On this fifth Sunday of Lent, the liturgy places before us the last and most magnificent sign of Jesus in the Fourth Gospel: the resurrection of Lazarus (Jn 11:1–45). This episode constitutes the climax of the revelation of Jesus as Lord of life, preparing our hearts for the mystery of His Pascha, Passion, Death, and Resurrection. In Bethany, friendship, lamentation, and faith encounter the power of God who restores all things.
To help you pray with this Gospel, we present below five points that we reflected on in the podcast, which you may watch to deepen your meditation. Notice the characteristics of each person or group of people (the Jews) that we commented on in the podcast and that may give you further points (rhemas) for your prayer.
- Lazarus: The sick man, the beloved, the “sleep” of death, and the one raised
Lazarus represents each of us in our fragility, illnesses, and need for salvation. He is the beloved friend for whom Jesus weeps, but also the one who experiences finitude and the “corruption” of the tomb. Upon arriving on the fourth day, the text emphasizes that “there is already a stench” (Jn 11:39), symbolizing the state of sin and desolation that appears irreversible to human eyes. Lazarus reminds us that even when hope seems to “sleep” or die, the love of the Master remains active. Jesus is Lord of time and of Life.
- Mary: Sorrow at the Lord’s feet
Mary of Bethany personifies the soul that casts itself at the Lord’s feet with its sorrows. Her sincere and profound weeping moves Jesus and draws His mercy. Kneeling before Jesus and saying to Him, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died” (Jn 11:32), she expresses the pain of loss united with trust in Christ’s presence. Jesus’ encounter with Mary teaches us that our sorrow is not indifferent to God. He shares in our tears in order to transform them into seeds of new life.
- Martha: “The Teacher is here and is calling you”
Martha reveals herself as a woman of mature and resolute faith. She goes out to meet Jesus while He is still outside the city, professing her belief in the resurrection. It is her mission to bring the central message to her sister: “The Teacher is here and is calling you” (Jn 11:28). This call resounds for us today: Jesus is present in our “Bethanies,” inviting us to come out of paralysis and discouragement into a life grounded in His presence. Even though she had previously affirmed Jesus’ divine sonship, when He commands that the stone be removed from the tomb, she questions Him: “Lord, there is already a stench. He has been dead four days” (Jn 11:39). And then Jesus reminds her of the precious gift of faith: “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” (Jn 11:40).
- The Jews: Witnesses, believers, and unbelievers
The group of the Jews represents the community that observes and reacts to the work of God. They are witnesses to Jesus’ weeping and love for Lazarus and to the miracle that follows. Their reaction is divided: many come to believe when they see the great sign, while others close themselves in unbelief. They remind us that the signs of God require from us a choice and an openness of heart to receive the faith and the truth that sets free.
- Jesus: Prayer, Authority, and Liberation
Jesus manifests His humanity by weeping and His divinity by acting. Before the miracle, He raises a prayer of thanksgiving to the Father, teaching us that the Christian life is filial communion. With authority, He gives the commands that restore life: “Take away the stone,” “Lazarus, come forth!” and “Unbind him.” Jesus reveals Himself as the Resurrection itself. His work extends beyond the life restored, reaching total liberation from everything that prevents us from walking.
Steps of Lectio Divina
- Reading (lectio): Read John 11:1–45 slowly. Notice the feelings and attitudes of each character and the progression of the dialogue up to the moment of the miracle.
- Meditation (meditatio): In what area of my life do I feel like Lazarus, bound by strips of sin or discouragement? Am I aware that Jesus calls me by name to come out of every kind of tomb? How do I respond today to the invitation: “The Teacher is here and is calling you”? Do I believe in the Lord of life, or have I closed myself off in my doubts?
- Prayer (oratio): Pray, for example, in this way: “Lord Jesus, Life of my life, come to meet my illnesses and deaths. Call my name and give me strength to come out of the darkness of selfishness. Father of love and goodness, I give You thanks because You always hear me; increase my faith in Christ’s victory over all evil. Consoling Spirit, encourage me in my sorrows and pains…” (continue your prayer as the Spirit inspires you).
- Contemplation (contemplatio): Adore Christ, the Conqueror of death and Giver of Life. Contemplate Jesus before the tomb, acting with authority, bringing the dead to life and opening us to eternal life. Feel the freedom of being “unbound” by His merciful hands.
- Action (actio): Identify this week a “strip” or a “tomb” (a vice, a resentment, or a fear) and make a concrete gesture of change, responding to Jesus’ call to live in the freedom of the children of God.
