As we draw closer to the great mystery of Easter, the readings for this Fifth Sunday of Lent invite us to stand at the threshold between death and life, despair and hope. The prophet Ezekiel speaks to a people who believed their story was over – exiled, broken, and without a future. Yet the Lord declares, “O my people, I will open your graves and have you rise from them.” This is not merely a promise for some distant day; it is God’s assurance that no tomb we find ourselves in – whether grief, sin, fear, or weariness – is beyond His power to open. The breath of God, His very Spirit, is placed within us even now, restoring what feels lost and reviving what seems beyond repair.
That promise finds its fullness in the Gospel account of the raising of Lazarus. Jesus does not remain distant from human suffering; He enters into it, weeping with those who mourn. And yet, He does not leave things there. Standing before the tomb, He calls Lazarus by name, commanding life where death had taken hold. This is the same voice that calls out to each of us. As we continue our Lenten journey, we are invited to trust that Christ is already at work in the dark places of our lives, ready to bring forth new life. But like Lazarus, we must be willing to emerge, to let go of the grave clothes that bind us. May we hear His voice this week and respond with faith, stepping into the freedom and life He so deeply desires for us.
Passiontide begins today. The fifth Sunday of Lent is often referred to as “Passion Sunday,” not Palm Sunday where we read the Passion. This marks the start of a two-week period leading up to Easter, focusing on the Passion and suffering of Jesus Christ. Passiontide has an intensification of the Lenten observances and focus on the events of Holy Week. We cover the crosses and statues with purple cloth during this time as a symbol of mourning and preparation for the sorrowful mysteries of Christ’s Passion. The crosses and statues remind us of heaven and the resurrection, while veiling them helps us to focus on the suffering and Passion. Let us use this time to direct our hearts and walk with Jesus through all the moments of the next week to prepare ourselves for His death and rest in the tomb, while keeping in mind that the story doesn’t end there.
Lastly, the north doors of the parish hall no longer need to be locked or unlocked with a key. They are on a timer and will open at 5:30 a.m. and close at 10 p.m. DO NOT lock or unlock these doors anymore. Soon the Church doors will follow and be on a timer and will not need to be locked or unlocked with the deadbolts. Thank you again to those who made this project possible. It is of utmost importance to keep us all, especially our kids, as well as our Church building safe.
Father Arisman