The readings today describe death and life. Ezekiel is writing to the Israelites suffering exile in Babylon. Disobedience and worship of idols have resulted in distance from God — a kind of death. Ezekiel likens their situation to a valley of dry bones. Yet, suddenly the breath of God rejuvenates the bones. The exiles also receive this new life from God and eventually return home. In our contemporary situation, God opens our graves and raises us from the graves of sin and despair.

St Paul reminds us that desires of the flesh will tempt us. Such unspiritual desires lead to death. But if we choose the Spirit instead of sin, then we will receive life. Be assured that this Spirit of life already lives in us (cf Rom 8:11).

In the Gospel, Jesus' good friend, Lazarus, has died. Lazarus's sister, Martha, says, "I know he will rise again at the resurrection on the last day." Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life" (Jn 11:24-25). Jesus gives eternal life. Amazingly, he also gives new life to Lazarus here and now, even before the last day. But Lazarus, resuscitated to life, would die again. However, Jesus wants each person to begin to experience this new-found life here and now.