Homily for the Fifth Sunday of Lent (Year A)
Ezekiel 37:12–14; Psalm 130; Romans 8:8–11; John 11:1–45
“Called Out of the Tomb: From Death to Life in Christ”
As we approach the final days of Lent, the Church places before us one of the most dramatic and hope-filled moments in the Gospel: the raising of Lazarus. This is not just a miracle story—it is a revelation. It tells us who Jesus is, and more importantly, what He desires to do in each of us. We are not simply preparing to remember Easter. We are preparing to experience resurrection.
1. God Enters Our Tombs, Not Just Our Triumphs
In the Gospel, Jesus does something deeply human—He weeps. Standing before the tomb of Lazarus, He does not remain distant or untouched. He enters into grief, loss, and sorrow. This matters. Because many of us carry tombs within us:
- grief that has not healed
- sins we think are unforgivable
- habits we feel powerless to change
- spiritual dryness or silence from God
The first lesson is this: God is not afraid of your tomb.
In the first reading, the Lord says through Ezekiel: “I will open your graves and have you rise from them.” God does not wait for us to fix ourselves before coming near. He comes precisely when things feel dead. And Psalm 130 echoes this cry: “Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord.” Not from strength—but from the depths.
2. Jesus Calls Us by Name Out of Death
When Jesus arrives, Lazarus has already been dead four days. Humanly speaking, it is over. Even Martha says, “Lord, by now there will be a stench.” Yet Jesus insists. He stands before the tomb and cries out: “Lazarus, come out!” This is not a general call—it is personal.
The second lesson: Christ calls each of us by name out of whatever binds us.
Not: “Someone come out”
But: “You… come out.”
And notice—Lazarus comes out still bound in burial cloths. Resurrection begins, but the process of freedom continues. Jesus then tells the community:
“Untie him and let him go.” This reminds us: God raises us, but He also places us in a community to help us be fully freed. We are not meant to walk alone.
3. The Spirit Gives Life Where Death Once Reigned
Saint Paul tells us in Romans:
“If the Spirit of the One who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you… He will give life to your mortal bodies.” The third lesson is this: Resurrection is not only future, it is already at work within us. The Spirit of God:
- breathes life into our prayer
- strengthens us against sin
- restores hope when we feel defeated
Christianity is not about managing death—it is about receiving divine life. Even now!
What Tomb Must You Leave Behind?
As we prepare for Holy Week, this Gospel becomes a question directed personally to each of us:
- What tomb am I still living in?
- What stone have I allowed to remain sealed?
- What part of my life have I declared “too far gone”?
Jesus stands before it today.
And He says:
“Take away the stone.”
“Come out.”
Lent is not just about repentance—it is about resurrection.
So let us not be afraid to let Him in.
Let us not resist His voice.
Let us not remain in what He has already conquered.
Because the One who wept…
is the same One who calls us to life.
And His voice still raises the dead. Even now!
