Education in Faith

Lent - Week 5

Gospel Focus: The Story Of Lazarus

This Sunday in the fifth week of Lent, we’re diving into the story of Lazarus from the Gospel of John.  Lazarus was a friend of Jesus who got really sick and died. His sisters, Mary and Martha, were heartbroken. But Jesus shows us something huge: even in the darkest moments, when things feel hopeless or out of control, God’s love is alive, real, and powerful.

When Jesus calls Lazarus out of the tomb, it’s like a reminder for all of us: no matter what’s holding us back, no matter what feels “dead” in our lives, Jesus calls us into life, hope, and light.

Scripture: John 11:1-45 (adaptation)

Lazarus was sick. Really sick. His sisters were freaked out and sent a message to Jesus. But by the time Jesus got there … Lazarus had died.

Mary, Martha, and everyone around were heartbroken. And Jesus? He got emotional too – he was sad, angry at death, and frustrated with the pain around him. He cares that much about us.

Then comes the wild part. Jesus walks to the tomb, asks for the stone to be moved, and shouts loudly: “Lazarus, come out!” And Lazarus walks out. Alive. Full of life again.

It’s more than a miracle story – it’s a reminder that nothing is too broken for Jesus. Not sadness. Not fear.   Not failure. Not even death. He brings light where there’s darkness, hope where there’s despair, and life where there seems to be none.

Refelction:

Think about your life for a moment. We all have “tombs” – moments that feel a little heavy, stuck, or impossible. Maybe it’s stress at work,  family worries, or just feeling invisible in the crowd. Those feelings are real. Those feelings matter.

But here’s the good news: Jesus sees them. He doesn’t ignore our struggles, and he doesn’t expect us to “just get over it.” Instead, he comes close, shows up in our sadness, and calls us out into life and hope – just like he called Lazarus from the tomb.

Being a follower of Jesus doesn’t mean life is perfect. It means life is possible. It means we can step forward with courage, even when it’s scary. It means we can bring hope and light, not just for ourselves, but for everyone around us.

And here’s the challenge for today: the same way Jesus called Lazarus out of the tomb, he’s asking each of us to step up. To take action. To roll away a stone that’s keeping someone, or even ourselves, trapped.

Parish of Good Shepard & St Justin's

      Sacrament Dates 2026

First Eucharist - Year 4 Term 2

Year 4 First Eucharist: Parents will select from one of the following masses:

Saturday 20th June 6.30pm Mass

Sunday 21st June 10.00am Mass

Sunday 21st June 5.00pm Mass

Commitment Mass: Saturday 2ndth May or Sunday 3rdh May

Medal Masses: Saturday 23rd May or Sunday 24th May

First Eucharist Parent/Child Workshop Evening: Tuesday 12th June 6.45 to 7.45pm

Confirmation - Year 6 Term 3

Confirmation Year 6: Thursday 20th August 

Good Shepherd Parish 5.30pm (only students from St Justin's)

Commitment Mass: Saturday 25th July or Sunday 26th July

Medal Masses: Saturday 8th August or Sunday 9th August

Confirmation Parent/Child Workshop Evening: Tuesday 28th July 6.45 to 7.45pm

Confirmation Reflection Day: Thursday 23rd July

Reconciliation - Year 3 - Term 4

Reconciliation Year 3D and Year 3MW: Thursday 5th November 5.30pm 

Reconciliation Parent/Child Workshop Evening: Tuesday 15th October  6.45 to 7.45pm

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