5th Sunday of Lent

Theme

Jesus’ coming late to Lazarus’ funeral was at the risk of his own death, but he promises resurrection and eternal life to all who trust in him. The death and new life theme also runs through today’s readings; in the first reading, the whole nation of Israel during their long exile felt like a dried-up corpse; and for St Paul, the dynamic of dying and rising with Christ is at the heart of each Christian’s life.