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A Reading from the Book of the Prophet Ezekial
Ez 37:12-14
Using the language of vision (the famous vision of the "dry bones"), Ezekial sees the Jews in exile to be as dead as the bones of dead men scattered on a battlefield. The Lord brings these bones back to life, and breathes a new spirit into them and resettles them upon their own land. The prophet refers to the exiles' return to their home country, where they will start a new life.
Reapplied to us today, the message, God's word, is: A Christian who is indifferent and/or disappointed by Church life, confused about changes, a person about to give up, is like those dry bones. God promises: "I will put my spirit in you that you may live." A Christian believes this and can pray: "With the Lord there is mercy and fullness of redemption."
The Responsorial Psalm is that that we put our trust in Jesus because of his love and kindness and that he has done great things for us, so we should be filled with joy and love for him and to be like him.
in your self-giving. He raises up the lowly from the dust; from the dunghill he lifts up the poor. Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. The Lord hears the cry of the poor!
A Reading, From the Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans
Rom 8:8-11
Guided by God, Paul states that those whose are "in the flesh," that is, those who look at life solely from the viewpoint of the flesh, get nowhere. But as a baptized Christian you are not "in the flesh," at least you should not be. If you act as if you are still "in the flesh," you are not your real self. You have not sufficiently died to your old self. The Spirit dwells in you. Let him animate you.
The main point is that as a Christian you should respond to this internal power in you. Only then will you really be alive. Note that Paul uses "Spirit of God," "Spirit of Christ," "Spirit," and even " Christ" interchangeably. In each case the point is the divine indwelling seen as a principle of life.
In the Gospel of John
Jn 11:1-45
John relates Jesus' miracles as "signs," earthly realities that indicate a full reality to come. Inspired by God, what does John wish to indicate by relating this miracle of Jesus? We notice that the evangelist places the Lazarus story just before the passion narrative. Significantly, he remarks: "From that day on they planned to kill Jesus."
This passage teaches: Jesus, calling himself the resurrection and the life, will die to inaugurate the resurrection of human beings. "Just as the Father raises the dead and gives life, so also does the Son give life to whomever he wishes." John suggests that you should put your faith in Jesus as many Jews did when they witnessed the raising of Lazarus.
Newsy Notes
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Deacon Bob Brazier, CRE
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REMEMBER
"CONFIRMATION"
"Remember"
Our next 8th Grade Confirmation Class will be held in Faith Formation Room at 11:15 on March 26th
Remember to have Chapter 11 done and your Saint Project ready to turn in!
Address future PSR and Sacramental Preparation Questions to:
Deacon Bob Brazier at bbrazier@sttm.org
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