Today we see Jesus weep. He is deeply moved by the death of his friend, Lazarus. With profound faith, Martha believes in the resurrection and the eternal life that Jesus will one day give Lazarus. Yet there is more. Jesus also desires Lazarus to have life now.

'Unbind him, and let him go.' Jesus wants Lazarus to be unbound from what restricts his freedom. He wants Lazarus to live and be free today.

St. Paul reminds us that we too can get entangled and bound up by things of the flesh. We fall into sins that hurt others, deny our own dignity or draw us away from God. These unhealthy things rob us of freedom and ultimately lead to death.

Jesus desires eternal life for us. Jesus also desires us to have life and be free today. The same Spirit that gives life to the dry bones, is already within our hearts.

Is there something in life that binds me up, something from which I yearn to be free? Do I want passion to replace dryness in my life? Lent is a time of turning towards God. Today is an opportunity to ask Jesus for the life or freedom that I desire.