{"id":28807,"date":"2026-03-16T00:27:56","date_gmt":"2026-03-16T00:27:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lectiodivina.com.au\/?p=28807"},"modified":"2026-03-18T02:41:38","modified_gmt":"2026-03-18T02:41:38","slug":"lectio-reflection-fifth-sunday-of-lent","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lectiodivina.com.au\/?p=28807","title":{"rendered":"Lectio Reflection – Fifth Sunday of Lent"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Raising of Lazarus<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

John 11:1-45 (Year A – 2026)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n


Introduction: Approaching the Mystery of Easter<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As we move toward the end of our Lenten journey, the Church places before us one of the most profound signs in the Gospel of John: the raising of Lazarus. This passage stands on the threshold of the Passion. In fact, it is the final great sign before Jesus enters Jerusalem for the events that will lead to His death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For that reason, this Gospel must be read with Easter already in view. While the story seems to focus on Lazarus, its real purpose is to reveal who Jesus is. John repeatedly tells us that everything Jesus does is meant to reveal the glory of God so that we may believe<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The raising of Lazarus is therefore not simply a miracle story. It is a revelation – a glimpse of the life that Jesus brings into the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Delay That Reveals God\u2019s Glory<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The story begins with distressing news. Lazarus, a close friend of Jesus, is seriously ill. Mary and Martha send word to Jesus with a message that is simple but deeply moving: \u201cLord, the one you love is sick.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yet Jesus does something surprising. Instead of going immediately, He remains where He is for two more days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At first this seems difficult to understand. If Jesus loves Lazarus, why wait? But Jesus explains that this illness will become an occasion for revealing the glory of God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In John\u2019s Gospel, glory is always connected with revelation<\/strong> – moments when the identity of Jesus becomes unmistakably clear. The delay allows something greater to unfold: a deeper understanding of who Jesus is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jesus even tells the disciples that He is glad He was not there, because through what is about to happen they will come to believe more deeply<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Faith, in John\u2019s Gospel, grows through encounter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Walking in the Light<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As Jesus prepares to return to Judea, the disciples are anxious. Only recently people there had attempted to stone Him. Going back is dangerous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jesus responds with an image that is typical of John\u2019s Gospel: walking in the light. Those who walk in the daylight do not stumble because they see clearly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The deeper meaning becomes clear when we remember that earlier in John\u2019s Gospel Jesus has declared, \u201cI am the light of the world.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

To walk in the light is therefore to walk with Christ, trusting the path He reveals even when the journey appears risky or uncertain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thomas\u2019 remark – \u201cLet us also go, that we may die with him\u201d<\/em> – reminds us that discipleship often involves courage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Encounter with Martha<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When Jesus arrives in Bethany, Martha goes out to meet Him. Martha often appears in the Gospels as the practical and active one, but here she becomes a voice of deep faith.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Her first words carry both sorrow and trust:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is a statement that many believers recognise. Faith does not remove grief or questions. It exists alongside them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jesus tells her that her brother will rise again. Martha interprets this according to the traditional Jewish belief in a resurrection on the last day. But Jesus leads her to a deeper understanding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am the resurrection and the life.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is one of the central declarations in the Gospel of John. Resurrection is not only something that happens at the end of time; it is embodied in Jesus Himself. To believe in Him is already to participate in eternal life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When Martha responds with her confession – that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God – she becomes one of the clearest voices of faith in the entire Gospel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Humanity of Jesus<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The story then shifts to Mary and the mourners gathered around her. Like Martha, Mary says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Their grief moves Jesus deeply. John tells us that He is \u201cdistressed in spirit and profoundly moved.\u201d Then we encounter the shortest verse in the Bible:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cJesus wept.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These words reveal something essential about the Incarnation. Jesus is not distant from human sorrow. Even though He knows what He is about to do, He fully enters into the grief of those He loves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This moment allows us to glimpse both the humanity and the divinity of Christ –<\/strong> the compassion of a friend and the power of the Son of God existing together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Stone and the Tomb<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When Jesus arrives at the tomb, He asks that the stone be rolled away. Martha hesitates, pointing out that Lazarus has already been dead four days. Her response reflects the realism of human experience – death seems final.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yet Jesus gently reminds her:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIf you believe, you will see the glory of God.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before performing the miracle, Jesus prays to the Father. In John\u2019s Gospel, Jesus consistently emphasises that He acts in unity with the Father. The prayer is spoken aloud so that those present may understand that what is happening comes from God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then Jesus calls out:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLazarus, come out.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The man who was dead emerges from the tomb, still wrapped in burial cloths. Jesus tells the people standing there to unbind him and let him go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The miracle itself is almost understated compared with the long conversation that precedes it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Sign That Points Forward<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The raising of Lazarus is extraordinary, but John\u2019s Gospel invites us to see that it points beyond itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lazarus returns to life, but he will eventually die again. The deeper sign is that Jesus Himself will soon enter death and rise to a life that cannot end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In that sense, the story of Lazarus prepares us for Easter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The message is clear: the life that Jesus brings is stronger than death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eternal Life Begins Now<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One statement from this Gospel often stays with me:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhoever lives and believes in me will never die.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course we know that physical death remains part of human experience. But John speaks about a deeper reality. Eternal life begins now through our relationship with Christ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As we grow older and become more conscious of life\u2019s limits, this truth becomes increasingly meaningful. Death is not the end of the story. It is a passage into the fullness of the life we already share with Christ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Questions for Reflection<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As we approach Holy Week, this Gospel invites us to reflect deeply:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • What \u201cstones\u201d in my life might need to be rolled away so that new life can emerge?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • How does my faith shape the way I face suffering, loss, and uncertainty?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Do I truly believe that Christ is already the source of eternal life?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    The raising of Lazarus reminds us that God\u2019s glory is often revealed precisely where hope appears to have ended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Prayer – Fifth Sunday of Lent<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    By your help, we beseech you, Lord our God,
    may we walk eagerly in the same charity
    with which, out of love for the world,
    your Son handed himself over to death.
    Through Christ our Lord. Amen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Bishop David Walker<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    The Raising of Lazarus John 11:1-45 (Year A – 2026) Introduction: Approaching the Mystery of Easter As we move toward the end of our Lenten journey, the Church places before us one of the most profound signs in the Gospel of John: the raising of Lazarus. This passage stands on the threshold of the Passion. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":28808,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"content-type":"","_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[6,17],"tags":[38,45,26,44,24,55,8,32,50,41,25,51,34,54,47,31,42,39,48,46,52,40,37,35,28,43,53,36,27,33,29],"class_list":["post-28807","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-bishop-david-walker","category-newsletter","tag-ancient-wisdom","tag-contemplative-prayer","tag-enlightenment","tag-guided-meditation","tag-inner-peace","tag-introspection","tag-lectio-divina","tag-lectio-divina-for-beginners","tag-life-transformation","tag-meditation-guide","tag-meditation-mastery","tag-meditation-tips","tag-mindfulness","tag-mindfulness-meditation","tag-mindfulness-practices","tag-mindfulness-techniques","tag-personal-development","tag-reflect-and-transform","tag-reflective-living","tag-sacred-reading","tag-self-discovery","tag-self-help","tag-soulful-journey","tag-soulful-living","tag-spiritual-awakening","tag-spiritual-growth","tag-spiritual-guide","tag-spiritual-insights","tag-spiritual-practice","tag-spiritual-reflection","tag-transformative-journey"],"aioseo_notices":[],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/lectiodivina.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Come-out-of-the-tomb.jpg",600,366,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/lectiodivina.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Come-out-of-the-tomb-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/lectiodivina.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Come-out-of-the-tomb-300x183.jpg",300,183,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/lectiodivina.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Come-out-of-the-tomb.jpg",600,366,false],"large":["https:\/\/lectiodivina.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Come-out-of-the-tomb.jpg",600,366,false],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/lectiodivina.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Come-out-of-the-tomb.jpg",600,366,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/lectiodivina.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Come-out-of-the-tomb.jpg",600,366,false],"menu-24x24":["https:\/\/lectiodivina.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Come-out-of-the-tomb-24x15.jpg",24,15,true],"menu-36x36":["https:\/\/lectiodivina.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Come-out-of-the-tomb-36x22.jpg",36,22,true],"menu-48x48":["https:\/\/lectiodivina.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Come-out-of-the-tomb-48x29.jpg",48,29,true]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"Lectio Divina","author_link":"https:\/\/lectiodivina.com.au\/?author=1"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"The Raising of Lazarus John 11:1-45 (Year A – 2026) Introduction: Approaching the Mystery of Easter As we move toward the end of our Lenten journey, the Church places before us one of the most profound signs in the Gospel of John: the raising of Lazarus. This passage stands on the threshold of the Passion.…","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lectiodivina.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28807","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lectiodivina.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lectiodivina.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lectiodivina.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lectiodivina.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=28807"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/lectiodivina.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28807\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":28809,"href":"https:\/\/lectiodivina.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28807\/revisions\/28809"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lectiodivina.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/28808"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lectiodivina.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=28807"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lectiodivina.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=28807"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lectiodivina.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=28807"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}