Homily – 5th Sunday of Lent 2026

FATHER SIXMUND NYABENDA HENRY

SCROLL DOWN FOR CHILDREN’S LITURGY QUESTIONS

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, as we gather on this Fifth Sunday of Lent, the Church leads us deeper into the mystery of God’s saving power—a power that brings life where there seems to be only death, hope where there is despair, and light where there is darkness. Today’s readings remind us that God is always at work, even when everything around us may seem lifeless or hopeless. He does not abandon His people. Instead, He continues to call us back to Himself, offering us new life, healing, and hope. As we continue this celebration, let us open our hearts to God’s word and allow Him to speak to us, strengthen our faith, and lead us closer to Him.

In the first reading, the prophet Ezekiel proclaims God’s promise to open the graves and restore His people to life, reminding us that no situation is beyond God’s power to renew and restore.

In the second reading, Saint Paul the Apostle teaches us that those who live according to the Spirit belong to Christ and are called to a new life, freed from the power of sin and death.

In the Gospel, we encounter one of the most powerful signs of Jesus’ mission: the raising of Lazarus. Here, Jesus Christ reveals Himself as “the Resurrection and the Life,” showing that even death does not have the final word.

Dear brothers and sisters, there is something very human in today’s Gospel. We see grief, confusion, disappointment—and also hope. When Jesus Christ arrives, Martha says something many of us have probably felt at some point in our lives: “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” It is a statement of faith, but also of pain. It sounds like someone who believes—but is also struggling to understand why God did not act sooner. And maybe we have said similar words in our own hearts: “Lord, where were you?” “Why didn’t you come earlier?” “Why didn’t you change this situation?” The Gospel does not ignore these questions. Instead, it shows us that Jesus enters right into them. He does not give a quick explanation. He does not offer a simple answer. Instead, He stands before the tomb of Lazarus—and He weeps. Jesus weeps. That is very important. It means that God is not distant from our suffering. He is not watching us from far away. He is with us, even in our darkest moments. Even when we do not understand, He is present.

But the story does not end with tears. Jesus speaks words that change everything: “I am the resurrection and the life.” He does not say, “I will give resurrection” as if it were something separate from Him. He says, “I am.” and then something unexpected happens. Jesus asks them to roll away the stone. This is interesting, because He could have done everything by Himself. But He invites others to take part. In the same way, in our lives, God often asks us to move something—to take a step, to open our hearts, to remove whatever is blocking His grace. Only then does He call out: “Lazarus, come out!” And Lazarus comes out—still bound, still wrapped. Life has returned, but he still needs to be freed. So Jesus tells the people: “Untie him and let him go.” Brothers and sisters, this is where the Gospel becomes very personal. Because the question is not only about Lazarus. The question is: Where am I in this story?

Is there something in my life that feels like a tomb? Something that feels closed, heavy, without hope? A sin, a habit, a fear, a wound I have been carrying? Jesus is standing before that place today. And He is calling—not just in general—but personally. He calls each of us by name. But we must respond. Lazarus had to come out. And we, too, are invited to step out—maybe slowly, maybe with difficulty—but to trust that Christ is leading us into life.

As we come closer to Easter, the Church is not just reminding us of something that happened long ago. She is inviting us to experience it now. The same voice that called Lazarus is still speaking today. The same power is still at work. So today, let us not be afraid to let the Lord come into those places we usually keep closed. Let us allow Him to speak His word of life into our hearts. And when He calls, may we have the courage to respond.

Today, we are invited to open our hearts to this life-giving power of God, to allow Christ to call us out of our own “tombs,” and to renew our faith as we prepare to celebrate the great mystery of Easter. Let us, therefore, participate in this Eucharist with trust and hope, knowing that the Lord who gives life is present among us.

CHILDREN’S LITURGY QUESTIONS

1. Did Jesus have a friend named Lazarus? — Yes
2. Did Lazarus live in the city of Bethlehem? — No
3. Did Lazarus have two sisters named Martha and Mary? — Yes
4. Did the sisters send a message to Jesus that Lazarus was sick? — Yes
5. Did Jesus immediately run to their house the same day? — No
6. Did Jesus say that this sickness would show the glory of God? — Yes
7. Did Lazarus die before Jesus arrived? — Yes
8. Did Martha go out to meet Jesus when He came? — Yes
9. Did Martha say that if Jesus had been there, her brother would not have died? — Yes
10. Did Jesus tell Martha that Lazarus would rise again? — Yes
11. Did Martha say she believed in the resurrection on the last day? — Yes
12. Did Jesus say, “I am the resurrection and the life”? — Yes
13. Did Jesus laugh when He heard that Lazarus had died? — No
14. Did Jesus feel sad and weep? — Yes
15. Was Lazarus buried in a tomb with a stone in front of it? — Yes
16. Did Jesus tell the people to remove the stone? — Yes
17. Did Jesus shout, “Lazarus, come out!” — Yes
18. Did Lazarus remain dead in the tomb? — No
19. Did Lazarus come out still wrapped in burial cloths? — Yes
20. Did many people believe in Jesus after seeing this miracle? — Yes