​​​​​Holy Infant Catholic Church

Father Michaels Weekly Thoughts

WEEKLY THOUGHTS FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT MARCH 22nd, 2026.

            Dear friends, welcome to the Celebration of the 5th Sunday of our Lenten journey. We will be celebrating next Sunday the Holy Week beginning with Palm Sunday. Thank you all who turned up to celebrate St. Patrick on March 17th and St Joseph March 19th Feast Days,

            The Gospel Reading of last Sunday, John 9:1-41 was about the healing of the man, blind at birth, by Jesus. He healed his physical blindness and his spiritual blindness as he was able to recognize Jesus as the Messiah. The religious leaders of the time remained blinded by their legalism and hatred to kill Jesus. However, some believed in him and became his disciples.

            The Gospel Reading, John 11: 1-45 is about the sign or miracle of Jesus raising Lazarus from death to life after staying four days in the tomb. Jesus had participated in the celebration of the feast of the Dedication in Jerusalem. The people were pressing on Jesus to declare himself the Messiah. Jesus instead advised them to look for the signs that announced the reign of God- like raising the dead.

            We are told that word had been sent to Jesus by Martha and Mary about the illness of Lazarus their brother. Jesus delayed arriving at the home of Martha and Mary. Lazarus died and was laid to rest.

            Like in the episode of the healing of the man blind from birth; which was not a result of his sin nor his parents; but for the disposition or show the glory of God. Jesus similarly referred to the sickness and death of Lazarus for the glorification of God. “This illness is not to end in death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” (Jn 11: 4)

            The atmosphere at Bethany was characterized by grief, sadness and tears. The wailing and weeping Martha met Jesus in the vicinity with words; “if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” Jesus assured Martha and Mary, “ I am the resurrection and the life, whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (Jn 11:25-26) “Yes Lord I have come to believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world.’’ Martha affirms her belief in the resurrection of the dead on the last days.

            Mary joined in the same plea- Jesus could have prevented the death of Lazarus. Jesus grieves as well as he sheds tears. Jesus visits the tomb. He calls out Lazarus to come out of the tomb and orders all wrapping be removed.

                        The raising of Lazarus added even more animosity and hate among the religious leaders who resolved to kill Jesus and Lazarus as well.  In contrast, the raising of Lazarus brought great joy to Martha and Mary.

            The Gospel calls upon us believers to reflect on our Baptism. It invites us to die to sin and rise to life in the waters of Baptism. Like Martha and Mary, let us believe in Jesus as our resurrection and life eternal.

            Have a great week.