Lectio for Lent: Week Five

NOTE: Each week during Lent, I am posting a set of reflection questions based on the Sunday Gospel. There are no "answers." The questions are simply meant to help the reader (or group of readers) engage the Scripture for the corresponding week in the context of the Church's observance of Lent. Ultimately, the goal is to help one meditate on the following questions: What does this text mean for me? What is God saying to me through his Word--here and now? How ought I respond to it? I encourage you to spend some time reading and thinking about the Gospel passages indicated before turning to the reflection questions here. In the process, if you discern the "still, small voice" of God speaking to your heart and leading you into prayer, then go with it! -- Br. Francis

 

FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT (YEAR A)

The Raising of Lazarus

(John 11:1-45)

 

In John 5:28-29, Jesus says, "The hour is coming in which all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and will come out."

 

In today's Gospel passage, Jesus provides a foretaste of what he means by raising Lazarus from the dead. Jesus is the source of life, and has power over death and all spiritual darkness--in the life to come, yes, but also in this life here and now.

 

Consider for a moment your darkest moments in life, your deepest disappointments, failures, and fears. Place yourself in the tomb as Lazarus, and listen for Jesus' life-giving words: "Come out! Untie him and let him go."

 

How will you respond?