April 10, 2011
5th Sunday in Lent
Our Gospel passage from John, the restoration of life to Lazarus, is fitting for our catechumen and candidates preparing to receive the Easter Sacraments and for all of us who will be renewing our baptismal promises. The miracle or better "the sign" of raising Lazarus is beautifully recalled and retold by the evangelist. We can enter into the story. We can identify with Martha who engages Jesus and honestly tells him of her hurt. Why did you delay in coming? Could you not have healed my brother whom you love? Jesus invites Martha to express her faith in resurrection not just at the end time but as a present mystery. "I am the resurrection and life. The one who believes in me, even if he/she dies, will live forever." "Do you believe this?" With Martha we make a great statement of faith: "Lord I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the One coming into the world." We can identify with Mary who encounters Jesus with honest words and with emotion. Have we ever shed tears in our prayers? Why should we be embarrassed when Jesus himself wept!? Bring your losses and loves to Jesus. He knows. Finally we can identify with Jesus raising Lazarus. We hear the words of Jesus to Lazarus: "Come out." From the tomb of our own self-centered-ness and sin, by God's mercy and the forgiveness of Jesus, we are restored to life. In the face of death, God's glory is revealed.
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4th Sunday of Lent
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Palm Sunday
