5th Sunday in Lent, Year A
Our reading and gospel focus on resurrection to new life.
In our reading, the prophet Ezekiel told the people that God will be the one to raise people from their graves so that they will know that he is God and they belong to him. He will keep his word. This reading from the Old Testament is one of the early hints of a belief that there is life after death. Ezekiel is also saying that the people will experience new life when they have been brought home to Israel after their exile. Both of these reveal the person and power of God.
In our gospel, Martha, Mary, and Lazarus were good friends of Jesus. Lazarus got sick and Martha and Mary sent a message to Jesus. He was with his disciples when he got the message and he stayed another two days before he started walking back to Bethany. Meanwhile, Lazarus died and was buried in a tomb for 4 days before Jesus got there. Mary cried and Jesus cried, too. He told Lazarus to come out of the tomb. He did and everyone there believed.
Special Saint/Feast Day: St. Isidore of Seville – April 4th
Isidore was born around 560 in Spain. Isidore was taught by his older brother Leander. As a child, Isidore thought his brother was the meanest person in the whole world because Leander always made him study and do his homework. When he was older, Isidore realized that Leander was wonderful because he taught Isidore that we can do so much good for Jesus when we take our education seriously.
Leander was bishop of Seville and when he died, Isidore took his place. Isidore was bishop of Seville for 37 years.
Isidore understood the importance of a good education. He founded schools to train priests. He also wrote many works on theology, astronomy, geography, and history. He could speak and write in Spanish, Latin, Greek, and Hebrew.
Isidore led a strict life and shared what he had with the poor. People came from all over the country to see him because they knew he would help them.
Bishop Isidore died on April 4th, 636 at 76 years old.
The story of St. Isidore reminds us that our minds are a special gift from God which we don’t want to waste. We can ask St. Isidore to help us apply our minds to things that are really important.