{"id":70848,"date":"2026-03-21T22:54:12","date_gmt":"2026-03-21T21:54:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dominicasanunciata.org\/?p=70848"},"modified":"2026-03-21T23:14:18","modified_gmt":"2026-03-21T22:14:18","slug":"5th-sunday-of-lent-march-22-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dominicasanunciata.org\/en\/5th-sunday-of-lent-march-22-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"5th SUNDAY OF LENT \u2013 March 22, 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

John 11:1\u201345<\/span><\/p>\n

Time passes and we are already nearing the end of our journey toward Easter. Next Sunday begins Holy Week. During this Lenten journey, we have had opportunities to <\/span>listen<\/span><\/i>, to <\/span>fast<\/span><\/i>, and to grow in <\/span>conversion<\/span><\/i>, as the Pope has invited us. Today, the Word of God leads us to the heart of the mystery of Jesus: <\/span>\u201cI am the resurrection and the life.\u201d<\/b><\/p>\n

We remember how John the Baptist, from prison, sent his disciples to ask Jesus: <\/span>\u201cAre you the one who is to come, or should we expect another?\u201d (cf. Lk 7:22\u201323). And among the signs Jesus gives in response is this decisive one: <\/span>the dead are raised<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

This is precisely the focus of today\u2019s Gospel: the raising of Lazarus. We are struck by the deep friendship and familiarity between Jesus and these three siblings: Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. How often Jesus must have found rest and strength in their home for his mission! Yet, as in every family, suffering and trial come.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Martha and Mary send word to Jesus: \u201cLord, the one you love is ill.\u201d At first, it seems that Jesus does not give importance to the message. He says: \u201cThis illness will not end in death, but is for the glory of God.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

After two days, he decides to go to Judea. The disciples warn him of the danger, since people had recently tried to stone him. But Jesus firmly responds: \u201cAre there not twelve hours in the day? Whoever walks in the light does not stumble.\u201d Then he says: \u201cOur friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I am going to awaken him.\u201d Later he speaks plainly: \u201cLazarus has died. And I am glad for you that I was not there, so that you may believe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

What determination Jesus shows! Returning to Bethany and performing this sign meant exposing himself to death at the hands of the religious authorities. Yet he continues on his way. Even Thomas says: \u201cLet us also go, that we may die with him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

With Martha and Mary, we approach the heart of Easter: <\/span>\u201cLord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.\u201d<\/span>
\n<\/span>And Jesus responds with one of the most profound statements in the Gospel: <\/span>\u201cI am the resurrection and the life.\u201d\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

Deeply moved, Jesus weeps. Then everything unfolds with extraordinary power:<\/span><\/p>\n