Dear Brothers and Sisters,

We are moving ever closer to the great feast of Easter. Today’s gospel relates the story of the raising of Lazarus. It is a very powerful moment in the gospel and John in his writing spends a great deal of time on this event. Apart from the passion narrative, it is the longest continuous narrative in John’s gospel. This should be a clue to us how important it is. As with the other narratives in John’s gospel,we have the telling of the story of the event itself, but the event also has a profound spiritual meaning. This event speaks to the saving work of Christ who not only brings back physical life, but brings eternal life to our souls. Jesus calls out our name – he calls us out of our tombs to be alive in him. He calls us each by name and as he calls our name he unbinds us from our sins. He then sets us free to live anew way of life enlivened by the Holy Spirit.

Perhaps you feel that your faith is weak or even dead. If that is the case, the Lord calls you by name and wants to lead you out of the tomb to the glory of resurrection. May we all hear his voice and respond to his cry of love so that our hearts may be enlivened to know his love and share his love.

God bless,
Fr. Tony