The readings from John's Gospel for the third, fourth and fifth Sundays of Lent (Year A) are rather long, and so there is a tendency for the liturgy to shorten them. Spiritually, catechetically and biblically this practice is rather disadvantageous. These Gospel passages and the readings that accompany them are so important in preparing catechumens for baptism and all of us for a renewal of our baptismal vows at the Easter vigil, that they may also be used in years B and C.

There are only three Gospel accounts of Jesus raising people from the dead. Two accounts are in Luke's Gospel where, true to his theme of gender equality, Luke recounts the raising of both a man and a woman: the son of the widow of Nain and Jairus' daughter.

The story of Lazarus forms a climax to the public life of Jesus: because Jesus raises Lazarus to life, men plot to kill him. While death seemed to conquer Jesus on the cross, Jesus conquered death by rising from the dead, so that we who are destined for death may live for ever. This certainty gives depth to our faith and hope.