The account of the raising of Lazarus provides us with an insight into the Lord’s love for him and his sisters, Martha and Mary. Yet as we enter into the eleventh chapter of John’s Gospel, we discover that this passage applies directly to our lives as well.
Mass Readings – 5th Sunday of Lent
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Let’s explore some of the themes we discover in the Mass readings for the 5th Sunday of Lent.
1st Reading – Ezekiel 37:12-14
Psalm – 130:1-8
2nd Reading – Romans 8:8-11
Gospel – John 11:1-45
Mass Readings – 5th Sunday of Lent
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In Bethany at the home of Lazarus, Martha and Mary, we see how Mary offers a generous example of service to Jesus prior to his arrest and crucifixion. May her example inspire us to serve one another.
Mass Readings – Monday of Holy Week
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The parable of Lazarus and the rich man pokes at our consciences. Do we see the poverty around us and respond with compassion? We know the teaching of Jesus…may we ask the Lord for the grace to put His words into practice.
Mass Readings – Thursday of the 2nd Week of Lent
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The miracle of Lazarus reveals the power of Jesus Christ and the hope we have in the Lord. May these matters of life and death inspire us to respond to the needs of our world with conviction and compassion.
Mass Readings – 5th Sunday of Lent
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Study: Recall a time when you experienced death. How has this experience shaped the way you live?
Pray: Is there a life and death situation near you right now? Call upon the Lord for grace.
Serve: Do you have someone in your life who is facing a life and death situation? How can you help them?
Mass Readings – 5th Sunday of Lent
Let’s take a step back and look at the these readings:
Life and death. Throughout the readings this week these powerful realities weave together, reminding us that how we live and face our death has eternal consequences.
Throughout the earthly ministry of Jesus he consistently taught that our lives provide precious opportunities to serve and care for one another. Forgiveness, mercy, compassion, service, healing and outreach to the poor are themes that surface repeatedly throughout the Gospels. WHAT we do and HOW we do it reveal the depth of our discipleship and our willingness to follow the Lord through this life.
Yet we also know that death is an experience that comes to us all. We have stood at the graves of our loved ones, grieved for those who have gone before us, and dealt with the ache in our hearts when someone we care about is no longer with us. Death reminds us that our opportunity to share our lives on earth has a limit, that we only have so much time on this rock before we are called into eternity.
And the fact that something awaits us after death is a conviction that shapes both how we live and die. God gives us immortal souls, created to be united in the great Heavenly chorus. Yet even this is a choice; out of love the Lord gives us the freedom to choose…will we follow the Lord or a different path?
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Note: This post was first published on March 27, 2017.
The parable of the rich man and Lazarus inspires us to open our eyes to the needs of those around us and respond decisively in the spirit of the Gospel.
Mass Readings – Thursday of the 2nd Week of Lent
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Study: Is there a particular need that keeps coming to your attention? Reflect on how your resources might be used to help another.
Pray: Ask the Lord to see more clearly the needs of the poor and respond with wisdom and compassion.
Serve: Is there a simple action that you can do right now to help another? How can you make it happen?
Mass Readings – 26th Sunday of the Year
The parable of the rich man and Lazarus speaks timelessly to our modern day culture. Without a doubt we can all acknowledge the many, many ways that we have been materially blessed in our country, and this parable invites us to pay careful attention to how we respond to the needs of those who struggle for the basic necessities of life.
Let’s face it: there are way too many people living in desperate circumstances. Some are within our own communities and countless millions suffer needlessly because they do not have adequate food, clothing, or shelter. With so much need in the world we can sometimes become overwhelmed. Where to start? How can our little bit help when the need is so great?
And perhaps that’s the key – that we start with something within our reach. Perhaps we have a connection close at hand that provides us with opportunities to make a difference (no matter how big or small) in the lives of others.
That leaves us with two simple questions to consider today:
As disciples of Jesus Christ we cannot close our eyes to the needs of the poor, and if we cannot solve all the world’s problems at least we can seek out ways to be part of a solution for someone. Also, it’s always good to remember that whatever gift we give, God will take it and bless it in ways we cannot imagine.
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Note: This post was first published on September 19, 2016.
The parable of the rich man and Lazarus offer insights into how we live. By putting our trust in God and using the ordinary tools of faith, we find the grace we need to journey through this life until we reach Heaven.
Mass Readings – Thursday of the 2nd Week of Lent
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The well known parable of the rich man and Lazarus offers a powerful reminder that we have been given what we need to know the Lord. May we draw up these great gifts: Church teaching, Scripture, Sacraments, Prayer, Fellowship, and the example of the Saints!
Mass Readings – Thursday of the 2nd Week of Lent
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