5th Sunday of Lent Year A

• First Reading – Ezekiel 37:12-14: God promises to resurrect and return His people to Israel, affirming His identity and power. He vows to infuse them with His spirit, assuring fulfillment of this promise.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 130: From the depths, I cry to the Lord for mercy. If He counted sins, none could stand, but with Him, there is forgiveness, redemption, and steadfast love.
• Second Reading – Romans 8:8-11: Living by human nature cannot please God. True life is in the Spirit, evident if Christ’s Spirit dwells in us. This Spirit brings life to our mortal bodies, just as it raised Christ.
• Gospel – John 11:1-45: Lazarus from Bethany, brother of Mary and Martha, fell ill. Despite their message to Jesus, He delayed His visit, explaining the situation was to glorify God. Upon arrival, Lazarus had been dead four days. Martha expressed faith in Jesus, who declared Himself as the resurrection and life. Deeply moved and troubled by the mourning, Jesus wept, then miraculously raised Lazarus from the dead, strengthening the faith of many onlookers.

Lectionary Reference: 34

Upcoming dates: March 22, 2026, March 18, 2029, March 14, 2032

The 5th Sunday of Lent Year A invites us to reflect on life, resurrection, and faith in God’s power. The readings remind us of God’s promise to bring new life and His power over death.

• Resurrection and New Life: God promises to raise His people from their graves and give them new life. Jesus fulfills this by raising Lazarus, showing His power over death and pointing to His own resurrection.
• Power of the Spirit: The Spirit of God brings life and renewal. The second reading reminds us that the same Spirit that raised Jesus will give life to our mortal bodies.
• Faith and Trust in Jesus: Martha shows faith in Jesus even in her grief. Jesus calls her and all believers to trust in Him as the resurrection and the life.
• God’s Glory Revealed: Jesus explains that Lazarus’s death will glorify God. The miracle strengthens the faith of those who witness it, showing Jesus’ identity as the Son of God.
• Hope Beyond Death: The readings remind us that death is not the end. God’s promise of resurrection gives hope and calls us to live with faith and courage.
• Jesus’ Compassion and Humanity: Jesus is deeply moved by the grief of Mary and Martha. His tears show His compassion and His sharing in human suffering.

The 5th Sunday of Lent Year A challenges us to believe in Jesus as the source of life and hope. It invites us to trust in God’s promise of resurrection and live in faith.

Toilet Paper Lazarus Game

The 5th Sunday of Lent Year A features the story of the raising of Lazarus, where Jesus shows his power over death and calls us to faith in him as the resurrection and the life. The Toilet Paper Lazarus game is a fun way to help youth remember this powerful message. By wrapping and unwrapping “Lazarus,” they can better understand how Jesus called Lazarus out of the tomb, bringing him from death to new life.

This activity also encourages reflection on the story’s deeper meaning. It invites youth to think about the faith of Mary and Martha, Jesus’ compassion, and the hope of resurrection. The 5th Sunday of Lent Year A challenges us to believe in Jesus’ promise of new life and to trust in his power to free us from all that binds us. This game helps make the story memorable while encouraging reflection on faith and hope.

What Is the Paschal Mystery?

The 5th Sunday of Lent Year A points to the Paschal Mystery, which is at the heart of our faith. In the Gospel, Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead, showing his power over death and giving a sign of his own Resurrection. This miracle prepares us to understand Jesus’ Passion, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension, which bring us salvation and new life.

The Paschal Mystery shows us that suffering and death are not the end. Through Jesus’ sacrifice and victory over death, we are offered hope and eternal life. The 5th Sunday of Lent Year A invites us to trust in Jesus as the resurrection and the life, reminding us that his love and saving power are always with us.

Eternal Dodge Ball

Eternal Dodge Ball is a fun and meaningful activity that can help youth reflect on the concept of eternity. The never-ending nature of the game symbolizes the idea of eternal life, which is a key theme in the 5th Sunday of Lent Year A. Just as the game continues without end, Jesus offers us the promise of eternal life through his victory over death.

The 5th Sunday of Lent Year A features the story of the raising of Lazarus, where Jesus shows his power over death and reveals himself as the resurrection and the life. By playing Eternal Dodge Ball, youth can connect this message of hope and eternity to their own lives. It serves as a playful reminder that, through faith in Jesus, death is not the end, and eternal life awaits those who believe.

Lenten Ideas for Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving

The 5th Sunday of Lent Year A invites us to deepen our Lenten journey through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. In the Gospel, Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead, showing his power over death and calling us to new life. This miracle reminds us to turn away from sin and seek renewal through repentance and faith. Lent is a time to grow closer to God by reflecting on our lives and making sacrifices that help us focus on what truly matters.

Prayer, fasting, and almsgiving are traditional Lenten practices that help us prepare for Easter. Through prayer, we strengthen our relationship with God. Fasting teaches self-discipline and reminds us of our dependence on God. Almsgiving encourages us to share our blessings with others. The 5th Sunday of Lent Year A challenges us to embrace these practices with faith and hope, trusting in Jesus as the resurrection and the life.

See 75+ specific ideas for practicing prayer, fasting, and almsgiving during the Lenten season here. Here is a small sampling:

• Give Up Complaining for a Day
• Make Hot Cross Buns
• Attend Stations of the Cross

Is Death the End?

In this homily for the 5th Sunday of Lent Year A, Bishop Robert Barron reflects on the story of the raising of Lazarus. He connects it to the prophecy from Ezekiel about God opening graves and giving new life. Bishop Barron explains that Jesus shows his power over death by calling Lazarus out of the tomb, showing that death does not have the final word. This miracle reveals Jesus as the resurrection and the life, calling us to believe in him and trust in his promise of eternal life.

Bishop Barron also highlights Jesus’ compassion, shown when he weeps with Mary and Martha. This shows that Jesus shares in our pain and grief. Yet, his power to raise Lazarus reveals his authority over death. The 5th Sunday of Lent Year A invites us to trust in Jesus’ promise of new life and to live in hope, knowing that he will one day call us from our graves to eternal life.

Facing Our Fear

In this commentary for the 5th Sunday of Lent Year A, Jeff Cavins reflects on Jesus’ power over death, shown through the raising of Lazarus. He connects this to the prophecy from Ezekiel about God opening graves and giving new life. Cavins explains that Jesus demonstrates his authority over death and brokenness by calling Lazarus out of the tomb. This shows that Jesus is Lord over life and death, giving hope and freedom to all who believe in him.

Jeff Cavins also emphasizes that Jesus wants to free us from anything that binds us, including sin and fear. He encourages us to seek freedom through confession and faith in Christ’s saving power. Just as Lazarus was unbound and set free, we are called to live in the freedom that Jesus gives. The 5th Sunday of Lent Year A invites us to trust in Jesus’ power to bring new life and to share this hope with others.

At Lazarus’ Tomb

In this Scott Hahn commentary for the 5th Sunday of Lent Year A, he explains how the raising of Lazarus points to Jesus’ own resurrection. Hahn notes the details John includes, like the tombstone and burial cloths, which connect Lazarus’ story to Jesus’ empty tomb. Lazarus represents all humanity trapped by sin and death. Jesus calls us out of this darkness into new life, just as he called Lazarus out of the tomb. This shows Jesus’ power over death and his love for each of us.

Scott Hahn also connects this miracle to Ezekiel’s prophecy in the first reading, where God promises to open graves and give new life through His Spirit. This same Spirit raised Jesus from the dead and gives life to us who believe. The 5th Sunday of Lent Year A invites us to trust in Jesus as the resurrection and the life. Through faith, we share in his victory over death and receive the promise of eternal life.

The 5th Sunday of Lent Year A invites us to reflect on life, death, faith, and hope. The readings remind us of God’s power to bring new life and His promise of resurrection. They call us to trust in Jesus as the source of hope and renewal, even in times of sorrow and loss.

Life, Death, and Resurrection

The 5th Sunday of Lent Year A invites us to reflect on life, death, and resurrection. In the Gospel, Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead, showing his power over death. This miracle points to his own resurrection and gives us hope for eternal life. Jesus tells Martha that he is the resurrection and the life, calling us to believe in him for new life.

This story shows that death is not the end. Just as Lazarus was called out of the tomb, we are called to new life in Christ. Jesus’ words and actions reveal his authority over life and death, affirming our hope in the resurrection. This hope helps us face our own mortality with faith and courage.

The raising of Lazarus also shows Jesus’ compassion and humanity. He weeps with Mary and Martha, sharing in their grief. This reminds us that Jesus understands our pain and walks with us in our sorrow. He is not distant but close to us in our struggles.

The 5th Sunday of Lent Year A invites us to trust in Jesus as the source of life and hope. It challenges us to believe in his promise of resurrection and to live with faith, even in the face of death.

Women of Faith

The 5th Sunday of Lent Year A highlights the faith of Martha and Mary, two women who were close friends of Jesus. When Lazarus dies, both sisters show their faith in Jesus, though in different ways. Martha meets Jesus and speaks with confidence about the resurrection. She expresses her belief that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.

Martha’s faith is rooted in understanding and knowledge. She listens to Jesus’ words and responds with conviction. Her faith is strong even in her grief, showing trust in Jesus’ power over death. She believes that even now, Jesus can do something remarkable.

Mary responds differently. She is overcome with emotion and weeps at Jesus’ feet. Her faith is expressed through her sorrow and vulnerability. Jesus is moved by her tears and weeps with her, showing his compassion and sharing her pain.

Both women show great faith but in their own ways. Jesus meets each of them where they are, responding to Martha with words of hope and to Mary with shared grief. This shows that Jesus understands and honors our different ways of believing and feeling.

The 5th Sunday of Lent Year A invites us to reflect on our own faith. Whether we are like Martha with strong convictions or like Mary with deep emotions, Jesus meets us with love and understanding. We are called to trust in him and to find hope in his promise of resurrection.

Hope and Renewal

The 5th Sunday of Lent Year A brings a message of hope and renewal. In the first reading, God promises to open the graves of His people and bring them back to life. He vows to put His Spirit within them, giving them new life and returning them to their homeland. This promise of resurrection and renewal points to God’s power to restore what is lost.

This theme continues in the Gospel, where Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead. By calling Lazarus out of the tomb, Jesus shows his authority over death. This miracle is a sign of the new life that Jesus offers to all who believe in him. It also foreshadows his own resurrection, which brings hope and salvation to the world.

Both readings remind us that God has the power to bring life from death. No matter how hopeless a situation seems, God can restore and renew. Just as Lazarus was unbound and set free, we are invited to let go of fear and despair, trusting in God’s promise of new life.

The 5th Sunday of Lent Year A challenges us to believe in God’s power to renew our lives. In times of loss or sorrow, we are called to hope in the resurrection. We are also invited to live as witnesses of this hope, sharing the good news of Christ’s victory over death.

The 5th Sunday of Lent Year A challenges us to believe in God’s promise of resurrection and to live with hope and courage. It invites us to grow in faith, trusting in Jesus’ power over death and His love for us. May these reflections inspire us to live as witnesses of hope and new life.

Prayer

Lord, you are the resurrection and the life. Help us to trust in your promise of new life. Give us courage in times of sorrow and hope in the face of death. Guide us to live in faith and to share your love with others. Amen.

• How does the promise of resurrection bring hope to your life?
• What fears about death or loss do you need to bring to Jesus?
• How can you trust in God’s power to bring new life and renewal?
• In what ways are you called to live as a witness of hope?
• How do Martha and Mary’s faith inspire you?
• Do you relate more to Martha’s confident faith or Mary’s emotional response?
• How does Jesus’ compassion in this story bring you comfort?
• What does it mean for you that Jesus is the resurrection and the life?
• How can you live in hope and courage, even in difficult times?
• Who in your life needs to hear the message of hope and new life?

These music selections for the 5th Sunday of Lent Year A reflect themes of hope, resurrection, and trust in God’s promises. They speak to Jesus’ power over death and his role as the resurrection and the life. The songs inspire faith in God’s ability to bring new life out of sorrow and darkness, just as Jesus raised Lazarus. They also remind us of God’s mercy and the promise of eternal life for those who believe.

• All Are Welcome, All Belong by Jesse Manibusan & Ken Canedo
• Awake, O Sleeper by Ike Ndolo
• Come Alive / Dry Bones by Lauren Daigle
• Come to Me and Drink by Bob Hurd
• From the Depths We Cry to Thee by Martin Herbst & Alan G. McDougall
• God Is Able by Hillsong Worship and Reuben Morgan
• Here’s My Heart by Lauren Daigle
• I Am the Bread of Life by Suzanne Toolan
• I Know that My Redeemer Lives by Scott Soper
• I Will Rise by Chris Tomlin
• Journey for Home by Ed Bolduc
• Psalm 130: With the Lord There Is Mercy by Timothy R Smith
• Remember Your Love by Darryl Ducote & Gary Daigle
• What Wondrous Love Is This
• We Walk by Faith by Marty Haugen
• We Will Not Be Shaken by Bethel Music
• You Came (Lazarus) by Jonathan David Helser & Melissa Helser
• Your Promises by Elevation Worship

Music directors and musicians are encouraged to explore these selections for the 5th Sunday of Lent Year A. These songs can help the congregation reflect on the powerful message of resurrection and hope. Feel free to share your experiences or suggest other fitting songs in the comments.

What date is the 5th Sunday of Lent Year A?

The next date is Sunday March 22, 2026.
For other years see the links below:
5th Sunday of Lent Year B
5th Sunday of Lent Year C

What are the Mass readings for the 5th Sunday of Lent Year A?

First Reading – Ezekiel 37:12-14: The promise of restoration
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 130: Hope in the Lord’s forgiveness
Second Reading – Romans 8:8-11: Life in the Spirit
Gospel – John 11:1-45: Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead

What is the main message of the 5th Sunday of Lent Year A?

The main message is about Jesus’ power over death and the promise of new life. It shows that faith in Jesus brings hope and resurrection.

Why did Jesus wait before going to Lazarus?

Jesus waited to show God’s glory and to strengthen the faith of his followers. His delay allowed him to perform a greater miracle by raising Lazarus after four days.

What does Jesus mean by saying he is the resurrection and the life?

Jesus means that he has power over life and death. Believing in him brings eternal life, even after physical death.

Why did Jesus weep if he knew he would raise Lazarus?

Jesus wept out of compassion for Mary and Martha. His tears show his deep love and his shared sorrow with those who grieve.

What does the raising of Lazarus teach us?

It teaches us that Jesus has power over death. It also gives us hope in the promise of eternal life.

How does the first reading relate to the Gospel?

Both speak of God’s power to bring life from death. The first reading promises new life for Israel, while the Gospel shows Jesus fulfilling this by raising Lazarus.

Why is faith important in the 5th Sunday of Lent Year A?

Faith is central because Jesus asks Martha to believe before performing the miracle. It shows that faith in Jesus leads to new life and hope.

What does the story of Lazarus teach about suffering and waiting?

It teaches that God’s timing is not always ours. Sometimes waiting allows for greater blessings and a deeper understanding of God’s power and love.

How can we apply this message to our lives?

We can trust Jesus even in difficult times. We are called to believe in his power to bring hope and new life out of suffering.

Why is the 5th Sunday of Lent Year A important in preparing for Easter?

It foreshadows Jesus’ own resurrection. It invites us to deepen our faith and hope in his promise of eternal life.

What is the role of community in this story?

The community witnesses the miracle and supports Mary and Martha. It shows the importance of faith and hope shared together.