FIFTH SUNDAY -- March 22, 2026

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Theme: "Lazarus, Come Out!"

Readings:

• Ezekiel 37:12–14 
• Psalm 130
• Romans 8:8–11
• John 11:20b–45 

The readings for the 5th Sunday of Lent (March 22, 2026) center on God’s promise of new life, the Spirit’s power to raise us from death, and Jesus’ dramatic raising of Lazarus. Together, they invite us to trust in God’s mercy and to see Lent as a journey from despair into hope.

Reflection

Lent

The readings this Sunday speak powerfully to the human experience of loss, despair, and longing for renewal. Ezekiel’s vision of God opening graves reminds us that no situation is beyond God’s reach. Even when life feels buried under sin, grief, or hopelessness, God promises restoration through His Spirit.

The Psalmist’s cry “Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord” resonates with our own prayers in times of struggle. Yet the refrain assures us: with the Lord there is mercy and fullness of redemption. Lent is not about staying in the depths, but about trusting God’s forgiveness and rising again.

Paul’s words in Romans shift the focus inward: the Spirit that raised Jesus is alive in us. This is not just future hope but present reality—God’s Spirit empowers us to live differently now, free from the grip of sin and death.

Finally, the raising of Lazarus is both a miracle and a sign. Jesus does not simply restore Lazarus to earthly life; He reveals Himself as the source of eternal life. His tears show His compassion, and His command—“Lazarus, come out!”—demonstrates His authority over death itself. This foreshadows His own resurrection and invites us to believe that death is not the end.

Takeaway for Lent (This is optional)

• Trust God’s promise: He can bring life where we see only graves.
• Cry out with hope: Even in the depths, God’s mercy is greater than our sin.
• Live in the Spirit: Resurrection power is already at work in us.
• Believe in Christ: He is the resurrection and the life, calling us out of whatever binds us.

As we approach Holy Week, these readings challenge us to let go of despair and embrace the hope of resurrection. Lent is not just about penance—it is about preparing to rise with Christ.

AMEN!