The New Life promised to Believers Through Jesus, the Christ

Collect: Fifth Sunday in Lent

Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners; Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

Ezekiel 37:1-14 . . .  announces that, at the word of the Lord, God will restore the people and breathe into them God’s Spirit.

Psalm 130 . . . The Call for Healing

Romans 8: 6-11 . . . Paul asserts that those who belong to Christ have Christ’s Spirit living within, enlivening and empowering them.

John 11: 1-45 . . . Jesus demonstrates his power to give life by raising his friend Lazarus from the dead.

Homily by Jude Thaddeus Langeh

And then there is . . . Will Willimon is a bishop in the United Methodist Church