Into New Life: The Fifth Sunday in Lent 2026

                                                           Into New Life:

The Fifth Sunday in Lent 2026 

March 22, 2026

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Ezekiel 37:12-14; Psalm 130; Romans 8:8-11; John 11:1-45

 

The story of Lazarus is compelling because it is one of the final scenes before Holy Week and it gives us hope in the Resurrection. It teaches us how to live now especially when we are faced with the death of a loved one. Two of the most emotional lines are found in the Gospel: “Jesus wept,” and “See how much he loved him.” It tells us something about the heart of God who finds sorrow in our misfortune.

 

The Ezekiel passage shows us the God opens the graves of the Israelites and calls them to rise from them. Jesus acts in the place of God when he opens the tomb of his friend, Lazarus, who can now rise to new life. Jesus changes around the Jewish belief about a future resurrection when he says, “I am the resurrection and the life.” He makes sure that Martha knows that the resurrection is not only a future belief or an event that happens to Jesus after the Crucifixion. He tells her that resurrection is about a relationship with Christ now. He tells her that eternal life begins when we believe, not only when we die. 

 

What does this mean for us. Belief in Jesus means that we can live differently now because Christ has own back. We can leave fears behind because fear is not faith, and faith calls us to leave our tombs and experience the fullness of life. Martha asks Jesus, “Why didn’t you come sooner?” and he tells us what matters is not time, but belief. The only time that matters is now, and belief in Jeus will take care of take care of all manner of things.

 

While Jesus raises Lazarus to life, and by implication, Jesus raised people to new life, he asks the community to help remove the bandages. He says, “Untie him.” There are so many layers of relationships that bind and limit people, and Jesus wants the community to set Lazarus free, to see us free of the restrictions that community places upon us. To do this, we must forgive. We encourage others and speak life-giving and life-sustaining words. We heal fractured relationships and we reconcile our suffering. What does Jesus do: He infuses his love into death. He weeps for Lazarus and loves him back to life. Jesus does the same for us. Therefore, it is important for us to put love into places where lost has been lost or where love is absent. It is the power of this love that heals, and it is given to us because we have eternal life. 

The question for us is, “Who needs my love to be freed from the shackles of life? How can my love give someone new life?” We, as community, help others live freely. What fear do I carry with me that prevents me from living to my full potential? Whose love do I need to liberate me from what holds me back? Jesus wants to give us newness of life, a renewed sense of energy and engagement, a meaningful purpose. We belong to him because his love has the power over death. His love knows no boundaries. His love is what transforms our world into a liberating breath of life. Hear Jesus speaks the words, “Untie Lazarus. Untie your loved one. Untie you.” Then our work begins. We then let each other go free. 

 

Scripture for Daily Mass

Monday: (Daniel 13) Daniel’s sharp advocacy skills spare the life of Susannah who has been unjustly accused of immoral sexual relationships.

 

Tuesday: (Numbers 21) As the wandering Israelites passed through the desert near the Red Sea, many are bitten by seraph serpents, but Moses erected a bronze serpent that he lifted up for those bitten to gaze upon the image and be cured. 

 

Wednesday: (Isaiah 7) Annunciation: Ahaz is tempted by the Lord to ask for a sign but he will not. The Lord gives it anyways: the virgin shall conceive and bear a son named Emmanuel.

 

Thursday: (Genesis 17) The Lord said to Abraham: You are to become the father of a host of nations. You will become fertile; kings will stem from you.   

 

Friday: (Jeremiah 20) Terror on every side. Let us denounce him. The Lord is with me like a mighty champion.

 

Saturday: (Ezekiel 37) My dwelling shall be with my people. I will be their God and they shall be my people.   

 

Gospel: 

Monday: (John 8) A woman caught in adultery is brought to Jesus for a verdict, but he does not answer as he calls upon those who are without sin to cast the first stone. 

 

Tuesday: (John 8) Jesus tells the Pharisees that they will lift up the Son of Man and will then realized that I AM. 

 

Wednesday: (Luke 1) Gabriel was sent to Mary of Nazareth to inform her that she has been chosen by the Lord to bear a son who will be called holy, the Son of God.

 

Thursday: (John 8) Whoever keeps my words will never see death. Abraham rejoiced to see my day; he saw it and was glad.

 

Friday: (John 10) The Jews picked up rocks to stone Jesus, but he wanted to know for which of the works he was condemned. He went back across the Jordan and remained there.

 

Saturday: (John 11) Many came to believe in Jesus. Caiaphas asked, “do you consider that it is better for you that one man should die instead of the people?”

 

Saints of the Week

 

March 23: Toribio of Mogrovejo, bishop (1538-1606) was a Spanish law professor in Salamanca who became the president of the Inquisition in Granada. As a layman, he was made the Archbishop of Lima, Peru and became quickly disturbed at the treatment of the native populations by the European conquerors. He condemned abuses and founded schools to educate the oppressed natives. He built hospitals and churches and opened the first seminary in Latin America.

 

March 25: The Annunciation of the Lord celebrates the announcement that God chose to unite divinity with humanity at the conception of Jesus. God sent the angel Gabriel to Mary to inform her of God’s intentions to have her conceive the future Messiah. The boy’s name was to be Jesus – meaning “God saves.” This date falls nine months before Christmas Day. 

 

This Week in Jesuit History

 

• March 22, 1585: In Rome, Fr. General received the three Japanese ambassadors with great solemnity in the Society's Church of the Gesu. 
• March 23, 1772: At Rome, Cardinal Marefoschi held a visitation of the Irish College and accused the Jesuits of mismanagement. He removed them from directing that establishment. 
• March 24, 1578: At Lisbon Rudolf Acquaviva and 13 companions embarked for India. Among the companions were Matthew Ricci and Michael Ruggieri. 
• March 25, 1563: The first Sodality of Our Lady, Prima Primaria, was begun in the Roman College by a young Belgian Jesuit named John Leunis (Leonius). 
• March 26, 1553: Ignatius of Loyola's letter on obedience was sent to the Jesuits of Portugal. 
• March 27, 1587: At Messina died Fr. Thomas Evans, an Englishman at 29. He had suffered imprisonment for his defense of the Catholic faith in England. 
• March 28, 1606: At the Guildhall, London, the trial of Fr. Henry Garnet, falsely accused of complicity in the Gunpowder Plot.

Hacia una nueva vida: El quinto domingo de Cuaresma de 2026

                                                     Hacia una nueva vida:

El quinto domingo de Cuaresma de 2026

22 de marzo de 2026

www.johnpredmoresj.com | predmore.blogspot.com

predmoresj@yahoo.com | 617.510.9673

Ezequiel 37:12-14; Salmo 130; Romanos 8:8-11; Juan 11:1-45

 

La historia de Lázaro es conmovedora porque es una de las escenas finales antes de la Semana Santa y nos da esperanza en la Resurrección. Nos enseña cómo vivir el presente, especialmente cuando nos enfrentamos a la muerte de un ser querido. Dos de las frases más emotivas se encuentran en el Evangelio: «Jesús lloró» y «Mirad cuánto lo amaba». Nos revelan algo sobre el corazón de Dios, que encuentra dolor en nuestra desgracia.

 

El pasaje de Ezequiel nos muestra cómo Dios abre las tumbas de los israelitas y los llama a resucitar. Jesús actúa en lugar de Dios cuando abre la tumba de su amigo Lázaro, quien ahora puede resucitar a una nueva vida. Jesús transforma la creencia judía sobre la resurrección futura al afirmar: «Yo soy la resurrección y la vida». Se asegura de que Marta comprenda que la resurrección no es solo una creencia futura ni un acontecimiento que le sucede a Jesús después de la crucifixión. Le explica que la resurrección se trata de una relación con Cristo en el presente. Le dice que la vida eterna comienza cuando creemos, no solo cuando morimos.

 

¿Qué significa esto para nosotros? Creer en Jesús significa que podemos vivir de manera diferente ahora porque Cristo nos respalda. Podemos dejar atrás los miedos porque el miedo no es fe, y la fe nos llama a salir de nuestras tumbas y experimentar la plenitud de la vida. Marta le pregunta a Jesús: "¿Por qué no viniste antes?", y él nos dice que lo que importa no es el tiempo, sino la fe. El único momento que importa es ahora, y la fe en Jesús se encargará de todo.

 

Mientras Jesús resucita a Lázaro, y por extensión, a otras personas, les pide a la comunidad que ayuden a quitarle las vendas. Dice: «Desátenlo». Hay tantas capas de relaciones que atan y limitan a las personas, y Jesús quiere que la comunidad libere a Lázaro, que nos libere de las restricciones que la comunidad nos impone. Para ello, debemos perdonar. Animamos a los demás y pronunciamos palabras que dan vida y la sostienen. Sanamos las relaciones fracturadas y nos reconciliamos con nuestro sufrimiento. ¿Qué hace Jesús? Infunde su amor en la muerte. Llora por Lázaro y lo ama hasta devolverle la vida. Jesús hace lo mismo por nosotros. Por lo tanto, es importante que llevemos amor a donde se ha perdido o donde el amor está ausente. Es el poder de este amor el que sana, y se nos da porque tenemos vida eterna.

La pregunta para nosotros es: "¿Quién necesita mi amor para liberarse de las ataduras de la vida? ¿Cómo puede mi amor dar nueva vida a alguien?". Nosotros, como comunidad, ayudamos a otros a vivir libremente. ¿Qué miedo cargo conmigo que me impide vivir plenamente? ¿De quién necesito el amor para liberarme de lo que me frena? Jesús quiere darnos una nueva vida, una renovada energía y compromiso, un propósito significativo. Le pertenecemos porque su amor tiene poder sobre la muerte. Su amor no conoce límites. Su amor es lo que transforma nuestro mundo en un soplo de vida liberador. Escucha a Jesús decir: "Desata a Lázaro. Desata a tu ser querido. Desátate a ti mismo". Entonces comienza nuestra labor. Entonces nos liberamos mutuamente.

 

Lecturas bíblicas para la Misa diaria

Lunes: (Daniel 13) La aguda habilidad de Daniel para defender a Susana le salva la vida, ya que ella había sido acusada injustamente de mantener relaciones sexuales inmorales.

 

Martes: (Números 21) Mientras los israelitas errantes pasaban por el desierto cerca del Mar Rojo, muchos fueron mordidos por serpientes serafines, pero Moisés erigió una serpiente de bronce que levantó para que los mordidos contemplaran la imagen y fueran curados.

 

Miércoles: (Isaías 7) Anunciación: Acaz es tentado por el Señor para que pida una señal, pero se niega. El Señor se la da de todos modos: la virgen concebirá y dará a luz un hijo llamado Emmanuel.

 

Jueves: (Génesis 17) El Señor le dijo a Abraham: Serás padre de muchas naciones. Serás fértil; de ti saldrán reyes.

 

Viernes: (Jeremías 20) Terror por todas partes. Denunciémoslo. El Señor está conmigo como un poderoso guerrero.

 

Sábado: (Ezequiel 37) Mi morada estará con mi pueblo. Yo seré su Dios y ellos serán mi pueblo.

 

Evangelio:

Lunes: (Juan 8) Una mujer sorprendida en adulterio es llevada ante Jesús para que la juzgue, pero él no responde, sino que llama a quienes estén libres de pecado para que arrojen la primera piedra.

 

Martes: (Juan 8) Jesús les dice a los fariseos que levantarán al Hijo del Hombre y entonces se darán cuenta de que YO SOY.

 

Miércoles: (Lucas 1) Gabriel fue enviado a María de Nazaret para informarle que el Señor la había elegido para dar a luz un hijo que sería llamado santo, el Hijo de Dios.

 

Jueves: (Juan 8) Quien guarda mis palabras no verá la muerte jamás. Abraham se regocijó al ver mi día; lo vio y se alegró.

 

Viernes: (Juan 10) Los judíos tomaron piedras para apedrear a Jesús, pero él quería saber por cuál de las obras había sido condenado. Volvió a cruzar el Jordán y se quedó allí.

 

Sábado: (Juan 11) Muchos llegaron a creer en Jesús. Caifás preguntó: «¿Acaso crees que es mejor para ti que muera un solo hombre en lugar de todo el pueblo?»

 

Santos de la semana

 

23 de marzo: Toribio de Mogrovejo, obispo (1538-1606), fue profesor de derecho español en Salamanca y posteriormente presidente de la Inquisición en Granada. Siendo laico, fue nombrado arzobispo de Lima, Perú, y pronto se indignó ante el trato que los conquistadores europeos daban a las poblaciones indígenas. Condenó los abusos y fundó escuelas para educar a los indígenas oprimidos. Construyó hospitales e iglesias y abrió el primer seminario de Latinoamérica.

 

25 de marzo: La Anunciación del Señor celebra el anuncio de que Dios eligió unir la divinidad con la humanidad en la concepción de Jesús. Dios envió al ángel Gabriel a María para anunciarle su intención de que concibiera al futuro Mesías. El niño se llamaría Jesús, que significa «Dios salva». Esta fecha cae nueve meses antes de Navidad.

 

Esta semana en la historia jesuita

 

• 22 de marzo de 1585: En Roma, el Padre General recibió con gran solemnidad a los tres embajadores japoneses en la Iglesia del Gesù de la Compañía de Jesús.
• 23 de marzo de 1772: En Roma, el cardenal Marefoschi visitó el Colegio Irlandés y acusó a los jesuitas de mala gestión. Los destituyó de la dirección de dicha institución.
• 24 de marzo de 1578: En Lisboa, Rudolf Acquaviva y 13 compañeros embarcaron rumbo a la India. Entre los compañeros se encontraban Matthew Ricci y Michael Ruggieri.
• 25 de marzo de 1563: La primera Congregación de Nuestra Señora, Prima Primaria, fue fundada en el Colegio Romano por un joven jesuita belga llamado Juan Leunis (Leonius).
• 26 de marzo de 1553: La carta de Ignacio de Loyola sobre la obediencia fue enviada a los jesuitas de Portugal.
• 27 de marzo de 1587: En Messina falleció el padre Thomas Evans, un inglés de 29 años. Había sido encarcelado por su defensa de la fe católica en Inglaterra.
• 28 de marzo de 1606: En el Guildhall de Londres, tuvo lugar el juicio del padre Henry Garnet, acusado falsamente de complicidad en la Conspiración de la Pólvora.

Photo: I arise today

 

Prayer: The Deer’s Cry Anonymous 8th Century Translated from old Irish by Kuno

I arise today through the strength of heaven

Light of sun, radiance of moon

Splendor of fire, speed of lighting

Swiftness of wind, depth of the sea

Stability of earth, firmness of rock

 

I arise today through God’s strength to pilot me

God’s eye to look before me

God’s wisdom to guide me

God’s way to lie before me

God’s shield to protect me

 

From all who shall wish me ill

Afar and a-near

Alone and in a multitude

Against every cruel, merciless power

That may oppose my body and soul

 

Christ with me, Christ before me

Christ behind me, Christ in me

Christ beneath me, Christ above me

Christ on my right, Christ on my left

Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down

Christ when I arise, Christ to shield me

 

Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me

Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me

I arise today

Photo: A place of warmth

 

Spirituality: “Mid-Lent” by Christina Rossetti

Is any grieved or tired? Yea, by God’s Will:

Surely God’s Will alone is good and best:

O weary man, in weariness take rest,

O hungry man, by hunger feast thy fill.

Discern thy good beneath a mask of ill.

Or build of loneliness thy secret nest;

At noon take heart, being mindful of the west,

At night wake hope, for dawn advances still.

At night wake hope. Poor soul, in such sore need

Of wakening and of girding up anew,

Hast thou that hope which fainting doth pursue?

No saint but hath pursued and hath been faint;

Bid love wake hope, for both thy steps shall speed,

Still faint yet still pursuing, O thou saint.

Photo: Ignatius at Prayer

 

Pom: Sonnet 19: “On His Blindness” By: John Milton

When I consider how my light is spent,
Ere half my days, in this dark world and wide,
And that one Talent which is death to hide
Lodged with me useless, though my Soul more bent

To serve therewith my Maker, and present
My true account, lest he returning chide;
“Doth God exact day-labor, light denied?”
I fondly ask. But patience, to prevent

That murmur, soon replies, “God doth not need
Either man’s work or his own gifts; who best
Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best. His state
Is Kingly. Thousands at his bidding speed

And post o’er Land and Ocean without rest:
They also serve who only stand and wait.”

 

Spirituality: Synod Study Groups 3 and 4

 An Update of the Working Documents of the Synod

At the conclusion of the Synod’s proceedings, ten working groups were established for further listening and consultation.

To achieve transparency and accountability, Pope Leo XIV has directed that the Final Reports be made public. These study groups reflect an authentic exercise of shared listening, reflection and discernment. It is synodality put into practice, not merely bureaucratic cooperation,” states Cardinal Mario Grech, Secretary General of the Synod.

The first two reports are made public:

                  The report on mission in the digital environment (Group No. 3)

                  The report on formation to the priesthood (Group No. 4)

The next publication is schedule for March 10^th.

The Report on the mission in the digital environment (Group No. 3)

(click on the link above for the full report.)

The Report addresses how to live the Church’s mission within a culture increasingly shaped by the digital sphere.

Among the key themes: the need to integrate digital mission into the Church’s ordinary structures; an in-depth analysis of territorial jurisdiction considering online communities; and the formation of pastors and pastoral workers in digital culture.

The Report concludes with proposals articulated at three levels – the Holy See, Episcopal Conferences and dioceses.

 

The Report on formation to the priesthood (Group No. 4)

(click on the link above for the full report.)

Rather than proceeding with a revision of the Ratio Fundamentalis Institutionis Sacerdotalis (2016), Study Group No. 4 elaborated a “Proposal for a Guiding Document” for its implementation in a missionary synodal key.

The document is structured in two parts. The Preamble offers an ecclesiological-pastoral framework and identifies a series of necessary conversions in priestly formation: relational, missionary, towards communion, towards service, and towards a synodal style. At its heart lies a central insight: the identity of the priest is formed “in and from” the People of God, not in separation from it.

Among the most significant proposals: alternating residence between the seminary and parish communities or other ecclesial contexts; shared formative experiences and moments with lay faithful, consecrated persons and ordained ministers beginning from the propaedeutic stage; the inclusion of qualified and competent women as co-responsible at all levels of formation, including within formation teams; and the acquisition of skills for co-responsibility and communal discernment.

 
Cardinal Grech underlines that the Final Reports are to be understood as working documents that already contain valuable indications from which local Churches and various ecclesial realities may draw inspiration from this very moment.

This is the spirit of synodality: a journey that does not come to a halt, in which each stage is already generative. It now falls to the General Secretariat of the Synod, together with the competent Dicasteries, to translate what has emerged in the Reports into operative proposals for the whole Church to be submitted to the Holy Father.

Photo: Christ the Priest Chapel