For Sunday, March 9, 2008

My Brothers and Sisters,

In our Gospel for this Fifth Sunday of Lent, we hear the powerful description of Jesus raising his friend Lazarus from death. This is the final of the three Gospel passages provided specifically for the Elect ­ those who are receiving their final Scrutiny this Sunday as they journey toward Baptism and initiation into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil. As I have remarked in prior Reflections, though, the Gospels of these three Sundays of Lent have something to say to each of us who are preparing to renew our Baptismal promises at Easter.

Jesus' raising Lazarus from the tomb is not a "resurrection" (as Lazarus is still mortal; he will eventually die once again). Nor is this miracle merely a "resuscitation" (since Lazarus has been dead for four days; enough time for Martha to warn Jesus "there will be a stench" if the stone over the tomb's entrance is rolled back. Why is Lazarus called out of the tomb? The actual meaning of this miracle is rather complex and multifaceted; however a couple of points stand out. Jesus states his purpose in John 11:4: "This illness (of Lazarus) is not to end in death, but is for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it." Later in the Gospel, Jesus reminds Martha (after she makes the comment about the stench) "Did I not tell you that if you believe you would see the glory of God?"

This raising of Lazarus, then, is so that God may be glorifiedŠ by the disciples being brought to a belief that God has power even over death. (Death was seen by many in Jesus' day, as it is in our day, as being the ultimate "power" over human life ­ the "final say," as it were). This miracle is a reminder that no, death really doesn't have ultimate power. There is something (Someone) even more powerful than deathŠGod. The Lord God even speaks this message through his prophet Ezekiel, as we hear in the first reading: "O my people, I will open your graves and have you rise from themŠ"

Yes, God has power over death. This is a great foreshadowing of what we celebrate at Easter, as we welcome new members into our faith community and are sprinkled with the waters of their Baptism, renewing the vows of our own Baptism. And just as God has power over death, God conquers sin as well through the power of Christ's cross and resurrection to new life.

As Lazarus tasted the new life brought to him as he stepped out of the tomb into the light of day, so we too are invited to taste the new life offered us through the forgiveness of sins during our journey toward Easter. The Church extends God's healing love to us through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, especially appropriate during Lent as we are called to "turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel." This Monday evening, March 10th at 7:00PM, we will celebrate our Parish Lenten Communal Reconciliation Service. We expect ten confessors to be on hand to hear individual Confessions following a brief reflection in scripture and song. Please consider joining in this wonderful oppor-tunity for Lenten renewal ­ in which we celebrate God's victory over the death of sin.

In Christ’s peace,

Rev. Charles G. Kieffer, V.F.
Pastor