Messiah’s Voice Brings Life to Dead – Apr 02 – Homily – Fr John Lawrence

 

Fr John Lawrence gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Apr 02, 2025, where he explains how Jesus, the Messiah, heals and raises the dead to demonstrate His divine power and call people to faith for eternal life.

Father  highlights the Messiah’s role from the first reading, where God tells prisoners, "Come out" (Isaiah 49:9), fulfilled when Jesus raises Lazarus (John 11:43). He restores life, showing power over bodily and spiritual death (John 5:25). Yet, some reject Him, citing Sabbath healing as sin (John 5:16), to which Jesus responds, "My Father is at work until now, so I am" (John 5:17), aligning with God’s ongoing care (Genesis 2:2-3). This reflects CCC 2175, where Father notes Sabbath rest aids worship, not cessation of God’s mercy. Jesus heals a man ill for 38 years (John 5:5-9), proving divine authority. Critics challenge His equality with God (John 5:18), but He offers proof: raising the dead—like Jairus’ daughter (Mark 5:41), the widow’s son (Luke 7:14), and Lazarus—and exercising judgment (John 5:22). At the end, all will hear His voice (John 5:28-29), echoing "Come out" for life or condemnation. Father explains Jesus’ bold acts push faith (John 5:24), vital for salvation (CCC 161). His love, surpassing a mother’s (Isaiah 49:15), drives Him to save all, even the spiritually dead (John 5:25). Healing on the Sabbath foreshadows His redemptive rest in the tomb (CCC 624), preparing the resurrection for all.

For Further Reading

• Isaiah 49:9 - NAB - Messiah frees prisoners from darkness - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/isaiah/49?9


• John 11:43 - NAB - Jesus raises Lazarus from tomb - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/11?43


• John 5:17-29 - NAB - Jesus works as Father does to bring eternal life - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/5?17


• Genesis 2:2-3 - NAB - God rests on Sabbath - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/genesis/2?2


• Catechism of the Catholic Church #2175 - Sabbath for worship - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p3s2c1a3.htm#2175


• Catechism of the Catholic Church #161 - Faith necessary for salvation - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p1s1c3a1.htm#161


• Catechism of the Catholic Church #624 - Christ’s rest in tomb - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p122a4p3.htm


• Catholic Answers - God’s Love for You - God’s persistent love - https://www.catholic.com/tract/gods-love-for-you

00:00 – The Messiah's Mission Foretold
00:17 – Jesus Calls Lazarus from Death
00:33 – Power Over Physical and Spiritual Death
01:00 – Jesus and the Sabbath Controversy
01:49 – Healing on the Sabbath Explained
02:22 – Jesus Claims Equality with God
03:00 – Resurrection and Final Judgment
06:11 – The Sabbath and Christ’s Resurrection

Ave Maria!

Mass: Wednesday 4th Week of Lent - Wkdy
Readings:  - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/040225.cfm
1st: isa 49:8-15
Resp: psa 145:8-9, 13-14, 17-18
Gsp: joh 5:17-30

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1673

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