Hello, Reader!
Join us this Sunday at 9 am for the Holy Eucharist Rite One service led by Canon Michael Parks. This is the fifth and final Sunday of Lent.
Reflection on the Readings for the 5th Sunday of Lent 2026
As Holy Week approaches, we are encouraged to reflect on the parts of our lives that need God’s renewing breath.
Old Testament – Ezekiel 37:1–14 Ezekiel is taken by the Spirit to a valley of dry bones — a powerful image of hopelessness. At God’s command, he prophesies, and the bones come together, covered with flesh. Yet they remain lifeless until the breath of God enters them. Even when hope seems completely lost, God has the power to bring life back.
Psalm 130 This penitential psalm begins with a cry from the depths and expresses deep trust in God’s mercy. The psalmist waits for the Lord like watchmen wait for the morning, confident that redemption will arrive. During Lent, it reminds us that no sin or suffering is beyond God’s mercy.
Epistle – Romans 8:8–11 Paul contrasts living by the flesh with living in the Spirit. His promise is extraordinary: the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead now dwells in believers. Although our bodies are mortal, the power of resurrection is already working within us.
Gospel – John 11:1–45 The raising of Lazarus is the final and greatest sign in John’s Gospel before the Passion. When Jesus arrives after Lazarus’s death, Martha meets him with faith and grief. Jesus declares, “I am the resurrection and the life.” At the tomb, he weeps with the community in their sorrow — then calls Lazarus out, showing that God’s power is greater than death itself.
Wrap-Up These readings point us to the core of Christian hope: God brings life from death, hope from despair, and restoration from brokenness. Ezekiel’s bones come to life again. The psalmist rises from the depths. Paul reminds us that the Spirit of resurrection dwells within us. And Jesus calls Lazarus — and calls us — out of the tomb. As we approach Holy Week, may we open ourselves to the renewing breath already preparing us for the joy of Easter.
You can read the full reflection and Scripture texts on today's services webpage.
The podcast of today's service will be available later today on your favorite podcast platform, or you can listen here.
Upcoming events
- Join us for the Living Compass Lenten Study on Tuesdays at noon in classroom 1. You can bring your lunch along.
- Silent Film Night will take place on March 28, 2026, at 6 pm for our fifth season! We will screen two films: Spring Fever (1919) and The Life and Passion of Jesus Christ (1907). Bring a friend!
- Maundy Thursday service on April 2, 2026, at 6 pm with Canon Scott Leannah.
- Good Friday service on April 3, 2026, at 6 pm, also led by Canon Scott Leannah.
Don’t forget to review this week's announcements and the church calendar.
If you feel inspired to pray for others, we encourage you to include those on our prayer list in your prayers to help strengthen our community.
If you need inspiration for prayer, remember the Book of Common Prayer or these prayers to guide your prayer journey.
Blessings, and have a great week!
