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GOSPEL | John 11:1–45
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EVERY DAY QUESTION
What struck you? Challenged you? Inspired you? What questions did it raise?
GOING DEEPER
Are you alive in Christ—or just spiritually surviving?
This Fifth Sunday of Lent brings us to the climactic sign of Jesus’ public ministry: the raising of Lazarus.
It’s more than a miracle of physical resurrection—it’s a soul-piercing revelation of the One who is Resurrection and Life. And it challenges us deeply: Are we truly alive? Or have we settled into spiritual numbness—going through motions, even in faith—while part of us lies wrapped in burial cloths?
Jesus' delay is jarring. He doesn’t rush to heal. Instead, He allows death—and grief—to unfold. Why?
Because in that raw place, where human hope fails, divine glory breaks in. And so it often is in our lives.
God permits seasons of silence or suffering not because He’s absent, but because He’s preparing resurrection.
The attribute most challenged here? Hope in the face of delay. In marriages, it shows up when a spouse prays for healing or change that seems eternally stalled. In families, it’s in the child you’ve pleaded over for years, still wandering. In ourselves, it’s the hidden sin or struggle we feel we’ll never conquer.
Modern data reinforces this: chronic emotional delay—waiting for reconciliation, breakthrough, or peace—can lead to a state psychologists call “learned helplessness,” where we stop trying, assuming nothing will change (Seligman, 1975). This is not just psychological—it’s spiritual. Jesus confronts it at the tomb: “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”
Martha believes in a distant resurrection. Jesus brings her hope into the present. He doesn’t just offer a timeline—He offers Himself: “I AM the resurrection and the life.”
But even more stunning than the resurrection is Jesus’ tears. The One who will raise Lazarus still weeps. Why? Because love does not rush through pain. It enters it. And in your marriage, your parenting, your burdens—He is not indifferent. He is with you. Weeping. Loving. Calling forth life.
And what does He say to the community? “Untie him and let him go.” That’s our mission as spouses, parents, siblings in faith: help one another shed the grave clothes—old habits, sins, shame—and walk free.
The Catechism (CCC 1002) affirms: “Christ will raise us up ‘on the last day’; but it is also true that, in a certain way, we have already risen with Christ.” The resurrection isn’t just future—it begins now in every act of trust, every confession, every family prayer where the stone is rolled back and grace walks in.
Today, will you believe? Will you call out? Will you help someone walk out of their tomb?
LIFE APPLICATION QUESTIONS
Believing through delay: Where in your life have you been waiting on God to show up? How is He inviting you to trust even before you see the answer?
Bringing resurrection home: What spiritual “grave clothes” might you or your loved ones still be wrapped in? How can you help “untie” and free them in prayer or love?
Praying boldly as a family: Are you praying together regularly—especially over one another? How might this simple act become the stone rolled away for someone’s breakthrough?
LIVE IT
Going around, affirm one particular way that person has inspired you by bringing hope, healing, or freedom to others—especially in your home or community. Encourage him/her.
LORD JESUS CHRIST,
You made me for Yourself—
to know You, to love You, and to live for You now and through all eternity.
I believe in You. I seek You. I trust in You.
Help me recognize that You are my greatest provision for every poverty.
Help me to see Your Hand in every moment of this day, whether joyful or painful.
Grant me the grace to embrace this day
as a custom-designed retreat,
crafted for ever-deepening encounter with You.
May I recognize my unsurpassed mission:
to make You—who are Love—known and present to the world.
Help me Live IT!
DAILY PARENT & GRANDPARENT BLESSING
LORD JESUS CHRIST, let your holy anointing be upon each of our children, grandchildren, and godchildren this day and week (listed below-- please add yours), including all to whom they are called in vocation, and all future generations! In Your Sacred Name we claim them for You! We renounce all whispers, lies, and influences of the Enemy! We pray right now that each know Your loving Presence, be forged in virtue, and be flooded with an abundance of Your Holy Spirit to live fully their identity and mission in You now and through all eternity, through the intercession of our Blessed Mother! Amen.
DAILY PARENT BLESSING PROJECT
JOIN US IN LIVING IT. http://ILoveMyFamily.us
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