5th Sunday of Lent
“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.” The ultimate promise – alive in our hearts, minds, and souls.
During our Lenten journey, we witness Jesus’ last days on earth. Ash Wednesday began Lent with our call to repentance for the times we have fallen short of living as Jesus calls us to live. The 40 days thereafter have given us the call to repentance, prayer, self-denial, and a more profound relationship with our Lord. We recognize His words are “spirit and life” – they are alive always!
When I ponder Mary’s words in the Gospel, I realize how I reacted during my times of trouble. If Jesus were there … a very young woman I love so much may not have had to fight a battle against breast cancer? Was God really there? Yes, I believe through the prayers of many and the healing hands and knowledge of her doctors, God healed her. Because of her strong faith, this healing will enable her to further bring His healing to those she cares for in the ICU.
Let us all recall those we have loved and lost. Yes, we shed tears of loneliness; however, through our faith in Christ’s promise, we know they are in the embrace of our loving Father, and one day we will rise together for all eternity in the glorious kingdom of heaven. How do we know this? Because re-living the words of our Baptism, “This is our faith and we believe this in Christ Jesus, our Lord.”
As we near the commemoration of Palm Sunday and Holy Week, let us devote ourselves to prayer, reconciliation, and giving the love of God to all.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for this day and for loving me. Be merciful, my Lord, forgive me forever for having doubted that you are with me. I am sorry for the times I have fallen short of being a true and faithful servant. Help me always to turn away from sin and follow the straight path you have chosen for me toward you. Amen.
