April 10, 2011: 5th Sunday of Lent

Especially during this time of Lent season, Jesus calls us forth to a life of generosity and the joy of doing things for others.

After Jesus had prayed, he cried out in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet bound with bandages, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.” Many who came with Mary and had seen what Jesus did, believed in him. (John 11:43-44)

We know from other passages in the Gospels that Jesus was a good friend of Lazarus and his sisters Mary and Martha. By the time Jesus arrived at the home of his friends, Lazarus was dead. He cried at the death of his friend Lazarus. Then he raised Lazarus from death to life again. This powerful event helped many people believe in Jesus. Soon we will hear the story of Jesus’ death and rising. We believe that not only did Jesus rise from death, but that we ourselves will also be raised up to new life.

Action:

Pray for the people you know who have died and believe that God will raise them to life for ever!

Jesus wants every one of us to live fully right here and now while on earth.
In these final weeks of Lent it is good to consider how we may not be fully alive.
Jesus can help us when we are stuck in the tomb of our selfishness.
He calls us forth to a life of generosity and the joy of doing things for others.