Lenten Bible Study
using the readings from Sunday Mass
For RCIA/OCIA and Liturgical Cycle Year A (2005, 2008)

Fifth Sunday of Lent
Read:
Ezekiel 37:12-14
Ps 130:1-8
Romans 8:8-11
John 11:1-45

Lent is not about suffering and sacrifice. It's a corridor to new life; Good Friday is the door that Jesus opens to let us into that new life. Yes, suffering is a part of the Lenten journey (which can be experienced at any time of the year). Yes, Lent includes the sacrifices of fasting and abstinence, alms-giving and extra time in church. But these are just tools for the trip.

God uses our sufferings (if we let Him) to help us grow in compassion, persistence, and ministry. We use our sacrifices to help us learn discipline (discipleship) so that we can purify our will and grow stronger in holiness. But the trip is not the destination. Lent is all about reaching the resurrection: renewed faith, a new life free of old sins, reconciled relationships, and living in the Spirit of God more than ever before.

Which day is more important to our faith: Good Friday or Easter Sunday? That horrid day on Calvary was absolutely necessary for Easter to occur, but we are living in the resurrection. We are an Easter people. This means that nothing bad can ever happen to us that will not be transformed into blessings if Jesus is the Lord of our lives. He proved Himself to be the Resurrection and the Life by displaying His power over life and death. Now He wants to prove it again -- to you and those who are watching you.

Questions for Reflection and Faith Sharing

1. We can personalize the first reading by understanding that God will open our graves (whatever is dead inside) and place His Spirit of Life within us. He already did this at our baptism, but how does the Holy Spirit help us now to discover healing and hope in our daily sufferings and dyings?

2. In the scripture from Romans, we are reminded again of the Holy Spirit within us. Since the Spirit is alive in you, what affect does this have on your Lenten preparations for Easter? What is being purified, strengthened, and renewed?

3. In the Gospel reading, Jesus proves His power over death just before He enters Jerusalem and heads toward Calvary. How might this have comforted the disciples after they heard His about death sentence? How does it prove to you that your own sufferings and sacrifices will not lead to permanent disaster?

Question for Moving Forward on the Journey
What needs to be resurrected in your life? What will you do this week to accept the death of what has ended and prepare for the new life that Jesus is preparing for you?

© 2005 by Terry A. Modica

You may print this for your own personal use.
For permission to copy this to distribute to others, email us.
See also the Lenten materials available at Catholic Digital Resources.

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