Fifth Sunday of Lent March 13, 2005 Scripture: Ezekiel 37:12-14; Romans 8:8-11; John 11:1-45 Reflection: The first reading from Ezekiel seems to be the realization of the Lord. First, there is the settlement on the land, the knowledge that God is Lord, his spirit is living within us, and finally, he will open our graves and we will rise from them. Paul tells us in his letter to the Romans that if we live in the Spirit of God, God dwells in us. Our bodies will be raised because of this indwelling Spirit, just as God raised Jesus from the dead. In the gospel story, Jesus travels to Bethany to reaffirm the faith of Mary and Martha and raise Lazarus from his tomb. Jesus shows his love through years of sorrow. He prays to his Father testing the faith of all those present. Lazarus comes forth from the tomb still wrapped in bandages. Are we still wrapped in our cloths? What is to be found underneath? Are we bruised from stabs of jealousy or envy toward others? Are we blinded by the glitter of what others have, or have earned? Are we limping as we continue to race toward treasures far beyond our reach or need? Suggested Action: Faith is our journey to God. Do we need to experience miracles in order to believe? We have many emotions, e.g. determination, fear, sorrow. How do we show them? Sr. Janet Milan, IHM Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania