Reading 1: EZEKIEL 37:12-14
Responsorial Psalm: PS 130:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8
Reading 2: ROM 8:8-11
Gospel: JOHN 11:1-45
We are in trying and testing times, never have we missed mass on a Sunday, let alone 2 weeks and some more weeks to come. When we listen to the gospel today one may associate himself/herself with Lazarus in the tomb, lifeless – the lock-down and the situation around us may seem this way. The liturgy and the readings of today is not to dishearten us but to increase our faith and hope in our Lord, who raises Lazarus from the tomb.
1. In the first reading we hear the voice of God through Prophet Ezekiel, who speaks to the People of Israel. These who are in captivity of the Babylonian Kingdom, who have lost everything are given hope by the prophet. God’s life giving spirit will restore them once again, to enjoy peace and prosperity in Jerusalem, their home.
2. The raising of Lazarus after 4 days in the Gospel of John, instills hope in Mary and Martha and all those who believe in Jesus. Jesus says, ‘He who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live’. We who are in trouble, weary of the situation around us have Jesus our everlasting Hope.
3. For some of us these 4 weeks may seem the end of the world, with no mass, no liturgical services, no novenas or prayer meetings. Like Mary and Martha we may even say to the Lord, ‘If you were here Lord this would not have happened.’
4. Jesus is deeply moved in the spirit – full of compassion towards his suffering people. He is telling us to believe in him. Our God, the father of our Lord Jesus Christ cares for his children. He weeps with us, He is always with us. We are called to not lose hope.
5. We are all given a chance today to witness the greatness of our Lord in our lives, through our families, our children, in nature surrounding us. We are no longer busy with a lot of things but have a lot of time with us. Like Lazarus we will also be raised to a new life. Repair and renew our relationships. Use this time to heal all our wounds, even as the nature rewinds and provides us with fresh air. All we need to do is hope in the Lord and Believe in him