Lent 5, 2024 – Source:-
Readings
Year B: Jeremiah 31:31–34;
Psalm 51: 3–4, 12–13, 14–15;
Hebrews 5:7–9;
John 12:20–33
“Martha said to him, ‘I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.’ Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life.’” —John 11:24–25
“When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, some two miles away, and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them about their brother. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, while Mary stayed at home. Martha said to Jesus, ‘Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of him.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Your brother will rise again.’ Martha said to him, ‘I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.’ Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?’ She said to him, ‘Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.’
John 11:17-27
Page Summary
The web page context you’re referring to discusses the theme of “Lent with St. Francis” and particularly focuses on the concept of Sister Death as it relates to the Fifth Sunday of Lent. Here are some key takeaways from the page:
- Suddenness of Death: The article reflects on the shock and finality of death, even when it is expected after a long illness, highlighting the human reaction of surprise and loss.
- Resurrection Faith: It touches upon the Christian belief in resurrection, as exemplified by Martha’s conversation with Jesus in John 11:24–25, where Jesus proclaims, “I am the resurrection and the life.”1
- St. Francis’s Perspective: The piece mentions that St. Francis of Assisi added the final verse to his “Canticle of the Creatures” praising Sister Death shortly before his own passing, welcoming death as part of his faith2.
The content is meant to offer a reflection on death from a Franciscan perspective, emphasizing the promise of resurrection and the celebration of life beyond death. References: franciscanmedia.org
Paraphrase
The abruptness and permanence of death often catch us off guard. Even when prolonged illness precedes death, bringing relief to both the sufferer and their family, shock is usually the first response. This shock intensifies with sudden, accidental deaths. Those of us with faith in the resurrection are not exempt from this natural human response.
In speaking to Jesus, Mary’s expression of belief in a future resurrection resonates with us. Intellectually and spiritually, we may accept this truth, yet emotionally and physically, we often struggle with the tangible grief and loss that seem so present and inescapable. Our spiritual journey compels us to harmonise these contrasts.
Death’s impact shifts as we age. Initially a rare and terrifying disruption, it becomes an all-too-familiar burden with time. Our faith’s assurance of resurrection, however, allows us to honour those we’ve lost, affirming that life is the ultimate truth.
Prayer
All praise be yours, my Lord, through Sister Death,
From whose embrace no mortal can escape.
Amen.
www.franciscanmedia.org. (2021). Lent with St. Francis: Sister Death | Franciscan Media. [online] Available at: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/franciscan-spirit-blog/lent-with-st-francis-sister-death/ [Accessed 18 Mar. 2024].