Good News A16 5th Sunday in Lent,John 11:1-7,17-45, Lazarus Come Out

Cycle A

Good News A16

Fifth Sunday in Lent

John 11:1-7,17-45 New American Bible

John 11:1-7,17-45 Bible Gateway New International Version

“Lord, if you had been here my brother would not have died.”

Jesus was so sad at the death of Lazarus that he cried. He was showing us his humanity in feeling such great sorrow that he cried real tears. He allowed Lazarus to die so that he could show God’s glory by asking God to raise Lazarus from the dead. Many of the Jews believed in Jesus because they saw him raise Lazarus from the dead. If you believe in Jesus, you will never die. You will have eternal life with Jesus in Heaven. It is an act of mercy to bury the dead. It is expensive today to bury someone. Catholic Social Services in Charlotte, NC (704-370-6155) collects donations to help pay for the funerals of people who had no money to leave to pay for their funerals. You can send money to them to help pay for the funerals of poor people. God wants you to be merciful and pray for the dead. Whenever you hear that someone has died, or see a hearse pass by in a funeral procession, take time to pray for the person who died. In your prayers ask God to have mercy on their souls, forgive them all of their sins, and take them to live with him for all forever. God will be so proud of you because you showed mercy and compassion to others who died. He will say, “You are following the path I have shown you. I love you, good and faithful servant.”

“Our Father, who art in Heaven,

Hallowed be Thy name.

Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done,

On earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day, our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses,

As we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.”