“Lazarus, come out!”

Dear brothers and sisters,

As we continue our Lenten journey, the Word of God today leads us to reflect on one of the most powerful signs in the Gospel: life that overcomes death. The readings speak to us about hope, renewal, and a God who does not accept seeing His people trapped in death, but who comes to give them new life.

The first reading, from the prophet Ezekiel, presents the vision of dry bones. It is a strong image: a people without life, without hope, feeling lost. Yet God promises to open the graves and bring His people back to life. This is not only about physical restoration, but about inner renewal: “I will put my Spirit in you, and you shall live.” God can bring life even where everything seems lost.

Today’s psalm echoes this cry: “With the Lord there is mercy and fullness of redemption” It is the prayer of someone who knows his weakness and waits with trust in the Lord. Even in darkness, God can lift us up.

The second reading, from Saint Paul’s Letter to the Romans, reminds us that the Spirit of God lives in us. We are not meant for death, but for life. The same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead is at work in us and leads us to new life.

In the Gospel, this promise reaches its highest point in the story of the raising of Lazarus. Jesus arrives in Bethany when Lazarus has already been in the tomb for four days. Humanly speaking, everything is over. Martha says, “Lord, if you had been here…” These words express our own feelings at times, when we think God has come too late.

But Jesus is never late. He comes at the right moment to reveal something greater. He does not come only to cure an illness, but to show that He is “the resurrection and the life.” Before performing the miracle, He asks for faith: “Do you believe this?” Faith opens the door for new life.

When Jesus cries out, “Lazarus, come out!” He is not only calling a dead man back to life. He is calling each one of us to come out of our own tombs: sin, resentment, sadness, lack of hope, spiritual routine. Many times we may be alive on the outside, but dead within. During this Lent, Jesus calls us by name and invites us to live again.

Today’s readings remind us that God does not accept our spiritual death. He opens graves, gives His Spirit, and calls us to new life. Lent is the time when the Lord wants to free us from whatever keeps us trapped.

Brothers and sisters, let us allow Jesus to come close to our tomb and listen to His voice calling us to life. Let us not be afraid to come out. May this Lent be a true passage from death to life, trusting that with the Lord there is mercy and abundant redemption. Amen.