Every day of Lent, Bishop Edward Malesic writes a Scripture reflection for the faithful. Follow the bishop on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Click HERE for the readings.
In today’s reading from the Gospel of John, Jesus is talking about the life that he shares with the Father. This gets him in trouble with the religious establishment. In their mind, no one should claim to be equal to God. Only God is God.
Jesus, however, is very clear. He and the Father are one. Whoever does not honor him, does not honor the Father. Just as the Father gives life, he gives life.
Jesus goes on to say some spectacular things. He says that when the dead hear his voice, they will come to life again. This happened several times in the scriptures. He said to Lazarus, “Come out” and Lazarus rose from the dead and came out of the tomb. He said to little girl, “Arise” and she woke up from the sleep of death and walked away from her bed.
Jesus is the voice of God and God’s voice is very powerful and creative.
Sometimes we find ourselves “dead” to God in this world. We need to hear Jesus say to us, “Wake up.” He will give us new life. He has the power and the desire to do it. And after this life, when our bodies are in the grave, someday we will also hear the voice of Jesus telling us to “Arise”. And resurrection will be ours, just as it was for Jesus.
May we be awake enough to Jesus in this life so that we will wake up to his call in the next life.