5th Sunday of Lent (March 29, 2020)
Ezek 37.12-14; Rom 8.8-11; Jn 11.1-45
The resurrection of the body is a great comfort to those who grieve the loss of their unborn children. Whether a child is lost through abortion or miscarriage, we pray with Martha that they will "rise in the resurrection on the last day."
As Holy Week approaches, it may be beneficial to see the raising of Lazarus as a symbol of the Sacrament of Penance. “Jesus wept” for Lazarus and he weeps for us, for He knows that the wages of sin is death.
St. Paul reminds us that new life is not only a restoration of physical life, but a redemption from sin. St. Augustine teaches us that when Jesus commanded His disciples to 'unbind [Lazarus] and let him go, He shows the power that He has given to priests to release people from their sins. Jesus wants us not only to be redeemed on the last day, but to be truly free even now. In the sacrament of reconciliation we experience this freedom from guilt and sin.
When we confess our sins, then, we come forth from what is hidden to be made manifest, just as Lazarus came out of the tomb.
Pro-Life Intercession
That we, who believe in Jesus, the Resurrection, and the Life, may defend life and help bring an end to abortion and other forms of injustice, we pray to the Lord...