. In the Gospel the story of Lazarus provides a clear example of how Jesus saves us from these moments. Jesus declares “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die” (John 11:25), meaning that our faith in Jesus frees us from the grave and shackles of spiritual death and sin. Even before the death of Lazarus, when he was struck with illness, Jesus says that “This illness is not to end in death, but is for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” (John 11:4). These trials and tribulations, the tests in our life, are not without meaning. In the suffering and struggles and the triumph from them that Jesus brings we are sanctified, to trust God in his work and to transform our dark moments, to turn our tombs into the light of the Lord and the resurrection of what will come.

As we near Easter, and the resurrection of the Lord from his Tomb, we must remember the triumph over death that awaits us all in the glory of heaven. Peace be with you, Amen.