Sunday, March 22: The Resurrection and the Life
Fifth Sunday of Lent (Year A)
The Sunday Readings
First Reading: Ezekiel 37:12-14
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 130
Second Reading: Romans 8:8-11
Gospel: John 11:1-45
The Theme: Out of the Grave
The theme for this Sunday is The Power over Death. As we draw closer to Holy Week, the Church moves from the healing of the blind (last week) to the ultimate miracle: the raising of Lazarus. It is a reminder that the "Radiating Truth" of Christ is not just for our moral improvement, but for our total resurrection.
Connecting the Word
The Promise of the Spirit (Ezekiel & John): In the First Reading, God promises the Israelites that He will open their graves and put His spirit within them so they may live. In the Gospel, this prophecy is fulfilled in a stunning, physical way. When Jesus calls Lazarus forth, He proves that He is the Master of the Spirit who can breathe life back into what the world considers "finished."
Life in the Spirit (Romans & John): St. Paul explains that if the Spirit of the one who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in us, He will also give life to our mortal bodies. The raising of Lazarus is the "blueprint" for what St. Paul is teaching. It shows that even in our "mortal bodies"—weary from the "Forge" of life—the Spirit offers a supernatural vitality that death cannot touch.
Pondering the Gospel
We often find ourselves like Martha and Mary, crying out, "Lord, if you had been here..." We ponder the mystery that Jesus delayed His arrival so that God's glory might be revealed. He enters into the mess of our grief, weeps with us, and then commands the stone to be moved. We are invited to ponder what "stones" are blocking our own hearts and to hear the voice of Christ commanding us to "untie him and let him go."
Reflection Questions
In what area of my life do I feel "dead" or beyond hope? How can I invite the "Resurrection and the Life" into that specific grave this week?
Jesus tells the bystanders to "untie him." Who in my life is bound by sin or sorrow, and how can I help "untie" them through my fraternity and community?
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