Fifth Sunday of Lent

Jesus wept: The shortest verse is the most human. Jesus knows he's about to raise Lazarus, and he still cries. He does not bypass grief. He enters it. Preach on a God who grieves with us before he heals us. For a parish that has buried its own, this is deeply consoling.

"Untie him and let him go": Jesus commands the resurrection. The community does the untying. This is an ecclesial event, not a private miracle. Connect to the Third Scrutiny: the parish community is actively involved in unbinding the elect from whatever holds them in death. And connect to parish life: who in your community needs untying?

"Lord, by now there will be a stench": Martha's practical objection is everyone's objection to resurrection. It's been too long. It's too far gone. The marriage is dead. The faith is cold. The relationship is over. Jesus doesn't accept these assessments. He says: did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God? Preach against the temptation to accept death as final.

Three scrutinies, three gifts: Water (Samaritan woman), sight (man born blind), life (Lazarus). The catechumens have been examined through the lens of each. At the Vigil they will receive all three: the water of Baptism, the light of Christ, and the new life of the Spirit. Connect the arc for the parish.