Homily – Saturday of the Fifth Week of Lent (Year II)
By Fr. Williams Onyilo, CSSp
Readings: Ezekiel 37:21–28; John 11:45–57
From experience, I have come to realise that the more united we are, the stronger and happier we become. When we quarrel and divide into factions, we grow weak. Instead of focusing on growth and development, we waste energy defending ourselves and attacking others whom we perceive as threats. Little wonder the saying goes, “together we stand, divided we fall,” and as the nursery school rhyme reminds us, “the more we get together, the happier we shall be.”
People of goodwill always strive to unite others and promote growth. On the contrary, those driven by selfish interests tend to sow division, forming exclusive groups to pursue their own ends.
In the first reading, God promises to gather the scattered people of Israel from the nations where they have suffered. He brings them back to their land so that they may live in peace, serve Him, the one true God, and prosper as one people. This is a powerful image of God’s desire for unity and restoration.
In the Gospel, Jesus continues this mission of unity and life. By raising Lazarus from the dead, He demonstrates God’s power to restore and renew. His works were meant to bring people together, to deepen faith, and to give life. Yet, rather than embracing this grace, the chief priests and the Pharisees allowed fear and self-interest to divide them. They even went so far as to plot the death of Jesus.
Looking at our society, one of our greatest challenges is disunity. We often fail to pursue a common good. Even within the Church, divisions arise when Christ is no longer the centre, and personal interests take precedence. We see many churches, yet lives are not transformed. Many who come seeking peace and healing sometimes leave with wounds, bitterness, and regret.
Until we return to Christ, who prayed that we may all be one, and make Him the centre of our lives and mission, we may struggle to make meaningful progress.
May this reflection inspire us to seek unity, to work together, and to place Christ at the heart of all we do. And may the Lord make us one and lead us to true prosperity. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
