As Lent draws us closer to Holy Week, the Gospel readings begin to lead us into the deepest mysteries of life and faith. This Sunday we hear the powerful story of the raising of Lazarus from the Gospel of John (John 11:1–45). It is one of the most moving scenes in the entire Gospel.

The story begins with grief. Martha and Mary have lost their brother Lazarus, and their hearts are heavy. When Jesus finally arrives, Martha speaks words that many people have felt in their own lives: “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” There is faith in her voice, but also pain and confusion.

Many people know this experience. There are moments in life when we pray and hope for God’s help, but it seems as though nothing changes. We may even feel that God has come too late.

Yet the Gospel reveals something important about the way God works. Jesus does not hurry in the way people expect. Instead, He comes with something greater than the immediate solution everyone was hoping for. Before approaching the tomb, Jesus speaks words that stand at the center of this Gospel: “I am the resurrection and thelife.” He does not speak about resurrection as only a distant promisefor the end of time. He speaks about Himself. Where Christ is present, new life begins even now.

Then Jesus goes to the tomb where Lazarus has been buried for fourdays. Standing before the sealed grave, He calls out in a loud voice: “Lazarus, come out!” And to the astonishment of everyone present, Lazarus walks out of the tomb. This miracle is not only about Lazarus. It is also meant to reveal something about our own lives.

During Lent we are invited to examine our hearts honestly. Sometimes we discover areas of our lives where faith has grown weaker, where old resentments remain unresolved, or where discouragement has quietly settled in. Over time we may even become accustomed to these spiritual burdens, accepting them as if nothing can change.

The Gospel reminds us that Christ never stops calling us to new life. Just as He stood before the tomb of Lazarus, He stands before the places in our lives where hope seems buried. His voice continues to call each of us to step out of whatever keeps us from living more fully with God.

There is another detail in the Gospel that is easy to overlook. When Lazarus comes out of the tomb, he is still wrapped in burial cloths. Jesus then says to the people around Him, “Untie him and let him go.”

Even though Lazarus has been brought back to life, he still needs help from others to be fully free.

This detail teaches us something important about the life of faith. Christ gives us new life, but we also help one another grow infreedom. A word of encouragement, a sincere conversation, the grace of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, or a simple act of kindness can help someone remove the burdens they have been carrying.

In this way, the Christian community becomes a place where peoplehelp one another move from darkness into life.

This week, we will also celebrate the Feast of the Annunciation on March 25. On that day, we remember Mary’s quiet but courageous “yes” to God’s plan. Her openness allowed Christ, the source of new life, to enter the world.

Lent invites each of us to renew that same openness. When we listen to Christ and trust His voice, we begin to experience the new life that He promises.

The raising of Lazarus reminds us that God is never finished with us. Even when situations appear hopeless, Christ continues to speak words that bring life.

Reflection Questions for the Week

Prayer for the Week

Lord Jesus,

You stood before the tomb of Lazarus and called him back to life.

Speak your word into our hearts and renew our hope.

Help us leave behind whatever keeps us from you.

Teach us to trust your presence, even when we struggle to understand your timing.

Fill us with the life and peace that lead us toward Easter.

Amen.

In Christ,