Reflecting on Today’s Readings: 

Ezekiel 37:12–14 ;  Romans 8:8–11 ;  John 11:1–45

As human beings, we are social by nature. Made in the image and likeness of God-a God who is Three Persons in One, a community of Persons-we, too, are called to enter into community, to take care of one another. That means we pray for our neighbors, but it also means we look out for their physical needs.

After all, if bodily needs were unimportant and insignificant, why did Jesus bring Lazarus back from the dead in the body? Not only that, but-even though he knew of heaven and the afterlife-Jesus weeps upon learning of Lazarus’ death, his departure from the physical world. And Jesus weeps with us, too, as we experience pain and suffering, as we look out upon a world wrought with so much challenge. But Jesus doesn’t just weep-he calls us to take action, mindful of our call to participate in the global community.

As we continue our Lenten journey, we are reminded in a special way of the bodily needs of our brothers and sisters with this week’s featured country. We all know Haiti-most of us identify it with that horrific earthquake from only a few years ago. But this week, we are given a glimpse of hope, a story of volunteers who are being empowered to care for the health and well-being of their communities.

And so, let us consider our own calls to live and work in community, be it within our families or in solidarity with others around the globe. The Holy Spirit dwells within us. We hear God say through Ezekiel, “I will put my spirit in you that you may live.” But now, will we allow the Spirit to act?