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He Will Raise Us Up

March 26, 2023

Fifth Sunday of Lent

Jesus was “perturbed and deeply troubled” at the death of Lazarus. The Greek word used here roughly translates to “snorted in spirit.” It’s a combination of being very upset and very angry.

Jesus hates death. He loves life. And as the book of Wisdom (Wisdom 1:13-15) tells us, death is not something that God made. Even so, death is a certainty for all of us in this life, and Lent is a good time to confront its frightening reality. It’s also a very good time to remember that God has promised to raise us from the dead, and that he is faithful to his word.

When we lose someone we love, Jesus knows our pain. He shares our hatred of death, but he does not fear death; instead, he conquers it. He promised that everyone who is baptized in his death is also baptized in his resurrection.

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Read

Ezekiel 37:12-14

O my people, I will open your graves and have you rise from them.

Psalm 130

With the Lord there is mercy and fullness of redemption.

Romans 8:8-11

The one who raised Christ from the dead will give you life, too.

John 11:1-45

Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead.

Talk

Has your family lost someone over the past year? Is your family worried about losing someone in the year to come? Ask your children what they think about the Gospel story of Jesus raising Lazarus. See if they noticed that Jesus was very upset at the death of his friend.

Also, share with your children the line from Scripture, “God did not make death.” (Wisdom 1:13) Let them know that God delights in us and has promised to raise us up.

Being baptized as a Christian means receiving a promise that Jesus will raise us from our death into his life. Remind your family of this promise so they will be prepared to be encouraged by Easter even in Lent.

Go Deeper

If you need encouragement to continue your Lenten Discipline, check out this NW Catholic article:

Holding Out Until the End

Check out the Archdiocese of Seattle’s Lenten Reflect and Renew webpage for information on how to celebrate the season of Lent.

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Welcome to the Faith Retriever, Fetching the Good News for your family with Deacon Eric Paige. Deepen your relationship with Jesus by listening to voices and perspectives from our local Church.