Rise & Believe

Fifth Sunday of Lent

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Gospel of John 11:1-45
Martha said to him, "I know he will rise, in the resurrection on the last day."  Jesus told her, "I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.  Do you believe this?"  She said to him, "Yes, Lord.  I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world."

Raising Lazarus The raising of Lazarus from the dead is the most grandiose and amazing of Jesus' miracles.  Over the course of his ministry, the Pharisees and scribes remained skeptical. Not until after Lazarus' resurrection did the intense desire to kill Jesus become absolute.  At first they wanted him to stop the preaching and healing.  Then they threatened arrest for blasphemy.  Now killing this self-professed Son of God was the only way to remove the threat to their beliefs and livelihood. Just like people today, the Jewish people didn't want to change.  They remained stuck in their own laws and traditions.  Jesus Christ was way different!  In fact, he probably not only angered people but scared them senseless.  Clearly, Jesus rose Lazarus from the dead for "show and tell" purposes.  He knew this grand display of divine power would seal his own grave. However, by raising Lazarus from the dead he proved to disciples and followers that they, too, will be resurrected.  Their final resurrection will be an eternal one in the Kingdom of Heaven.

How is your Lenten journey progressing?  How are you doing on your Lenten journey?  We are now entering the fifth week. It's time for our final review.  Easter will be here very soon!  Have you been upholding your promises?  Have you remained prayerful?  Have you been giving your time to help others in need?  Have you been performing acts of penance?   I know for me it's been a struggle to pray consistently every day.  As a part of Lay Dominican formation, I'm asked to follow certain Dominican practices which include praying morning/evening Divine Office, saying the rosary, and attending daily mass.  Accomplishing these daily disciplines, as well as keep up with my blog meditations, has been very challenging! I know the Lord understands I'm making an honest effort.  That's what counts!  In these final weeks toward Easter I plan to work even harder at my spiritual goals.

Rise and believe! Christ is with you every step of  your Lenten journey.  When you stumble, he is there to pick you up encouraging you to stay strong.  Believe in the Lord and never forget his promises of live eternal in heaven. However, we must continually prepare ourselves by renouncing sin in our lives.  Stay away from temptation! If we do sin, ask for forgiveness.   Don't give up trying to become a holier person.

-J.