5th Sunday of Lent (A)

(Edited) Sunday reflections: (From) liturgical years 2014 (A), 2015 (B), and 2016 (C)

April 6, 2014
Liturgical readings
Ezekiel 37:12-14
Psalm 130
Romans 8:8-11
John 11:1-45

"Whoever believes in Christ, though he shall die, will come to life."

Christ raising Lazarus from the dead. This gospel story was interpreted popularly by a scene in a movie - often shown every Lent on television. The movie presents three witnesses, who just saw Jesus raise His friend Lazarus from the dead. They run excited, and with haste in different directions. They run amidst a musical background of strong drumbeats and trumpets blaring in triumph. They announce to the people they know of the miracle of Lazarus' rising from the dead. Such cinematic representation evokes a sense of wonder and reverence at a God who is truly Author of all Life. God-in-Christ has raised Lazarus from the dead. He performed the miracle that we may believe in Him as God's Son, and have hope that He who has raised Lazarus from the dead, will also raise us up on the Last Day.

The movie was a modern interpretation of a gospel story, that without the cinematic presentation, would be solemnly read in the Mass. But what does Catholic tradition say of this passage in John's gospel. St. Augustine of Hippo from the early Christian centuries reflected on this passage. He writes that this faith and hope of the resurrection is not yet realized. But, it is sure and certain, because of the Sacrament of Baptism. In the Sacrament of Baptism we receive the pledge of the Spirit. Augustine was only emphasizing what Martha already expressed in the gospel: "I know he will live again, in the resurrection on the last day." Jesus then told Martha, that He Himself is the Resurrection and the Life. Christ then proved that He was sent by the Father, and that His Word is true when He brought her brother Lazarus back to life again.

God's ways are beyond all human understanding. Human understanding sometimes tend to focus on negative realities and forget God's help - relying only on his own resources. But if humanity were to let God be the center of all situations, and let faith crown his efforts, he can see God's ways, one day at a time. Mankind will again understand that even in ordinary situations, he can rise from failure and sin. For God has really been always there for mankind. When the realities of death abound in the news online, or from stories people in one's neighborhood share, all will know that with Christ, any death or negative situation is only the beginning of a new and better life. It is a life directed with faith and hope in God. Martha in the gospel of John has expressed this, and has given to all the example of sure and certain faith. Exactly what St. Augustine of Hippo also said in His writings.

Scripture quotes for reflection:
The Lord will put his spirit upon his people that they may live, and he will settle them upon the land (Ezekiel 37)
He who raised Christ from the dead will bring your mortal bodies to life also through his Spirit dwelling in you (Romans 8)
The Lord is the resurrection and the life: whoever believes in him, though he should die, will come to life (John 11)