Message from our Pastor
Fifth Sunday in Lent
March 17, 2024
Today is the Fifth Sunday of Lent. It is also the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. I also remember that Tuesday we celebrate the Feast of St. Joseph. Easter is only two weeks away and we have all these days to remember along with the work, liturgies, and prayers of Holy Week. Next Sunday we will begin our celebration of Holy Week with Palm Sunday. I thoroughly enjoy all the work, effort, and time that goes into these celebrations. The mystery of Jesus’ Life, Passion, Death, and Resurrection are extremely difficult to put into words, so we use our rituals and prayers.
Today we hear that famous reading from John’s gospel concerning the raising of Lazarus. Jesus’ good friend has died and been buried and Jesus is not in any hurry to be at his friend’s bedside and he eventually arrives in Bethany. Both of Lazarus’ siblings are somewhat angry as they state if Jesus would have arrived earlier, he could have done something about the situation. Jesus reassures them both that this moment will not end in death as he calls forth Lazarus from the tomb. Lazarus who hears the words of the Lord breaks out of his death and tomb and life is restored. They even take off all the burial bands that he has been wrapped in. Lazarus has been set free.
This is the promise of Jesus’ life and death that we will be set free. This world cannot contain the person of Christ. He is and always will be our salvation that brings us to new life. This spoke to me powerfully as I celebrated four funerals this past week and have been at the bedside of several people who are just holding on to this earthly life. I find it difficult at times to convey that message of our salvation because of the grip that grief has on us at the time of a loved one’s death.
Mary and Martha, the sisters of Lazarus were in the heat of grief and their hope was found in Jesus. I have heard many times and have even said in my own life, death is just too unfair. We will never fully understand why we die. Yet, each day God wants us to hope, even in those moments that life has taken the best of us. Jesus’ call of Lazarus back to his earthly life is an indication that his death is for the purpose and glorification of God. I try to realize that in every funeral that I attend or have the honor of celebrating. I hope these last two weeks we can find Jesus amid the confusion, chaos, mess, and even death that we experience.
I hope you had your fill of the pierogies that were sold last week and this weekend. The proceeds will go to our Friday Meals Program at the Cosgrove Center.
Thank you to all those who took the time to make the pierogies. Your efforts to our parish ministry will benefit many of those in the downtown Cleveland area. And just to let you know – the pierogies were excellent.
Thank you to all those who assisted with the St. Patrick’s Day Party. I believe this was the largest crowd we had for this celebration. So much effort and time goes into the preparation, baskets, and the actual dinner. I am grateful for all who helped make this event possible.
Our Easter Food Collection continues through Thursday, March 21st. Easter baskets will be distributed on Saturday, March 23rd. I am always amazed at the generosity of our people here at Divine Word. Thank you for all you do for those in most need.
Next week is Palm Sunday and the beginning of Holy Week. For our Palm Sunday liturgies, we will begin in the Gathering Area with the blessing of the palms and the reading of the gospel where we here of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. We will chant Mark’s gospel account of the Passion and Death of Jesus. Hopefully, this adds a different tone to just a reading of the gospel.
Please pray for those candidates who are preparing to receive the Easter sacraments. They will come into full communion in the Church at the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday evening. I always look forward to this powerful moment of entering the mystery of Jesus’ Death and Resurrection.
As we continue towards Holy Week these last few days, I hope your Lenten journey finishes well. You are in my prayers as we enter the Holy Week services. As always, find that extra time to give to the Lord, as we recall his saving action for us and the world.