CAMPUS MINISTRY

LENT WEEK 5

In this week's Gospel, Jesus hears that his good friend, Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha, is sick and near to death. But, he does not rush to see him and comfort his family and instead takes his time getting there.

However, on arriving, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. As he approaches the house, Jesus is met by Martha, who is less than happy to see her friend. Instead, she starts to have a go at him! Even in the midst of sorrow and bereavement, she clearly says to Jesus, "if you had been here, my brother would not have died."

Martha then continues with deep faith and belief in Jesus and says, "but I know that, even now, whatever you ask of God, he will grant you."

Even though Martha is angry with Jesus, she hasn’t given up on him completely. Jesus, full of compassion and love, raises his friend from the tomb.

This Gospel reading is like a signpost that points and leads us to Easter. On Holy Thursday, we will journey with Jesus as he is betrayed, denied, condemned, beaten and crucified.

There is no way of ignoring or avoiding the reality of the death of Jesus, but this is not the end of the story! It is only a stage on the journey, not only through Lent, but in our lives too.

Throughout every day of our lives, Jesus offers us the promise and hope of new life – as he does in this week's Gospel and in the Easter journey.

PROJECT COMPASSION

I strongly encourage all members of our community to give generously to Caritas' Project Compassion - the most important fundraiser of the year for our brothers and sisters in some of the world’s most arid or war-torn terrains. Every cent given to Caritas goes to these communities to support their housing, medical and nutritional needs.

You can donate through the PCG boxes or through our Online Store (linked below).

Mr Chris Kan

Dean of Campus Ministry