REFLECT:
As I was praying with today's readings, the last paragraph of the Gospel jumped off the page at me:

The large crowd of the Jews found out that he was there and came,
not only because of him, but also to see Lazarus,
whom he had raised from the dead.
And the chief priests plotted to kill Lazarus too,
because many of the Jews were turning away
and believing in Jesus because of him.

Lazarus had just been raised from the dead and the chief priests were plotting to kill him! They saw Lazarus as a threat because he was a living witness to the mercy, power, and love of Jesus Christ. Lazarus was leading conversions to Christ. 

How do we witness to the mercy, power, and love of Jesus? How do we lead others to a conversion to Christ? What risks are we willing to take to be disciples? To MAKE disciples? These are honest questions we need to ask ourselves in prayer.

PRAY:
Prayer to Live the Gospel, Be Disciples*
Loving Father,
Open our hearts to hidden realities:
     your love for all people,
     your presence in the community,
     your call to justice and peace.
May the sacraments stir in us
that same love for those with whom we worship
and all members of our human family.
Christ Jesus,
Help us to imitate your example:
     healing the sick,
     welcoming the stranger,
     assisting the poor and vulnerable.
May the sacraments remind us
of your love and self-giving,
which we strive to imitate.
Holy Spirit,
Make visible to our eyes what is invisible:
     your call to your people,
     your summons to live our faith daily
     as witnesses of justice and peace.
May the sacraments move us
to engage in love-inspired action
that transforms us and the world.
Amen
*USCCB

ACT:
Go out of your comfort zone this Holy Week. Be a witness to Jesus in a way that challenges you.