5th Sunday of Lent

Fifth Sunday of Lent (Year A)
Ezekiel 37:12-14; Romans 8:8-11; John 11:1-45

 

Theme: Cooperating with Christ in the Journey from Death to New Life

 

Brothers and sisters in Christ,

It is said that human beings experience countless fears. According to some studies, the greatest fear is public speaking, while the second greatest fear is death. How ironic that while we fear death deeply, many of us do little to change the way we live in light of it.

In today’s Gospel, we witness one of the most profound miracles of Jesus: the raising of Lazarus. This miracle is significant not only because it demonstrates Jesus’ power over death, but also because it foreshadows His own resurrection. Traditional Jewish belief held that the soul of a deceased person lingered near the body for three days before departing permanently. When Martha objected to opening the tomb, saying, "Lord, already there is a stench because he has been dead four days" (John 11:39), she expressed the common belief that Lazarus was beyond hope. Yet Jesus deliberately waited until this moment—until all human hope was lost—so that His divine authority might be revealed.

Jesus' Delay: A Lesson in Faith

We may wonder why Jesus, who loved Lazarus, did not prevent his death. The answer lies in the purpose of this miracle: to strengthen the faith of His disciples and all who witnessed it. 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 11:25-26). This powerful declaration reminds us that faith in Christ transforms death from an end into a passage to eternal life.

Are We Among the Living Dead?

This Gospel challenges us to reflect: Are we truly alive in Christ, or are we among the "living dead"? There are many ways a person can be spiritually dead:

• The one who wakes up each morning afraid to face life, burdened by despair.

• The one who is so selfish that they are blind to the needs of others.

• The one who is insensitive, dead to the feelings of those around them.

• The one who is corrupt and unjust, dead to the call of integrity

.• The one who has lost hope, faith, and love, and is consumed by bitterness and unforgiveness.

Jesus comes to restore life, not just physically as in Lazarus’ case, but spiritually—to awaken us from our slumber of sin and despair.

Our Role in the Miracle: Cooperation with God

This Gospel also teaches us that divine miracles require human cooperation. Jesus issued three commands, each involving human action:

1. “Roll away the stone” (John 11:39). The people had to remove the barrier before Lazarus could come out. Jesus could have moved the stone Himself, but He chose to involve them. Likewise, we must remove the obstacles—sin, doubt, pride—that keep us from experiencing God’s power.

2. “Lazarus, come out!” (John 11:43). Even wrapped in burial cloths, Lazarus responded to Jesus’ call. This reminds us that even when we feel trapped in sin or despair, we are not powerless. We must take the step toward Jesus when He calls us.

3. “Unbind him and let him go” (John 11:44). Lazarus could not free himself from the burial cloths; the community had to help. Likewise, we need the support of the Church to be freed from the bonds of sin and isolation. We are called to help others experience true freedom in Christ through mercy, forgiveness, and community.

Applying This to Our Lives

The raising of Lazarus is not only a foreshadowing of Jesus' resurrection; it is also an invitation to renewal. This Lent, let us ask ourselves:

• Are we willing to roll away the stones that separate us from Christ?

• Are we ready to step out of the tomb of sin and despair?

• Are we prepared to unbind others through forgiveness and love?

Jesus calls each of us by name, just as He called Lazarus. May we respond with faith, obedience, and trust, so that we too may share in His resurrection and life.

Amen.