Fiftth Sunday of Lent

St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Parish Grand Prairie, Texas

Gospel Meditations

March 22, 2026
5th Sunday of Lent
John 11:1-45

A friend of mine wrote an imaginative reflection on the raising of Lazarus that caught me off guard. She proposed that when Jesus called Lazarus from the tomb, the man was not joyful but angry and annoyed. After so much suffering, maybe death felt like a release. He had finally escaped the pain. And then, suddenly, Jesus’ voice cuts through the silence: “Lazarus, come out!” (John 11:43) The light stings his eyes. The pain returns. And now he is dragged back into a world that had broken him.
It startled me at first, but the more I sat with it, the more it made sense. Sometimes, people do not want to be raised. Not at first. Think of those in the grip of addiction, despair, or numbness. The tomb can feel safer than the risk of living again. Yet Jesus, moved by the grief and faith of others (Martha, Mary, the community) calls the dead man out. Lazarus obeys. But he is still bound, head to foot. Jesus says to the bystanders, “Untie him and let him go” (John 11:44).
That is often how healing happens: slowly, reluctantly. Not just by a personal decision, but through the love and persistence of others. Resurrection is not always euphoric. It may begin in protest and confusion and only later turn to gratitude and freedom. But Christ’s voice breaks through, anyway.

Lenten challenge: Who in your life needs to be called back to life? Pray for them. If that person is you, listen for the voice. It is calling even now.

— Father John Muir

©LPi

22 de marzo de 2026
V Domingo de Cuaresma
Juan 11:1-45

Está por terminar la Cuaresma; un domingo más y estaremos celebrando el Domingo de Ramos. Cuarenta días de preparación para la Pascua están por concluir. Hemos acompañado a Jesús que pasó por las tentaciones en el desierto; luego subimos con Él al monte de la Transfiguración; fuimos al pozo de Jacob con la mujer samaritana y encontramos el Agua Viva; llegamos a la piscina de Siloé y fuimos curados de nuestras cegueras. Y hoy, celebramos el domingo en el que resucitaremos junto con Lázaro. La resurrección de Lázaro es un triunfo sobre la muerte. Pero antes de este milagro, Marta, la hermana de Lázaro, sale al encuentro de Jesús y, en su diálogo, Él le dice: “Yo soy la resurrección y la vida. El que cree en mí, aunque muera, vivirá” (Juan 11:26). Jesús nos hace hoy la misma pregunta que le hizo a Marta: “¿Crees esto?” ¿Qué le respondes tú? ¿Has experimentado algún cambio en tu corazón durante esta Cuaresma?
Si nuestra fe es madura, viviremos como resucitados desde ahora, no solo al final de nuestra vida. Demos, pues, a Jesús una respuesta profunda y comprometida con nosotros mismos y con quienes nos rodean. Respondamos como Marta y como Pedro: “Sí, Señor, creo”. Señor, ayúdanos a ser parte de tu proyecto de vida, a construir un mundo mejor donde reine la paz. Queremos ser testigos de esperanza, donde tu amor exista a través de nuestra vida y nuestro caminar hacia Ti. Jesús nos dice hoy a cada uno de nosotros: “¡Lázaro, sal fuera!” (Juan 11:43).

©LPi

PARISH ANNOUNCEMENTS

Easter Egg Donations

We are now accepting candy donations for our Annual Easter Egg Hunt! A donation basket is available in the Atrium. Thank you for your generosity in helping us bring the joy of Easter to the children of our parish!

Easter Flowers
We are now accepting donations for Easter Flowers on our website. Help us decorate our beautiful Sanctuary for the Resurrection of the Lord. Donors will be recognized at all the Easter Masses.

Faith Formation Sacramental Dates

OCIA Year II
Baptism/Confirmation/Eucharist - April 4th at 8:00pm (please arrive by 7:00pm)
First Reconciliation - Wednesday, April 22nd @ 6:30pm

Confirmations 2026
Confession - Wednesday, April 22nd @ 6:30pm
Masses - Monday, April 27th @ 7:00pm | Thursday, April 30th @ 7:00pm

First Communions 2026
First Confessions - Wednesday, May 6th @ 6:30pm
Masses - Saturday, May 9th @ 11:00am (Sunday/Thursday Classes) & 2:00pm (Wednesday Classes)

May Crowning: Sunday, May 10th @ 9am,11am,1pm Masses

A Safety Reminder
At St. Michael, the safety and security of everyone on our campus—especially our children—is one of our highest priorities. For this reason, we kindly ask that all children ages 12 and under be accompanied by a parent or guardian when going to the restroom during Mass and other parish events. This simple precaution helps ensure that our children remain safe, accounted for, and protected while on parish grounds. We greatly appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a safe and welcoming environment for all members of our parish community.

Living Stations of the Cross

We warmly invite all parishioners to join us in prayer as we witness the Living Stations of the Cross, prayerfully presented by our Confirmation II students. The presentation will take place at 6:00 PM in the Sanctuary on March 13th. Come and experience this powerful reenactment of our Lord’s Passion as we journey together through Lent. Spanish Stations will continue as scheduled. AT 7PM.

Confirmation I & II Students:
In order to participate in the Living Stations, attendance at rehearsal is required. Participation for both days will count toward your Parish Life points.

Rehearsal: Thursday, March 12 at 6:30 PM in Trinh Hall
Living Stations: Friday, March 13 at 6:00 PM -Please arrive by 5:30 PM to receive your costume.

Lenten Fish Frys

Every Friday during Lent except Good Friday.

Adult Plate: $12
Bottled Water & Sodas: $2 each

Menu (Sides may vary):
• Fried battered fish
• French fries
• Hush puppies
• Coleslaw
• Dessert

Join us for great food and fellowship as we observe the Lenten season together. All are welcome!

Spring Clean-Out & Cook-Out
As part of our Lenten spirit of service, all parishioners are invited to join us for a Parish Service Morning to help clean and organize our campus storage shed. This is a wonderful opportunity to serve together, lend a hand, and care for the blessings God has entrusted to our parish. The clean-out will take place on Saturday, March 14th from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Once the work is complete, we will enjoy a simple cookout and time of fellowship hosted by our Lawn Ministry.
Whether you have a strong back, organizational skills, or simply a willing heart, your help is greatly appreciated.

New Parishioner Meet & Greet

Calling all new parishioners! If you have joined our parish in the past few months, we invite you to a “Meet and Greet” on Sunday, April 12 at 10am in Trinh Hall. During this session, we will introduce you to our many parish ministries, activities, events, and so much more. This is your chance to get involved in parish life and become part of our amazing community! Refreshments will be served.

Please use the link below to RSVP so we can prepare enough materials.

My Promise 2026

Give Here!

Easter Flowers

Sent by Crystal Alvares on Friday, March 20 at 2:03PM