Theme:
This is the Sunday before Holy Week. The readings speak about the resurrection from the dead. The first reading talks of God opening up the graces and raising his people back again. The second reading talks of being raised by the Spirit. The gospel is about the raising of Lazarus.
Questions:
Day 1: In the first reading, God commanded Ezekiel to speak to the people of God. They were in exile and this word brought hope to them, that they will be restored back to their homeland.
What did God mean when he said that he will open their graves and bring them up from the graves?
What did God want to give to his people when he said that?
How is this relevant to you?
Day 2: God said that he will put his spirit within his people. When this happens, they will live and God will place them back to their own land.
What did God mean when he said that he will put his spirit within his people? This does not only apply to the people of Israel. It applies to you even now. How does this relate to you?
God said that when these happen, you will know that he has spoken and he will act. What does this show about God?
When God speaks, he can be trusted to do what he says. Do you believe that? What makes you sure that God will do as he says?
Day 3: The psalm speaks of waiting for the Lord. It is a call to hope in the Lord. He seemed to be waiting for something and he seems to be convincing himself that God will do as he says.
The times of seeming silence from the Lord are times when God is moving mightily. Do you believe this? If not, what is preventing you from believing this?
The psalmist says that if the Lord should mark our sins, no one can stand before him. This is why there is forgiveness with the Lord. Often, in our lives, we will feel abandoned by God. This is normal and healthy, as long as we are not moving from sin to sin. Are you growing in holiness or are you sliding back to sin?
The psalmist says that God has great power to redeem. He is the one who will redeem his people from their sins. Is there a sin that you are struggling with? Only God can save you from it. Only God can break that routine of failure. How will you ask him to redeem you and help you break that routine of failure?
Day 4: St. Paul tells us in the second reading that those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
What does it mean to live in the flesh? What does it mean to live in the Spirit?
Are you living in the flesh or in the Spirit?
To live in the flesh or the Spirit is your choice. Which one do you choose? What should you do to follow through on that choice?
Day 5: St. Paul continues saying that those who are in the Spirit are not in the flesh. He says that if Jesus is in you, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. The Spirit will dwell in you and raise you and give life to your mortal body.
How can you live in the Spirit?
How can you let the Spirit give life to your body?
Do you want the Spirit to live in you? Speak to him and ask him to do so.
Day 6: The gospel reading is about the raising of Lazarus. Jesus was a close friend to Lazarus and his sisters. Because of this, the sisters sent someone to tell Jesus that Lazarus is near death. Yet, Jesus allowed Lazarus to die so that he could raise him up again.
Why did Jesus let Lazarus die in the first place?
When Jesus arrived at Bethany, he stayed outside the city. Martha had to come out to meet him. What did Martha tell Jesus?
Jesus said he is the resurrection and the life. By saying this, he is saying that the resurrection and life is a person. What did he mean by that?
Jesus told Mary that those who believe in him will live even if they die. What did he mean by this?
He asked Martha if she believed this. He also asks you this question. Do you believe this?
Day 7: Martha went back to her home and called Mary. Mary also came out and met Jesus.
Do you notice anything about what Mary and Martha said to Jesus? What does this mean?
Verse 35 says that Jesus wept. He did not weep because Lazarus was dead since he was going to raise him up again in a few minutes. Why do you think did he weep?
When Jesus told Martha to remove the stone, Martha resisted because of the stench. But Jesus told her something. What did Jesus tell her? What did he mean by that?
You can see the glory of God if you obey him. This is possible even now. Do you want to see the glory of God? What should you do?
