April 6, 2014

5th Sunday of Lent

April 6, 2014:  5th Sunday of Lent

Wordle: Readings 4-6-14Readings

  • Ez 37:12-14  I will put my spirit in you, have you rise from your graves, return, live, and know I am the Lord.
  • Ps 130:1-8  "With the Lord there is mercy and fullness of redemption."  Out of the depths I cry to you; hear me!  I trust in you; you'll redeem us.
  • Rom 8:8-11  Those in the flesh can't please God, but you're in the spirit if the Spirit is in you.  If Christ is in you, the spirit is alive, and if the Spirit dwells in you, the one who raised Christ will give you life.
  • Jn 11:1-45  Lazarus was ill in his sisters Mary and Martha's village.  The sisters sent word to Jesus.  Jesus:  “It won't end in death; it's for God's glory.”  When he arrived, Lazarus had been dead over four days.  Martha / Jesus:  “If you'd been here, he wouldn't have died.” / “He'll rise.” / “Yes, in the resurrection.” / “I am the resurrection; whoever believes in me will live.” / “I believe you're the Christ.”  She called Mary who went to him:  “If you'd been here, he wouldn't have died.” / “Where have you laid him?” / “Come.”  Jesus wept. / “Take away the stone.” / “There will be a stench.” / “You'll see God' glory.”  They took it away.  Jesus:  “...Lazarus, come out!”  He came out, tied and wrapped.  “Untie him; let him go.”  Many believed.
Pope Francis
  • Angelus:  The life of one who believes in and follows Jesus will be transformed.  He waits for us, and the Spirit's strength will raise those united to him.  We're marked by death; Jesus' ‘Come out!’ cry is for us too, from the Master of life who's not resigned to the sepulchres we've constructed with our sins.  He invites us to come out from the tombs into which our sins have plunged us, our prison of contentment with a false, selfish, mediocre life.  It's an invitation to freedom from the pride that enslaves us.  Our resurrection begins when we decide to obey Jesus, when our masks fall and we rediscover ourselves in the image of God.  There is no other limit to God's mercy offered to all!  The Lord is ready to take away the tombstone of our sins, which separate us from Him, the light of the living.
The Raising of Lazarus/ Duccio di Buoninsegna
[On giving out pocket books of the Gospels with Acts:]  “Without cost you've received; without cost give” the Gospel message!  Perform an act of charity, a gesture of love, a prayer for an enemy, a reconciliation....  You can also read the Gospel on a phone or tablet.  Jesus speaks in the Word of God; read and welcome it, and bear fruit!
Reflections
    • Creighton:  Imagine the sisters' sense of loss, perhaps betrayal, shame, and joy.  How can I be present and caring to my loved ones?  When do I let despair or anger keep me from God’s love?...
      • Passionist:  In failure we can discover the power of the resurrection.  As Jesus wept, felt his loved ones' pain, and raised Lazarus, he still feels and raises up.
      • DailyScripture.net:   Jesus knew it was dangerous to travel near Jerusalem because authorities were plotting to kill him, but he had the courage to take the risk for his loved one.  His raising of Lazarus is more than a miracle; it's a sign of God's promise to raise all who have died in Christ (2nd reading).  Do I believe the power of Jesus' resurrection is working in me now?  (Lazarus means "God is my help.")  Participation in the Eucharist gives us a foretaste of Jesus' transfiguration of our bodies.  "As bread, after God's blessing, becomes Eucharist formed of the earthly and heavenly, so our bodies, which partake of the Eucharist possess the hope of resurrection." (St. Irenaeus)
        Raising of Lazarus/ Giotto di Bondone
      • Moved to greater love Jesuit reflection on being united with Jesus on his journey:  How must I profess my faith in the Lord as Martha did?  What do I need to surrender to and what must die within me in order to have new life in Christ?  (with "This is Seedtime" on surrender [from "With Bound Hands"/ Delp] and "A Fire that Kindles Other Fires" [from Society of Jesus' General Congregation 35] on tasting and seeing God, service of faith, promotion of justice)
        Music
        Apparel

        • "Skeleton" tie pin:  Lazarus had been dead 4 days (gospel)
        • "Stone" tie pin:  Jews tried to stone Jesus (gospel); "roll away the stone" (gospel)
        • "Clocks" tie:  "Are there not 12 hours in a day?" (gospel); countdown till Holy Week and Easter
        • "Hearts" suspenders:  Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus (gospel)
        • "Keyboard with dove" tie pin:  "If the Spirit dwells in you, God will give you life through that Spirit" (2nd reading)
        • Purple shirt:  Lenten season

        Dress your life!
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