Dear friends,

The reading from John 11 tells how Jesus restored his friend Lazarus to life. In the gospel various people believe Jesus could have performed a miracle to heal Lazarus, and spare him from death.

What Jesus does for Lazarus, is even better: Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead.

Lazarus is as described: “The one whom you love is sick” by his sister Mary. It is not difficult to see ourselves in him since all of us are the ones Jesus loves.

We are not only sick, but, probably, also spiritually dead, not because of any big sin we might have committed, but because of a long, unbroken tradition of little sins that, little by little, have dulled our minds and conscience as dust accumulated on furniture.

“Lazarus, come out!” Christ’s voice rings out.

“Come out from the tomb of your fear, of your unbelief, your powerlessness. Come out of yourself!"

“I am the resurrection and the life” Jesus says: “There is nothing to fear! Step into the light of faith and receive my embrace.”

But how? I am so powerless and alone!

“Untie him, and let him go” Christ orders to the Church. Let the church through the Sacrament of reconciliation where dead people come back to life.

Today, soon after the homily, we shall pray, in a very special way for our seven friends who are going to be baptized at Easter. We shall pray that the Lord who made the deaf hear and the dumb speak may touch their ears so that the me hear and understand the Word of God, and their tongues may be used not to tell lies or bad words, but to praise God in prayer and to encourage people.

May God bless you