Fifth Sunday of Lent – Year A (2026)
Sunday, March 22, 2026
Last Sunday’s Gospel unveiled Jesus restoring sight to a man blind from birth. His blindness was not a retribution for sin, but so God might be glorified for His mercy and works. A profound sign that suffering often serves as the backdrop for divine power, just as it does in today’s readings, as the fifth Sunday of Lent brings us closer to Easter. Lazarus, a dear friend of Jesus, falls gravely ill. His sisters, Mary and Martha, send Jesus an urgent plea, “Master, the one you love is ill.” — John 11:3. Jesus waits two days, not from indifference, but divine purpose, “This illness is not to end in death, but is for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” (v. 4). In both cases of the man born blind and Lazarus, God transforms human suffering into glory, manifesting His life-giving power. In ancient times, the living could be mistakenly presumed dead due to limited medical knowledge. Physicians had to rely on visible signs, such as the absence of breathing or warmth, which made it easy to overlook faint vital signs and make a person appear dead while still alive. Additionally, rapid burials, especially in warm climates like Judea, left little time to confirm death. But now, as Jesus arrives at Judea, four days have passed, long enough for hope to fade and for the reality of death to settle in. He encounters Martha, who went to meet Him, exhibiting raw yet resilient faith: “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you.” (v. 21,22). Jesus assures her that her brother will rise again. Martha agrees that Lazarus will rise in the resurrection on the last day, a belief rooted in faithful hope. But Jesus proclaims: “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 Messiah, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world.” (v. 25-27). At the tomb, amid weeping, Jesus weeps too, then commands Lazarus to come out!
In the first reading from the Book of Ezekiel (37:12-14), we encounter a powerful prophecy directed toward the people of Israel, who faced despair and hopelessness in exile. God speaks through Ezekiel, vowing to open their graves and bring them back to life. This imagery of graves and restoration is not merely physical; it signifies a spiritual renewal amidst desolation. God’s promises are not limited to the ancient Israelites; they extend to us today. This same Spirit is what we receive in our sacramental life, particularly in Baptism, Confirmation, and Communion. We must reflect on how we allow the Spirit to work within us, guiding us toward renewal and life. In times of personal exile, whether through grief, sin, or despair, God invites us to trust in His promise of the resurrection.
Let us find peace in God’s love and steadfastness in the midst of trials. St. Augustine of Hippo reminds us, “You have made us for Yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You.”
Go in Peace to Love and Serve the Lord.