Raised Up, Called Out

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Fifth Sunday in Lent

Today's readings:
[ Ezek 37:1-14; Ps 130; Rom 8:6-11; Jn 11:1-45 ]

The thread running through today’s readings: God brings life where there is none.

In the Book of Ezekiel, the prophet stands in a valley of dry bones—utter desolation, the image of hope long abandoned. Yet God does not ask whether the bones can live. He simply commands breath, Spirit, life—and what was dead rises. This same cry echoes in Psalm 130: “Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord.” It is the prayer of one who knows that only God can reach into the grave and answer.

The Gospel reading gives us the raising of Lazarus. Jesus does not rush past grief—He weeps. But neither does He surrender to it. He calls Lazarus forth, not as a distant miracle-worker, but as one who is Himself the Resurrection and the Life.

From a Franciscan perspective, there is something deeply important here: God does not despise what is broken, lifeless, or humble. Francis of Assisi embraced poverty and smallness because he recognized that God delights in bringing life precisely there. The dry bones, the tomb, the depths—these are not obstacles to God. They are the very places He chooses to act.

Finally, the Epistle to the Romans reminds us that this is not only a story about others. The same Spirit that raised Christ—and called Lazarus out—dwells in us. Even now.

So where do you feel like dry bones today? Where does hope seem buried?

Do not wait until you feel alive to turn to God. Call out from the depths. The Lord does not require life as a starting point—He creates it.

And He is still calling: “Come out.”

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