In the Creed we proclaim, I believe in the resurrection of the body.  As Catholics, we believe that on the last day, our bodies will unite once again with our spirit.  This should give us great hope.  In this the 5^th Sunday of Lent, we have the reading of the raising of Lazarus from John’s gospel, to be read at the noon Mass this Sunday as the OCIA candidates have the third scrutiny.  The last line of the refrain of the hymn, “I am the Bread of Life” by Toolan states, “…and I will raise you up on the last day”.  

In two weeks, we will celebrate Christ’s rising from the dead on Easter Sunday.  Each Sunday is a small Easter Sunday.  Each Sunday, we celebrate Christ’s rising from the dead. If we are the mirror image of the Father, we too will rise with the Son, Jesus on the last day.  What a hopeful message this is as we anticipate that day which we will savor for eternity.

Also from John’s gospel on this Fifth Sunday of Lent, we read the story of the woman caught in adultery from the Cycle C readings at all other Masses this weekend.  This story too talks about the resurrection, as during this season of Lent, like the woman caught in adultery, we are asked to rise from our sins.  With contrite hearts, we turn to our loving and forgiving God for mercy.  It is by God’s mercy, that we rely on.  This too, gives us great hope!  In the words of Sarah Hart’s song, You Alone, “love is you alone”.