5th Week of Lent : Sunday 26th March 2023

Chapters 11 and 12 in John’s Gospel are a transition between the public ministry of Jesus and His final words with the disciples, leading into His passion and resurrection. The account of the ‘raising of Lazarus’ is the final dramatic sign of Jesus’ authority, confirming what He has said about Himself and His relationship with God. It was because of Lazarus that crowds from Jerusalem flocked to Jesus to such an extent that the authorities were afraid of Jesus’ popularity which could cause trouble with Rome.

In the same context, Jesus’ words to Martha affirm that in Him, there is a quality of life that continues beyond death. The miracle that followed confirmed the truth of His words. Death is not a dead-end.

The book of Wisdom teaches that even now, in this life, individuals who choose to live a good life can be given the gift of God’s own eternal life, and this gift continues through death into life forever with God. John’s Gospel takes up this view of the Book of Wisdom that eternal life is a present reality!

This act of resurrection is also reflected in the first reading. It vividly describes the resurrection as in the restoration of Israel.

During this Lenten season, we are reminded to avoid sin, for the Spirit who lives in us gives us life. Let us become conscious of this fact of faith and turn away from our sinful habits by turning to Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life.

“Spirit of God, keep us away from our sinful nature to be drawn closer to God and to be renewed in heart and mind.”