In anticipation of Holy Week the readings for the Fifth Sunday of Lent speak to us of the promise of new life, affirm the gift of the Spirit and the assurance from Jesus that, those who believe in him will have the gift of new life in him.
The readings for this Sunday, from Year A, are the readings used for those who are preparing for baptism, confirmation and reception of the Eucharist at the Easter Vigil. They are central to the teaching of Jesus and speak to us of this life and the life to come as a result of Jesus’ Resurrection.
In the gospel reading, John weaves, the story of Lazarus, a lengthy story of love, friendship, faithfulness, sorrow and sadness, trust and belief in Jesus. Jesus knows that his “hour” is coming as the religious establishment grows more and more intent on stopping his growing influence and popularity among the people. It is at this point that John focuses on Jesus and his relationship with his Father, Lazarus, Martha and Mary, his disciples and friends. Why? Jesus gives us the answer near the end of the story: “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” Jesus is prompted by the spirit to show forth the glory and power of his Father. This is the same power and glory that will be manifest in Jesus’ Resurrection. Through his deep relationship with his Father, Jesus, in his very being, shows us the importance of love and relationships in our humanity. Weaving many threads, John reveals the depths of Jesus’ humanity. Jesus, in a mix of emotions, shows his great love for Lazarus and for Martha and Mary, and is touched by their great pain at having lost their brother. He weeps with them and their friends. Yet, Jesus calls forth faith and belief from them, so that the glory of the Father can work through him. Jesus, knowing that the Father’s spirit is with him calls, “Lazarus, come out.” And wonder of wonders, Lazarus, already dead for four days, comes out. Jesus simply says to those gathered, “Unbind him, and let him go.” And John relates that many of the Jews, who “had seen what Jesus did, believed in him.” This belief in Jesus precipitates the events that flow as Holy week unfolds. Today, we who believe in Jesus, are reminded, as we walk yet another Holy week with Jesus, that relationships are so important and that we are called by our baptism to unbind and let one another go free to live the precious gift of life to the full and to support one another, as we journey in hope, to the fullness of new life made possible by Jesus’ Resurrection.
- Sister Lynn Rouleau, csj