March 22, 2026, John 11:3-7;20-27;33b-45
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032226.cfm
I will open your graves.
I once heard a TV commentator say, “The difference between a rut and a grave is only about 5 and a half feet.” I thought of that this week while reading the bold and amazing promise that Ezekiel delivers: “Thus says the Lord God, ‘I will open your graves and have you rise from them.’”
What a powerful image. What an intriguing promise. And I have a suspicion that when Jesus came offering life abundant, he wasn’t just talking about release from our physical graves, but also the ruts that deaden our hearts to the needs and welfare of others.
Where do we see people rising from their graves today? Well, maybe it’s at an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting where broken people discover the grace to choose life instead of spiritual death to God and family.
Or it could be at a marriage encounter where a couple that had been drifting apart is falling in love all over again, even better than the first time. Maybe it’s in the heart of a woman who felt she could never find the wherewithal to forgive a friend who had wronged her, but whose heart is eased and strengthened by grace to let go of the old wound.
Or it maybe a parent who lost a child in death and continues to struggle with their loss and their child’s happiness in heaven.
Jesus waited four days to respond to Martha and Mary’s request to save their brother. Like Martha, we may not know how the grief will end or even glorify God. But we can surrender all we are experiencing and trust in Jesus.
Even if a situation seems hopeless and impossible, it isn’t for God. He is there with us, sometimes even weeping, as He did for Lazarus. He bears all our troubles, fears, and desires.
If we find ourselves in a rut or facing what seems like a grave we can’t overcome, pray with Martha: “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you.”
If we have the eyes to see, we’ll notice graves opening all around us—maybe even our own favorite rut.
Love Your Neighbor!
Peace be with you,
Fr. Rick Pilger, IC https://www.rosminians.com/ See Daily Homilies
Contribution from Tim McGrath, Prepare the Word, Fifth Sunday in Lent Cycle A.
Father Rick’s Two Minute Homily for 5th Sunday in Lent A
March 22, 2026, John 11:3-7;20-27;33b-45
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032226.cfm
I will open your graves.
I once heard a TV commentator say, “The difference between a rut and a grave is only about 5 and a half feet.” I thought of that this week while reading the bold and amazing promise that Ezekiel delivers: “Thus says the Lord God, ‘I will open your graves and have you rise from them.’”
What a powerful image. What an intriguing promise. And I have a suspicion that when Jesus came offering life abundant, he wasn’t just talking about release from our physical graves, but also the ruts that deaden our hearts to the needs and welfare of others.
Where do we see people rising from their graves today? Well, maybe it’s at an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting where broken people discover the grace to choose life instead of spiritual death to God and family.
Or it could be at a marriage encounter where a couple that had been drifting apart is falling in love all over again, even better than the first time. Maybe it’s in the heart of a woman who felt she could never find the wherewithal to forgive a friend who had wronged her, but whose heart is eased and strengthened by grace to let go of the old wound.
Or it maybe a parent who lost a child in death and continues to struggle with their loss and their child’s happiness in heaven.
Jesus waited four days to respond to Martha and Mary’s request to save their brother. Like Martha, we may not know how the grief will end or even glorify God. But we can surrender all we are experiencing and trust in Jesus.
Even if a situation seems hopeless and impossible, it isn’t for God. He is there with us, sometimes even weeping, as He did for Lazarus. He bears all our troubles, fears, and desires.
If we find ourselves in a rut or facing what seems like a grave we can’t overcome, pray with Martha: “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you.”
If we have the eyes to see, we’ll notice graves opening all around us—maybe even our own favorite rut.
Love Your Neighbor!
Peace be with you,
Fr. Rick Pilger, IC https://www.rosminians.com/ See Daily Homilies
Contribution from Tim McGrath, Prepare the Word, Fifth Sunday in Lent Cycle A.
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