Fifth Sunday of Lent

Brothers & Sisters,

The power of God’s love can take you from death to new life. This Sunday’s Gospel highlights Martha and Mary’s expectant faith in Jesus, the Son of God, to raise their brother, Lazarus, back from the dead. In demonstrating power over death by performing this miracle for a beloved friend, Jesus is preparing us for His imminent Passion and death, while foreshadowing the good news of the Resurrection that is to come on Easter Sunday. Through the witness of Martha and Mary, we are called to increase our faith and profess our belief in Jesus as the Resurrection and the life.

Oftentimes, it can be difficult to see the good that comes from suffering. Perhaps you have encountered a spiritual crucifixion and death of your own this Lenten season. I know I have! In persevering through my Lenten promises, the Lord has continued to reveal my poverty and need for a Savior. Jesus’ response upon first hearing of Lazarus’ illness is a great reminder that He has a plan for our afflictions:

“This illness is not unto death; it is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified by means of it.”

My dear friends - the present-day sufferings you and I experience are the very means by which God desires to be glorified! As St. Augustine puts it, “In my deepest wound I saw Your glory.” Christ is no stranger to our wounds. As with Lazarus, He weeps for us, the beloved, and desires to untie us from the burial bands that ensnare our hearts. All that is left for us to do is to give Him permission. With what remains of this Lenten season, how can we let go of the fear of death and let God fill us with new life?

May it begin with faith in Jesus Christ.

Rebecca Richards, Drexel FOCUS Team Director