Lenten Reflection, 2026 Page 3
Palm Sunday – The Road to the Resurrection
~ Kristina VanSweden, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Matthew 21:1-11
The Eastern Orthodox Church calls the period of Lent “The Bright Sadness.” The Desert Fathers coined the concept and I love this analogy of Lent. The experience of bright sadness came to me as I began to use this time to reflect on Christ’s suffering and death. And yet his light began shining brighter than ever as I deepened my practice of penance, fasting, and reflection, so central to these forty days.
The Palms of Palm Sunday herald Christ as king and savior, just as the Prophet Zechariah foretold in 9:9. All that happened during the time from Palm Sunday to Easter is proof that Christ loves us enough that He would go through terrible, sad suffering and betrayal by His closest friends to show us that there will be suffering in our lives. But there will also be a resurrection.
Many of us have felt the betrayal of those whom we loved. Many have felt the pain of disease, injury, and deep sadness. Few people in our part of the world have been tortured and humiliated to the extent Jesus was. Yet Christ let us know that He walked that path and will walk with us during our suffering all the way to our death and resurrection.
All of Lent is a contrast in opposites: a moment of joy and celebration as Christ rides into Jerusalem, followed by the darkest moment in history. It is a reminder that suffering and surrender sometime lead to the blessing of true victory.
Fifth Sunday of Lent
John 11:1-45 - Raising of Lazarus
Sr. Marla Clercx, Green Bay, WI
In January, I said goodbye to one of my closest friends. In February, I did the same.
Saying goodbye through death to someone we love is difficult. Those who die take
a part of us with them, but also leave a part of themselves with us. Two questions
surface for me as I work through the death of another or think of my own: What
comes next? What do we leave behind?
This Sunday’s Gospel shares the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. Word
comes to Jesus that Lazarus is gravely ill, yet he waits two days before going to him.
It isn’t because he doesn’t care, but rather so that God may be glorified. Both Martha
and Mary upon seeing Jesus say out of trust, “Lord, if you had been here our brother would
not have died.” He asks Martha if she believes her brother will live and she states she knows
he will in the resurrection on the last day. Belief in eternal life was a reality for them.
In hearing this story, we ask ourselves, “So, what comes next for us?” We too, are promised eternal life. We are in God’s presence in the here and now. Then, we will see God face to face and experience the fullness of peace, joy and love.
What do we leave behind? That’s up to each of us. Jesus left behind many examples of the love of God. He healed, forgave, included, raised up and placed the importance of people over law.
Hopefully, we leave echoes of goodness, forgiveness, concern for the poor, and love of all as our sisters and brothers. Above all may we leave behind lives that speak of the glory of God.
