ROLL AWAY THE STONE AND COME OUT FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT A funeral director called a man for further instructions about his mother-in-law’s body. “Do you want her embalmed, cremated or buried?” “All the three!’ the man answered promptly. “Do not take any chances”. COMPLETELY FALLEN Our gospel reading for the fifth Sunday of lent is the story of Jesus bringing back Lazarus to life four days after his death. ‘Fourth Day’ has a great theological significance for Jews. According to the rabbinic belief, the soul/ spirit remain with the dead body for three more days after death. On the fourth day, the soul separates from the body and the body begins to decay. Symbolically fourth day represents the picture of a fallen man; someone completely alienated from God, the breath of life. UNWILLING TO GIVE UP We give up, not God. “Don’t go there! There is stench…Situation is too grave.” We too times share the feeling of Martha. God does not! Sometimes he waits at the well for us. At times, he goes out looking for the lost sheep. Even if it requires to travel up to the graveside, he does not care. His love is so great that he wants to give us life in its abundance. Jesus went to the graveside of Lazarus. NOTHING IS TOO GRAVE FOR GOD Nothing is outside the boundaries of God. God can bring forth good out of darkness. He created the universe out of darkness. The prodigal son never thought of a royal welcome from his father. Even when we see no point of return, God sees otherwise. Our problem is that we put limits on the power of God. Trust him, obey Him and then leave the rest for Him; you will see miracles happening. SEEKING OUR HELP God wants to work it out together. Jesus told them to untie Lazarus. Jesus continues this ‘untying ministry’ through the community of the Church. Our salvation is not an individual project. It is a community program. Be part of the community. Seek the help of other part of the Body of Christ Contribute your share to other members of the community