5^th Sunday of Lent (A); April 6, 2025

Ex 37:12-14.  Ps 130.  Rom 8:8-11.  Jn 11:1-45

Deacon Jim McFadden

       In today’s Gospel for the 5^th Sunday of Lent is the Raising of Lazarus, presents a stark contrast between Jesus, who is the Lord of Life and the ruins of death. It is the context for the RCIA, Third Scrutiny, which emphasizes that only in Jesus can true “life in the face of death” be received.  The catechumens examine their own frailty and to reflect upon their own brokenness. 

During this stage the elect undergo an intense spiritual preparation which is intended to purify their minds and hearts as they search they own consciences and do penance. That’s why the story of Lazarus is so appropriate as we celebrate the rite of the 3^rd Scrutiny. 

            In this story Jesus is going to enter into the world of death; as he does he is going to bring his own life that he shares with his Father and Spirit into that place of complete human failing.  That is what the elect are meant to uncover those areas in their life that are dying, then to heal all that is weak, defective, or sinful in their hearts, then to allow Jesus to strengthen all that is upright, strong, and good (cf. RCIA, 141).  As such, they are being called to enter into Jesus’s new and eternal covenant which they are called to on-going conversion, to deepen their love for Jesus, and to carry out their resolve to love God above all else. 

People of God, we are called to do the same: our resurrection begins here and now: when we decide to obey Jesus’ command by coming out into the light, into life; when the mask falls from our face—our myriad false personas—our True Self emerges—the face created in the image and likeness of God.

            The Raising of Lazarus pinpoints the belief in eternal life.  We just don’t want to live for 70-80 years, what we really want is the fulness of Life, infinite Being, which Jesus promised to the Woman at the Well.  This is the great breakthrough that will lead the followers of Jesus into Christianity.  Jesus is promising us immortality! And,  taking to heart what God said, “What is promised, I will do” (Ez 37:14c).  We stake our lives on that promise because we believe that Jesus is Lord because we experience him right here, right now especially in the Eucharist, the “fount and summit of our worship.”  We know that being made in the image and likeness of the Triune, communitarian God, we are meant to be in relationship, to share life with God and each other NOW AND FOREVER!  And, we do so by abiding in Jesus who is the source of Life.  Jesus will not let us go because he loves us unconditionally.

            That’s the Great Consolation: we realize that love is stronger than death.  We hear in the Song of Songs that “Deep waters cannot quench love, nor floods sweep it away” (8:7).  This is not an easy realization to embrace,  as Martha knew, the stench of death is strong.  Sometimes our mind focuses on the unyielding face that death brings permanent separation in chronological time and physical space.  We become vulnerable to doubt.

            We don’t give into doubt because through faith we know that Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life!”  To know Jesus, to dwell within his Mind, Heart, and Soul is to participate in that Life that is everlasting.  The more we contemplate the story of the Raising of Lazarus, the more we will integrate it into our ordinary experience (Martha).  And, as we do so, we will realize its gentleness is an enduring strength.  Sustained by his presence, we can grieve greatly and deeply the physical loss of our loved ones and hope greatly in their continued life in God.  Love generates both grief and consolation.  As St. Paul said to the Thessalonians, “Do not grieve as others do who have no hope” (1 Thes 4:13).  Remember, it is the weeping Jesus who cries out in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!  Amen.

Qs for Reflection:

• How do you process grief and death?

 • When physical death comes, it is so final.  How do you deal with that reality?

• What are the “dead zones” that we struggle with?

 • Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life.  How do you participate in His resurrected life?