The prophet Ezekiel brings God’s word to the Israelites held captive in Babylon. The two kingdoms will be reunited and they will return to their homeland. God is about to make an eternal covenant of peace with them.
Fast-forward a few hundred years. The Israelites have returned to their homeland, but they are still waiting for God to fulfill the promise of a new covenant. They are living in less-than-ideal circumstances and under the oppressive rule of the Roman Empire.
Jesus brings them a message of a better life for those who place their faith in him. Many come to believe in him especially after he raises Lazarus from the dead.
His actions terrify the ruling class of scribes, Pharisees and Jewish elders who are enjoying a much more comfortable lifestyle that their fellow Jews. So they plot to kill Jesus for fear that his message will draw the people away from them, jeopardizing their comfortable situation.
We know how this story turns out. Jesus dies, but then he rises from the dead.
The readings today give us an opportunity to look back at how we have kept our promises to God this Lent and reflect not just on where we have fallen short, but also on the times when God’ promises have been kept and carried us forward.
Fr. Lawrence Jagdfeld, O.F.M., Administrator