Reflection Guide

Word Sharing Circle (WSC) Reflection Guide

March 22, 2026 (Cycle A, Year II) – Fifth Sunday of Lent

Community Word: Jesus, our Light and Life, transforms us into the fullness of salvation.

Theme: We are transformed towards salvation as we believe that Jesus gives us new life.

Promise: “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live.” (Jn 11:25)

Reflection:

As we approach the final weeks of Lent, God’s word leads us to the revelation of who Jesus truly is. In the Gospel account of the raising of Lazarus, we encounter not only a miraculous event but a manifestation of Christ’s identity and mission. Jesus proclaims, “I am the resurrection and the life.” This truth becomes the heart of our reflection for this Fifth Sunday of Lent.

The story of Lazarus speaks deeply to our human experience. Martha and Mary faced grief, confusion, and disappointment when their brother died. Yet in that moment of loss, Jesus revealed that His power extends beyond human limitations. By calling Lazarus out of the tomb, He demonstrated that He is Lord over suffering, sin, and even death itself. This miracle points to the greater salvation He would accomplish through His own death and resurrection.

Our theme for the week tells us that we are transformed towards salvation as we believe that Jesus gives us new life. Transformation begins when we believe in Christ and allow His life-giving word to penetrate the deepest areas of our hearts. Just as Lazarus was called out of the tomb, Jesus calls each one of us to “come out” of the places that bind us. These may be habits of sin, discouragement, bitterness, fear, or spiritual complacency that prevent us from fully living in the freedom of God’s grace.

The prophet Ezekiel, in the first reading, proclaims God’s promise: “I will open your graves and have you rise from them.” This prophetic image speaks not only about physical resurrection but also about spiritual renewal. God desires to breathe His Spirit into us so that we may live again. Likewise, St. Paul reminds us in the second reading that those who belong to Christ are no longer controlled by the flesh but live by the Spirit who gives life.

In our BLD discipleship, faith is not merely in our minds, but it is a living relationship with the Lord. When we truly believe that Jesus is the resurrection and the life, we allow Him to restore what is broken, heal what is wounded, and renew what has grown weary in our spiritual journey. This faith empowers us to trust that no situation in our lives is beyond His saving power.

Lent invites us to examine the “tombs” that still exist in our lives. Sometimes we remain bound by past failures, guilt, resentment, or fear of change. Yet Jesus stands before us today and speaks the same command He gave to Lazarus: “Come out!” His word brings freedom, healing, and hope. But like Lazarus, we must respond by stepping out in faith and allowing the Lord, as well as our community, to help remove the “burial cloths” that still restrict us.

As community members, we are also called to be instruments of life for others. Many people around us carry burdens of despair, loneliness, or spiritual dryness. Through our witness, encouragement, and prayer, we participate in Christ’s mission of bringing life and hope to those who feel trapped in darkness.

As we continue our Lenten journey toward Easter, let us renew our faith in Jesus who alone gives new life. When we place our trust in Him, He transforms our weakness into strength, our despair into hope, and our death into life. Truly, as the Lord declares, “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live.” (Jn 11:25)

Prayer

Lord Jesus, You are the resurrection and the life. We believe that Your word brings hope, healing, and new life to our hearts. Open our eyes to the areas in our lives where we remain bound by fear, sin, or discouragement. Call us forth from every spiritual tomb and fill us with Your life-giving Spirit. Transform us so that we may live fully in Your grace and become instruments of hope and renewal to others. Amen.

Reflection Guide Questions:

1. What “tombs” or situations in my life is Jesus calling me to come out from so that I may experience His transforming life?

2. How can I help bring hope, encouragement, and spiritual renewal to someone who feels discouraged or spiritually bound?

This Week’s Daily Mass Reading Guide:

March 22, 2026 (Sun) – Ez 37:12-14/ Ps 130:1-8/ Rom 8:8-11/ Jn 11:1-45

March 23, 2026 (Mon) – Dn 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33 - 62/ Ps23:1-6/ Jn 8:12-20

March 24, 2026 (Tues) – Nm 21:4-9/ Ps 102:2, 3, 16-21/ Jn 8:21-30

March 25, 2026 (Wed) – Is 7:10-14; 8:10/ Ps 40:7-8, 8-9, 10, 11/ Heb 10:4-10/ Lk 1:26-38

March 26, 2026 (Thurs) – Gn 17:3-9/ Ps 105:4-9/ Jn 8:51-59

March 27, 2026 (Fri) – Jer 20:L10-13/ Ps 18:2-7/ Jn 10:31-42

March 28, 2026 (Sat) – Ez 37:21-28/ Jer 31:10-13/ Jn 11:45-56

“Ignorance of the Bible is ignorance of Christ. Read your Bible daily!”

Council of Servant Leaders

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Alfred S. Kudemus

CSL Secretariat

BLD Catholic Charismatic Covenant Community

"Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16