Lenten Reflection, 2026 Page 3
​
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.
