This Gospel, on the raising of Lazarus, simultaneously reveals Jesus' humanity while showing forth his divinity. The former is manifested in the profound emotions felt by Jesus upon the death of his friend. The onlookers exclaim: "See how he loved him!" (Jn 11: 36) The latter is not only shown in the deed of power with which Jesus brings Lazarus from the dead but by the intimacy, trust and confidence that he has in his heavenly Father: "Father, I thank you for having heard me. I know that you always hear me, but I have said this for the sake of the crowd standing here, so that they may believe that you sent me." (Jn 11: 41-42) In this way we, in 2026 listening to the living Word, are invited into that relationship. We become onlookers as well, marveling at the power of God and getting a privileged insight into the divine relationship between the Son and the Father. As Catholics we not only participate in the Blessed Sacrament, the living memorial of the Passion, death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, but also gather to listen to his Word. It is this Word that conforms us to the life of our Saviour: "Indeed, the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart." (Heb 4: 12) Both aspects of the Eucharistic liturgy form a unity that mediates to us Jesus Christ -Word made flesh and splendour of the Father.
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