Ezekiel 37:12-14 Psalm 130 Romans 8:8-11 John 11:1-45
SPIRIT AND LIFE
The past two Sundays we have seen the themes of water and light. Today is that of life, specifically new life. The prophet Ezekiel refers to restoration and life. In the gospel, Jesus proclaims resurrection and life. The role of the Spirit to bring new life is brought out, especially in the second reading. It calls to mind the saying of Jesus, "It is the Spirit who gives life" (John 6:63).
EZEKIEL
Our first reading is Ezekiel's description of the dry bones coming together. Most of us are familiar with this passage if for no other reason than singing the old spiritual, "Dem Bones." Ezekiel's prophecy is of the restoration of the nation after the Babylonian Exile. The Lord promises: "I will put my spirit in you that you may live." The Spirit of the Lord is what gives life to the dead, dry bones.
The Responsorial, Psalm 130, is a traditional prayer asking the Lord's mercy upon the deceased.
GOSPEL
Our gospel today is long and full of drama - the news about Lazarus' declining condition; Jesus' delay; the apostles' fear for Jesus' safety; Thomas' brave offer to "go and die with him" - and that's just for starters!
Today's gospel contains some striking declarations. First, Jesus says: "I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live." And Martha's profession of faith: " Yes, Lord, I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world."
Then the drama only heightens as Jesus begins to weep, then approaches the tomb and orders the stone to be removed. After thanking his Father for hearing him, Jesus calls for Lazarus to come out! Lazarus dies so, but is still bound. Jesus orders that he be untied and set free. For those who witnessed it, that must have been a sight to behold!
As with other signs and wonders of Jesus, the end result is that many begin to believe in him.
ROMANS
Our second reading is about the importance of the Holy Spirit. If the Spirit of God dwells in us, we are not in the flesh. For those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
It is the Spirit who gives life and it is the Holy Spirit who guarantees our resurrection.
FOUR DAYS LATE
There is a gospel song about the raising of Lazarus and the refrain is, "When he's four days late, he's still on time." It is not uncommon for us to feel that the Lord is "late" in answering our prayers or sending his help. But this gospel reminds us that the Lord always has his purposes in mind and his own inscrutable timetable for fulfilling them.
The raising of Lazarus is an immediate prelude to the events of Holy Week, when it would seem that God did not act in time to save Jesus from his cruel sufferings and death on the cross. But God's purpose was not to save Jesus from death but rather to raise him out of death.
As the gospel song reminds us, even when Jesus is four days late, he's still on time! Praise the Lord!