Fifth Sunday of Lent

Today's Readings

John 11:1-45

There are times in life when each of us needs to begin anew. We recognize that our former ways are hurting us or preventing us from being who we desire to be. We need a fresh beginning, a new way of thinking, acting and living. Such newness of life will demand a deep personal change.

On Ash Wednesday, we embraced the discipline of Lent—prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Lent is a time to be made new again in the Lord. If we are going to be made new, we have to be willing to change the way we think, act and live. All of our Lenten works must flow from and lead to that change in order that we may be a new people. 

The scripture readings of the Lenten seasons lead us on the path of change. Through the prophet Isaiah we are called to see the new way in which God treats his people. The power of God that snuffed out the lives of the enemies of Israel will now bring life where there is barrenness and death. The same power of God can bring life and holiness where there is sin and death. God wants us to know that his mercy can make us new again. We must be willing to perceive it, believe it, and embrace it. 

Msgr. John Bracken 

Member of the St. Francis College Board of Trustees