5th Sunday of Lent Year A
Sunday March 18, 2029
First Reading: Ezekiel 37:12–14
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 130
Second Reading: Romans 8:8–11
Gospel: John 11:1–45
Key Theme: New life in Christ
Focus: Resurrection and hope
Summary: The readings show God’s power to bring life where there is death. Jesus raises Lazarus and reveals Himself as the source of life. The Spirit gives new life and hope to all who believe.
Challenge: Trust God even when situations seem hopeless. Bring your fears and struggles to Jesus. Believe that He can bring new life into difficult places.
Action Step: Pray and ask Jesus to bring new life to one area of your life that feels stuck.
Verse to Remember: “I am the resurrection and the life.” (John 11:25)
New Life from Dry Places
The 5th Sunday of Lent Year A brings us one of the most powerful stories in the Gospel of John. Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead. This story helps us remember that even when everything feels lost, God can still bring life. Jesus shows He has power over death and that He brings hope to those who trust Him.
In the first reading from Ezekiel, we hear about dry bones coming back to life. This reminds us that God never forgets His people. Even in dark times, He gives His Spirit to bring us back to life and lead us home.
The psalm is a cry for mercy. It reminds us that God listens when we call. And the reading from Romans teaches that the Spirit of God gives life to our bodies, just as it did for Jesus.
On the 5th Sunday of Lent Year A, we are asked to trust in God’s promise. Even in sorrow or loss, He can raise us up.
Mass Readings for the 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.
The readings above are for lectionary cycle A. For other years see the links below:
5th Sunday of Lent Year B
5th Sunday of Lent Year C
He cried out in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!”
John 11: 43
Themes for the 5th Sunday of Lent Year A
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.
Resources for the 5th Sunday of Lent Year A
- Jesus Weeps With Us Lesson Plan
- Toilet Paper Lazarus Game
- Eternal Dodge Ball
- What Is the Paschal Mystery?
- Lenten Ideas for Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving
- The Book of Ezekiel: Breath and Hope Restored
- Psalm 130: A Cry for Mercy
- The Letter to the Romans: Life Through the Spirit
- The Gospel of John: The Raising of Lazarus
Jesus Weeps With Us Lesson Plan
Time Required: 45–60 minutes
Age Group: Grades 6–12
Group Size: Any size, works best in small groups of 3–5
Scripture: John 11:1–45
Core Message: Jesus shares our pain and brings hope even in sorrow
Themes: compassion, suffering, hope, resurrection, prayer, community, works of mercy
Energy Level: Moderate
Materials Needed: tissues, Bible
Setting: Classroom, parish hall, youth room
During Lent, we are called to turn toward God and trust Him even when life feels uncertain. The story of Lazarus invites us to look at our own lives and ask what might need to be brought back to life—our faith, our kindness, or our hope. Jesus calls each of us out of darkness, just as He called Lazarus, and invites us to walk in His light.
Toilet Paper Lazarus Game
Time: 15–25 minutes
Best for: Elementary to middle school
Setting: Indoor or outdoor, open space
Scripture Connection: John 11:43 – Lazarus, Come Out
Teaching Tie-In: Resurrection, trust in Jesus, hope, new life
Materials: Toilet paper rolls, Bible or printed Scripture, timer
Group Size: Teams of 4–6
Energy Level: High
Prep Time: 5–10 minutes
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. By wrapping and unwrapping “Lazarus,” youth can better understand how Jesus called Lazarus out of the tomb, bringing him from death to new life. A reflection is provided to strengthen the message.
Eternal Dodgeball
Time: 15–20 minutes
Best for: middle school to high school
Setting: indoor gym or outdoor field
Scripture Connection: Matthew 18:21–22 – Forgive Seventy Times Seven
Teaching Tie-In: forgiveness, humility, staying alert, second chances
Materials Needed: soft dodgeballs, optional cones or tape
Group Size: 10–30 players
Energy Level: high
Preparation: spread players out, place balls in center, explain rules
Focus Skill: awareness, strategy, quick reaction
Variation: timed rounds or limit sitting players
Eternal Dodge Ball is a fun 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.
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.
Lenten Ideas for Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving
The 5th Sunday of Lent Year A invites us to deepen our Lenten journey. 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:
The Book of Ezekiel: Breath and Hope Restored
The reading from Ezekiel 37 fits into a larger vision of renewal and restoration for Israel. The book speaks to a people living in exile, cut off from their land and temple. God promises to bring life where there is death, to bring His people back home. This promise shows God’s ongoing commitment to His covenant with Israel.
This section also points to God’s power over death and despair. The Spirit He breathes into the people is the same Spirit that brings life and identity. On the 5th Sunday of Lent Year A, this message prepares our hearts to believe in resurrection and God’s faithfulness.
Psalm 130: A Cry for Mercy
Psalm 130 is one of the penitential psalms. It expresses deep sorrow and trust in God’s forgiveness. The psalmist cries from the depths, showing how seriously sin is felt. Yet there is great hope. God does not count sins forever. He offers mercy, and with Him is full redemption.
This psalm fits well with the theme of repentance during Lent. On the 5th Sunday of Lent Year A, it reminds us to cry out to God with honesty and trust. God hears us and offers healing, not condemnation.
The Letter to the Romans: Life Through the Spirit
The reading from Romans 8 highlights one of the main themes of the whole letter: life in the Spirit. Paul contrasts two ways of living—by the flesh or by the Spirit. The flesh brings death and separation from God. But the Spirit brings true life and peace.
This message fits the 5th Sunday of Lent Year A as it leads us to focus on the promise of resurrection. Just as the Spirit raised Jesus, it will raise us too. God’s Spirit gives hope and transforms how we live now.
The Gospel of John: The Raising of Lazarus
John 11 shows Jesus as the one who brings life where there is death. The whole Gospel of John focuses on signs that reveal who Jesus is. This moment is one of the clearest. Jesus does not just work a miracle. He speaks of Himself as the resurrection and the life, showing His unity with the Father.
This event is a turning point. It shows Jesus’ deep compassion and power, and it also leads directly to the plan for His death. On the 5th Sunday of Lent Year A, we are invited to believe that Jesus can bring life even when all hope seems lost.
Homilies and Commentaries for the 5th Sunday of Lent Year A
- Autobiography: Epilogue (Fr. Mike Schmitz)
- Jesus Wept (Bishop Robert Barron)
- Meanwhile, Back at the House… (Order of Preachers)
- You Are in the Spirit (Pray As You Go)
- New Life in Christ (Jesuits)
- What Binds You? (Dynamic Catholic)
- Untied And Set Free (USCCB)
- The Fifth Sunday of Lent (Jeff Cavins)
- At Lazarus’ Tomb (Scott Hahn)
- More Homilies and Reflections for the 5th Sunday of Lent Year A
Autobiography: Epilogue
On the 5th Sunday of Lent Year A, Fr. Mike Schmitz reflects on stories like Lazarus and the prodigal son. Both seem finished until grace changes everything. Like a rescued bar in a show, they receive a gift they did not earn. Lazarus is raised from the dead, and the son is welcomed home with honor. Each is given a new beginning, a kind of bonus chapter in their life.
He then asks what happens after that gift. Grace restores the relationship, but it also brings responsibility. Life after grace is life with the Father and with others. It is not about earning love or doing nothing. It means living each day as a son or daughter. The simple question becomes, “What do you want me to do today?”
Jesus Wept
On the 5th Sunday of Lent Year A, Bishop Robert Barron reflects on the raising of Lazarus as a sign that reveals how God works. Jesus delays coming, which confuses Martha and Mary and echoes a common human question: why doesn’t God act right away? Their words show both pain and faith. Even when they struggle to understand, they still trust. The story points to a key lesson that God’s timing is not ours, and faith means trusting even when things do not make sense.
Bishop Barron also highlights Jesus’ deep compassion. When Jesus weeps, it shows that God shares in human sorrow. Then Jesus reveals who he is: not just someone who brings life, but the resurrection itself. His word has power to bring life out of death. This offers hope for anyone who feels stuck or lost. When we listen to his voice, new life becomes possible.
Meanwhile, Back at the House…
On the 5th Sunday of Lent Year A, Deborah Wilhelm invites us to imagine life from Lazarus’s point of view. She asks what it would feel like to return from death and step back into ordinary life. There might be joy, confusion, or even silence. Life after such a moment would feel different. This reflection shifts the focus from the miracle itself to what comes after, when the excitement fades and daily life begins again.
She describes this as the “meanwhile” moment that everyone shares. Life is a short time between birth and death, filled with both struggle and beauty. We are reminded that we do not give ourselves life, and we cannot control everything. Instead, we are called to live with purpose, help others, and bring freedom where we can. Deborah Wilhelm encourages us to live this brief time with gratitude, faith, and care for one another.
You Are In the Spirit
On the 5th Sunday of Lent Year A, this reflection from Pray As You Go focuses on Romans 8:8-11 and invites a quiet awareness of God’s Spirit. It begins by reminding us that God is the source of life and is present all around us. The reflection asks us to pause and notice that presence, not only in the world but also within ourselves, where the Spirit lives and works.
It then explores the difference between living “in the flesh” and living “in the Spirit.” The focus is not on theory, but on personal experience. Where have we seen God at work in our lives? What stands out when we hear the reading again? The reflection encourages a simple, honest response to God, turning what we notice into prayer. It invites us to trust that the Spirit is already giving us life and leading us forward.
New Life in Christ
On the 5th Sunday of Lent Year A, Fr. Bob Hagan reflects on the theme of resurrection and new life. He connects the story of Lazarus to baptism, where a person dies to sin and rises to a new life in Christ. This message is especially meaningful for those preparing to receive the sacraments at Easter, as they move closer to becoming part of the Church in a new way.
He also reminds all baptized people that this call to new life is ongoing. Lent is a time to keep turning away from sin and growing into the life Christ offers. It is not just about one moment, but a daily choice to live differently. Fr. Hagan encourages everyone to keep becoming who God calls them to be, bringing new life into the world around them.
What Binds You?
On the 5th Sunday of Lent Year A, Matthew Kelly reflects on two simple but powerful moments in the Gospel. First, he focuses on “Jesus wept.” This shows that Jesus shares real human emotion. His tears remind us that grief is not weakness. It can be a holy and honest response to love and loss. We do not need to hide our emotions, because they can help us heal and grow.
He also reflects on Lazarus being raised from the dead. Lazarus returns not to a perfect world, but to one filled with struggles. This raises a deeper question about how we live each day. The reflection invites us to notice what stands out to us and how God is speaking through it. It encourages us to bring the Gospel into daily life and become the person God calls us to be.
Untied And Set Free
On the 5th Sunday of Lent Year A, Fr. Greg Friedman reflects on the story of Lazarus alongside the Church’s preparation of adults for baptism. He explains how the third scrutiny invites people to look honestly at their lives and face what blocks their faith. The Gospel shows real human grief, as Jesus shares in the sorrow of Martha and Mary. At the same time, Jesus challenges them with a deep question about belief in him as the source of life.
Fr. Friedman focuses on the moment when Lazarus comes out of the tomb still bound. Jesus tells others to untie him and let him go. This becomes a clear image for our own lives. Sin, fear, and weakness can hold us back. Lent is a time to face those things and allow Jesus to free us. The reflection invites us to trust him more deeply and step into the new life he offers.
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.
More Homilies and Reflections for the 5th Sunday of Lent Year A
Is Death the End? (Word on Fire: Bishop Robert Barron)
Welcome God’s Power Into Your Life (Dynamic Catholic: Allen Hunt)
Reflection for the 5th Sunday of Lent Year A
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.
Reflection Questions for the 5th Sunday of Lent Year A
- 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?
Social Media Graphics and Bulletin Artwork
Out of the Tomb, Into Light
Celebrate the message of hope on the 5th Sunday of Lent Year A with this inspiring image of Jesus at the entrance of the tomb. It captures the promise of new life found in the Gospel reading of Lazarus.
This artwork is available for download to use in bulletins, newsletters, or other parish materials. Add it to your Lenten reflections today.
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Only current paid subscribers have the rights to use the artwork.
Music Suggestions for the 5th Sunday of Lent Year A
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.
Questions and Answers for the 5th Sunday of Lent Year A
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.
New Life and Hope
The 5th Sunday of Lent Year A reminds us of God’s power to bring new life and hope. In the first reading, God promises to raise His people from their graves and fill them with His Spirit. This shows His power over death and His promise of renewal.
The second reading speaks of the Spirit giving life to our mortal bodies. It reminds us that if the Spirit of Christ lives in us, we have the hope of resurrection. This challenges us to live by the Spirit, not by worldly desires.
In the Gospel, Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead, showing His power over death. He declares, “I am the resurrection and the life,” calling us to believe in Him. This miracle strengthens the faith of those who witness it and reveals Jesus’ identity as the Son of God.
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 the promise of resurrection and to live in faith and courage.
Your Turn
The 5th Sunday of Lent Year A invites us to reflect on the promise of new life and resurrection. Take time to read and pray over the readings. Let them inspire you to trust in Jesus and live with hope.
Consider how these messages apply to your own life. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comment section. Your reflections may encourage others on their faith journey.
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