5^th SUNDAY OF LENT 25^th/26^th MARCH 2023

Dear Parishioners,

We are in the 5^th Sunday of Lent. Jesus has invited us to do a journey with him in this Lenten season. A journey identifying the temptations that appear on our way to believe in Him. The Transfiguration is a constant invitation to recognise who Jesus is, the Son of God, a Friend, our Saviour, whom we can trust totally.

Then in this Lenten journey He makes clear that He is the one who comes to us, who looks out for us in our needs. He does not have prejudices towards us. He is the one who takes the initiative to be closer to us because He cares for us. He came to the Samaritan woman at the well and offered her the water of eternal life. He came to the blind man and gave him sight, gave him light.

This Sunday we have Lazarus’ story. When Jesus heard that Lazarus had died He came to his tomb. He called him from the tomb, from death, to new life. He not only gave new life to Lazarus, but also to those who were witnesses and especially to Martha and Mary. Jesus opened a new path, a new life in each one of them. Something that they never thought possible.

There are many situations in our lives that we dream about. Things that would be wonderful but are impossible. Jesus is inviting us to believe that new paths are open for us within our lives, paths that we couldn’t imagine but for Him are possible.

Can you imagine that you are at the Well in Samaria, at the Pool of Siloam, or at the Tomb of Lazarus? There we can receive from Jesus the water of life, the sight to see and the new and eternal life He has promised us.

We can help us each other in our community, in our families to listen to His Word so that we are aware that He is accompanying us in our lives. As Holy week is approaching we pray that we will be open to His presence among us and deepened our faith in Him.

As we heard in the first reading from the prophet Ezekiel, just like Lazarus, there is the promise of new life given to the people. The Psalm 129 is full of the promise of mercy, redemption and newness of life. St Paul in his letter to the Romans tells us that the spirit of Jesus gives the promise of eternal life.

All of these wonderful truths will be highlighted for us in Holy Week and Easter.

Have a good week,

Anabel Gonzalez, FMVD