Homily for March 9, 2008

4th Sunday of Lent,
March 9, 2008

The gospel invites us to enter the story, so that the sacred words can touch our hearts. So we must find where we fit into the story, and listen to Jesus speaking personally to each of us.

Where are we in today’s gospel story. We are Lazarus who has died and is buried. There are many ways that we can die and get buried. Besides the death of the body, our heart and spirit can also loose its life and get buried in darkness. Perhaps we find ourselves in a spiritual darkness today by a life of hatred, lies or violence.
Jesus is the Lifegiver, who calls Lazarus by name to come out of the dark tomb. Jesus also calls all of us out of the darkness of spiritual death into the light.

As we listen to today’s gospel, listen to Jesus calling you by name to come out into the light. Our rite of reconciliation at this Mass is our response to Jesus’ call.

It is important, however, that we believe that Jesus is the Lifegiver, who forgives our sins.
In today’s gospel we are also Martha. Jesus asked Martha, “Do you believe that I have power over death and can give new life to those who suffer death? We should answer with Martha, “Yes, Lord, I do believe in you.”