St Pauls Parish Newsletter 29 March  2026

FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT – THE RAISING OF LAZARUS

This Sunday’s Gospel continues our Lenten readings from the Gospel of John and recounts one of Jesus’ most powerful signs: the raising of Lazarus. As those preparing for Baptism draw closer to the Easter Triduum, the Church invites us to reflect deeply on Jesus’ words: “I am the Resurrection and the life.”

The story unfolds amid growing hostility toward Jesus from the Jewish authorities. After being challenged to declare whether he is the Messiah, Jesus points to his works as proof of his mission from God. Many, however, refuse to believe, and tensions escalate.

Against this backdrop, Jesus receives news that his friend Lazarus is gravely ill. Though he loves Lazarus and his sisters, Mary and Martha, Jesus delays his journey. This delay reveals that God’s glory will be shown through what is about to happen. When Jesus finally goes to Bethany, the disciples fear the danger awaiting him, yet they follow.

Martha and Mary both express deep sorrow that Jesus was not there before their brother died, but they also show remarkable faith. Martha proclaims her belief in the resurrection and trusts that God will act through Jesus. At Lazarus’s tomb, Jesus prays and calls Lazarus forth from the grave, demonstrating his power over death. Many witnesses come to believe in him, while others report the event to the authorities, setting in motion the plans for Jesus’ death.

This miracle foreshadows the Resurrection of Jesus himself. Just as the stone is rolled away from Lazarus’s tomb, the stone will be rolled away from Jesus’ tomb. Even as Jesus approaches his own suffering and death, he reveals that God’s power is stronger than death.

For us, this Gospel also points to the meaning of Baptism. In Baptism we die to sin and rise to new life in Christ. United with Jesus, who conquers death, we are given the promise of eternal life. Like Martha and Mary, we are called to profess our faith and trust that Jesus truly is the Resurrection and the life.

   

PARISH DIARY

Sunday 22nd March                   Refreshments after 10am Mass

Monday 23rd March                   7:30pm Scripture Course

Tuesday 24th March                  Church Cleaning & Refreshments after Mass

                                                1:30pm             SVP BINGO

                                                7pm                 Confirmation Catechists

7:30pm             Pre Marriage Course

Wednesday 25th March              10:30am            Welcome Space

                                                7:30pm             A.B.C.

                                                7:30pm             Meditation

Saturday 28th March                  6:15pm             Stations of the Cross

Sunday 29th March                    NO Refreshments after 10am Mass