The Power of Christ Over Death

03-22-2026Weekly ReflectionFr. Emmanuel Ogla, VC

Dear Friends in Christ,

The readings of today speak about the restoration of life by God, especially when all hope is lost. In the first reading from the Book of Ezekiel 37:12–14, God promises to restore life to His people who feel hopeless and spiritually dead. This passage is part of the vision of the “valley of dry bones.” Ezekiel interpreted the word of encouragement from the Lord to the people, making them understand that they were still God’s chosen people even though they neglected God and His commands.

He tells them that God will give them a new spirit of obedience, bring them from exile, and establish them in Judah again. In this way, they will come to realize that nothing short of the power of Yahweh could do such great things for them.

Thus, the first reading encourages and teaches that God grants hope to His people in despair, restores their land, and gives life through His Spirit. God proves to them that He can restore and revive what seems dead.

In the second reading from Romans 8:8–11, St. Paul addresses the newly baptized Christian converts by explaining the difference between living according to the flesh (sinful human nature) and living according to the Spirit of God. He makes them understand that living only for the flesh cannot please God. He also makes them understand that Christians are called to live by the Spirit; though our body is mortal, the Spirit gives life. Paul ends with words of great hope that the Spirit promises resurrection of our mortal bodies.

The second reading invites us to bear in mind that if we allow the Holy Spirit to guide our choices and actions, we will live a life that is pleasing to God, which will lead to eternal life.

In the Gospel of John 11:3–7, 17, 20–27, 33–45, we see the last and greatest miracle worked by Jesus. This miracle was to prove two key points: that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God, and to move the Pharisees and the chief priests to carry out the plan they had been contemplating. The miracle took place a few miles from Jerusalem, and they called a meeting to decide that Jesus must be put to death.

The resurrection of Lazarus reflects the great power of God. It helps us understand that God’s glory can also be seen through difficult situations. It reflects that Jesus truly shares in our pain and human suffering. Jesus needs us to understand that our faith is needed when all hope is lost. The Gospel also reflects that Jesus has power over death, and our faith leads people to believe. Sometimes the dead situations in our lives, like broken relationships, lost hope, and spiritual dryness, can hear the voice of Christ again. When Jesus speaks, life is restored. We pray that He may restore us back to Himself when our time comes. Amen.

Fr. Emmanuel Ogla, VC