The Fifth Sunday of Lent: Drawing Near to the Cross
As we enter the Fifth Sunday of Lent, we find ourselves standing at the threshold of Holy Week. The penitential journey we began on Ash Wednesday now intensifies, calling us to a deeper reflection on Christ’s Passion and our response to His sacrificial love.
The Veiling of Crosses and Statues
One of the striking traditions associated with this Sunday is the veiling of crosses and sacred images in many churches. This ancient practice, rooted in the Gospel of John (8:46–59), symbolizes Christ’s withdrawal from public ministry as His Passion draws near. The veiled images invite us into a period of spiritual deprivation, preparing our hearts for the moment when Christ will be lifted up on the Cross.
The Gospel: A Call to Resurrection
This Sunday’s Gospel, often taken from John 11, recounts the raising of Lazarus. This profound miracle foreshadows Christ’s own Resurrection and reminds us that He has power over sin and death. But beyond the miracle itself, Jesus’ interaction with Martha and Mary reveals His deep compassion and the invitation to believe: "I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live." (John 11:25). As Lent nears its culmination, we are challenged to ask ourselves: Do we truly believe in Christ’s power to bring new life, even in the most hopeless situations?
The Call to Die to Self
The Fifth Sunday of Lent also reminds us of the necessity of dying to self in order to rise with Christ. Jesus Himself speaks of this in John 12:24: "Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit." Our Lenten sacrifices, prayers, and acts of charity are meant to help us detach from sin and grow in virtue. Now, as we approach the climax of this sacred season, we are called to embrace the Cross more fully, uniting our sufferings with Christ for the glory of the Father.
Entering the Final Days of Preparation
With Palm Sunday just ahead, the Church invites us to enter more deeply into the mystery of Christ’s Passion. This is a time to intensify our prayers, embrace repentance, and seek reconciliation with God. It is also a time to ask: How is Christ calling me to deeper conversion? What sins or attachments still hold me back from fully embracing the life He offers?
As we continue our Lenten pilgrimage, may we draw closer to Christ in His suffering, knowing that through His Passion, we are led to the glory of the Resurrection.
In Christ,
Fr. Joe Connelly