JESUS, RESURRECTION AND LIFE
Today’s readings are a reminder of how God wishes to release us from all that holds us back from him, whether it be sin, despair or the grave itself. God desires to carry us from the emptiness of death, in all its forms, to new life in the Spirit.
In the First Reading, the prophet Ezekiel tells how God will call us, even from the very grave, to offer us the Spirit of life. We will be brought back home to ourselves, and settled on our own soil. The Psalm shows this same upward movement, from the depths of despair and guilt, to the joy and the fullness of life brought about through redemption. The Second Reading reveals how this new life is possible – only by Christ living in us. We, ourselves, will be home to the Spirit of God.
The Gospel recalls the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. Jesus is Resurrection and life and we will see God’s glory when we have faith in him. Perhaps, this week, we might feel called to renew our belief in the one who is Resurrection and fullness of life, and to ponder anew the gifts of life, freedom and joy which the Lord freely offers. What might life in his Spirit look like in the coming week?
Source: Scripture reflection prepared for St Beuono's Outreach, Diocese of Wrexham UK available at www.australiancatholics.com.au