THEME: JESUS CHRIST, OUR RESURRECTION AND LIFE
READINGS: EZEKIEL 37:12-14/ ROMANS 8:8-11/ JOHN 11:1-45
5TH SUNDAY OF LENT
Introduction
Beloved in Christ, as we draw closer to the celebration of Easter, the Church places before us one of the most powerful signs of Jesus Christ’s authority over death – the raising of Lazarus. This miracle is not only a demonstration of Jesus’ divine power. It is also a profound revelation of the hope that awaits all who believe in Him.
Through this event, Jesus invites us to reflect on some important truths including the following: the power of God over death, the great price paid for our salvation, and the promise of eternal life given to those who believe in Him.
1. The Power of Jesus Over Death
In the gospel account of the raising of Lazarus, Jesus tells His disciples that Lazarus has fallen asleep and that He is going to wake him up (cf. John 11:11). For Jesus, death is not the final word; it is like sleep before awakening.
When Jesus finally arrives at the tomb, He simply calls out: “Lazarus, come out!” (John 11:43). At that powerful command, Lazarus walks out alive. This reveals something extraordinary: for Jesus, restoring someone to earthly life is as simple as waking a person from sleep. His divine authority extends even over death itself.
2. The Greater Miracle: The Resurrection to Eternal Life
Yet there is something even greater than the miracle of Lazarus – the resurrection to eternal life. To restore Lazarus to earthly life, Jesus only had to speak a word. But to give humanity the resurrection to eternal life, Jesus had to do much more – He had to shed His blood on the Cross.
The death and raising of Lazarus forecast or foreshadow the sacrificial death and glorious resurrection of Jesus. Therefore, as we read this story of Lazarus today, we are reminded that our salvation came at an immeasurable price: the excruciating suffering, humiliating death, and total self-giving love of Jesus.
3. A Call to Reflect on the Price of Our Salvation
Beloved brothers and sisters, hearing this gospel reading two weeks before Easter is not accidental. It is a divine invitation. The Cross reminds us that our salvation was not cheap – it cost the very life of the only begotten Son of God.
So, God is asking us to pause and reflect:
- Do we truly appreciate the price Jesus paid for our salvation?
- Do we understand the depth of His love for us?
- Are we preparing our hearts to celebrate the mystery of His death and resurrection in a manner that truly pleases God?
4. The Inestimable Value of the Resurrection
At the same time, this gospel reading invites us to appreciate the immense value of the resurrection and the promise of heaven.
Lazarus returned to earthly life and eventually died again. But the resurrection that Jesus offers us is far greater: a new and eternal life with God – a life where death, suffering, and sorrow will be no more. This is the hope that sustains the Christian life.
Conclusion: Renewing Our Faith in Jesus
Beloved, today, we are called to renew our faith in Jesus Christ, who has selflessly offered the unique perfect sacrifice which alone gives us access to eternal life (cf. Heb. 10:11-24). Only Jesus gives us a promise that fills the heart with the hope that does not disappoint (cf. Rom. 5:5):
“I am the resurrection and the life.
He who believes in me will live, even though he dies;
and whoever lives and believes in me will never die” (John 11:25-26).
So, may our faith in Him be steadfast! Amen!
By Most Rev. John Kobina Louis
