Fifth Sunday of Lent

\”I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and whoever believes in me will never die.\” (John 11:25-26)

In our monastery, we sing the chant Media vita at Compline during this season of Lent: \”In the midst of life, we are in death. To whom do we look for help, but to you, O Lord…?\” We all undergo situations that are a kind of death as we journey through life: the loss of friends, of jobs, of financial security, the end of relationships and ways of life that are dear and familiar to us. These struggles may reduce us to the breaking point. But Jesus reminds us this Sunday that death is not the end. If we have the courage to take away the stone when Jesus commands it (cf. John 11:39) we will be surprised and amazed by the restored life that emerges. Lazarus was returned to his grieving family; Jesus Himself rose from the dead after three days and now reigns as King eternally. Jesus is alive and lives to renew and transform our dead lives into something beautiful for God. Whatever happens in life can only bring us closer to Him–if we let it.