March 22, 2026 - Fifth Sunday of Lent

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

As we approach the final days of Lent, the readings for the Fifth Sunday lead us into one of the most powerful moments in the Gospel: the raising of Lazarus (John 11:1–45). This remarkable story reveals not only the power of Jesus over death, but also the depth of His compassion and the promise of new life for all who believe in Him. When Jesus arrives in Bethany, Lazarus has already been in the tomb for four days. Martha and Mary are grieving, and many others have come to comfort them. In the midst of this sorrow, Martha expresses both faith and hope when she says to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” Jesus responds with one of the most profound declarations in the Gospel: “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live.”

Before performing the miracle, Jesus weeps. These simple words—“Jesus wept”—reveal the heart of our Savior. He is not distant from human suffering; He enters into it. He shares the pain of loss and stands beside those who mourn. At the same time, He shows that death does not have the final word. Standing before the tomb, Jesus calls out, “Lazarus, come out!” And the man who had been dead walks out alive. This miracle is a sign pointing toward the greater victory that will soon come through Christ’s own death and resurrection.

Yet this Gospel is not only about Lazarus. It also speaks to our own lives. Sometimes we experience forms of spiritual death—moments when discouragement, sin, or despair leave us feeling trapped in darkness. Like Lazarus in the tomb, we may feel bound by the things that hold us back. But the voice of Christ still calls to us. He calls us out of whatever binds us and invites us into new life. Through His mercy, especially in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the Lord frees us and restores us. As St. Augustine reflected on this Gospel: “Lazarus, come forth! The Lord called the dead man, and the one who had lost life returned to life.”

As we enter the final stretch of Lent and prepare for Holy Week, this Gospel invites us to renew our faith in Christ, who is truly the resurrection and the life. He calls each of us by name, just as He called Lazarus, and invites us to step out of darkness into His light. As St. Gregory the Great teaches: “The voice of the Lord cried out to the dead, and the one who was bound in the darkness of the tomb came forth into the light.” Let us listen for His voice, trust in His promise, and walk forward in the new life He offers.

God bless everyone always!!!

Fr. Stan