Jesus Cries

  

Fifth Sunday of Lent

26 March 2023

 

First Reading: Ez 37:12-14

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 130:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8

Second Reading: Rom 8:8-11

Gospel: Jn 11:1-45

 

Reflection

By: Ma. Rosalina S. Flores

 

When was the last time you cry for the death of a loved one?

In 2021, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, my two uncles, the brothers of my mother, have died, one after another, just two months apart, in June and August. I was so devastated that time to the point that I had to utter a prayer to the Lord begging Him to please stop and that it should be enough for that year. We were so tired emotionally and we couldn't help losing another loved one if ever. If I was so heartbroken that time, how much more my mother?

In today's Gospel, Jesus also wept at the death of his beloved friend, Lazarus. It is one of the three times He became vulnerable and cried as written in the Bible. In the continuation of the Gospel, we also heard Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead so the Jews would believe Him and the One who sent Him.

It is only three times that Jesus was recorded crying in the Bible, but I do believe that every time we sin, Jesus actually cry.

Years ago, I had a very raw conversation with a 6-year old girl while looking at the image of Jesus. She asked who is that, I told her Jesus Christ. She said, "Oh, Jesus Cry". I kept on correcting her it's Jesus Christ, but she also kept repeating Jesus Cry. Then it registered to me that the name of Our Lord Jesus Christ is rhymed with Jesus cries. I also came to realize that maybe Jesus cries when we continue to commit sin and disregard His overwhelming love for us.

Next Sunday, we will formally start the Holiest Week of the Year, we will commemorate the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ. I pray that instead of going on a vacation on these declared regular Holidays, may we also give time going to Churches to participate in the church activities especially in the Easter Triduum, the heart of our faith. May this be a time for reflection and see the importance of Jesus' saving sacrifice for the world. May we realize that His Passion, Death, and Resurrection should always be enough for us to believe in Him.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for this Season of Lent. We pray that we are able to prepare ourselves for the greatest Solemnity, Your Resurrection. Help us to obey Your will and strive hard to avoid sin so as to prevent You from crying. We look forward to the day that we will see Your sweetest smile, face to face, in heaven. Amen.