Word from the Pastor

Fifth Sunday of Lent

I will put my spirit in you that you may live.
Ezekiel 37:12-14, Romans 8:8-11, John 11:1-45

Dear parish family,​

Our Gospel passage from John focuses on two sisters who are struggling in grief. Martha and Mary, friends of Jesus, are troubled because their brother Lazarus is gravely ill. How many of us have been in the same situation of watching a loved one suffering immensely? It is deeply painful to watch someone you love struggle. The uncertainty and precariousness of the situation is overwhelming. ​

In this state, the sisters send word to Jesus. He, too, loves Lazarus and they want him to know that he is ill. Jesus tells them that the illness will not end in death but will be for the glory of God. By the time Jesus finally arrives at their home, Lazarus has already been dead for four days. All hope seems lost. And still, Martha shows extraordinary faith and tells Jesus that if he had been there, she knows her brother would not have died. Yet even now she knows that whatever Jesus asks God, God will give to him. ​

Martha’s incredible faith is a model for us. When we receive unexpected news of a job loss, a loved one’s illness, or experience some other moment of vulnerability or loss, we are called to have faith. Like Martha, we may not have any idea how this situation of grief is going to end or how it could glorify God, but we can put our trust in Jesus. Because Martha has seen the love Jesus has for her and her family, she is able to trust in him fully. ​

As we enter more deeply into prayer during this season of Lent, let us reflect on what we would like to ask God. Just as Jesus loves Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, we know that he loves us. He wants to hear our fears, our desires, and our troubles. Even if a situation seems hopeless or impossible, it is not so for God. God is always there for us. We are his people, and his Spirit lives within each of us. We must believe that just as he loved Mary and Martha and their brother Lazarus, he loves us too, and he will hear the prayers we bring before him in faith. ​

As we turn to our Eucharistic prayer, let us remember that God’s love for us is wide and deep. He has offered himself up for us and invites us to journey with him in life. Trust in Jesus and know that his love for us is true. ​

Fr. Jean Jadotte
Pastor