Kulandai Albert csc –
Readings: Ezek 37: 12-14; Rom 8:8-11; Jn 11:1-45
Today, we are on the Fifth Sunday of Lent. Through the readings of the day, I invite you to reflect on the theme, ‘Jesus is the resurrection and life’. In the first reading, the prophet Ezekiel describes his vision of the resurrection of dry bones.
It symbolically depicts the resurrection of the dead as well as the restoration of the house of Israel. In the second reading, St. Paul speaks about the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Those who believe in Jesus will receive the spirit and become God’s children with Christ. They live by the spirit and not by the corrupted impulses of the flesh.
In the Gospel reading, we see the action of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. In public ministry, in all that Jesus does, we see the glory of God. In the raising of Lazarus, we have the most spectacular manifestation of God’s glory through Jesus Christ. With love and compassion, Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. This dramatic display of divine power emphasized that Jesus was the chosen Messiah and had power over death. We also understand that he is resurrection and life. When we believe and trust in Jesus, surely, we will have his spirit. We live by the spirit and have life. Lazarus came out of the dark tomb with life.
We too can rise from the darkness of sin with repentance. When we have regular confession and repent of our sin, we come out from the darkness of sin into the light of grace. Therefore, let us pray that we may experience resurrection and life in Jesus, here and now in our difficulties and daily struggles.