Jesus: The Lord of Life (HOMILY FOR THE 5TH SUNDAY OF LENT
Homily for the 5th Sunday of Lent Ezekiel 37:12-14. Psalm 130:1-2,,3-4,5-7a,7b-8. Romans 8:8-11. John 11:1-45. Theme: Jesus: The Lord of Life. The practice of covering crosses and images throughout the Church from today may be observed, if the Conference of Bishops so decides. Crosses remain covered until the end of the celebration of the Lord's Passion on Good Friday, but images remain covered until the beginning of the Easter Vigil. The three readings today are centered on the life that God gives to all people. Once there is life, there is hope. Life is essential to the extent that people do everything to preserve life. The first reading introduces us to the theme through the prophecy of Ezekiel that gave Israel the hope of resurrection. God, through prophet Ezekiel, spoke to the dry bones of the Israelites and raised them up, and gave them life once more. As a result of their sins, they were in slavery in a foreign land. God tells these despairing Israelites that all is not los...