The Gospels recount many of the miracles the Lord performed: restoring sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf, strength of limbs to the lame and palsied, multiplying the loaves and fishes to feed the hungry. Saint John, in his Gospel, does not call these great works of Jesus miracles; he calls them signs. Truly, the Lord’s miracles are signs, since – in addition to what the miracle accomplishes in itself – it points to some further reality. This can be seen clearly in the miracle of the raising of Lazarus, which is recounted in today’s Gospel. Not only is Lazarus raised from the dead, but this miracle points to a greater work of God: the glorious resurrection of our Savior on Easter. This is why the Church places this Gospel story towards the end of Lent, to help us prepare spiritually for Easter. The Lord’s mercy is always directed towards our salvation. He forgives us our sins, and desires that we not simply return to them but repent from them. Lent affords us the opportunity to appreciate more deeply this mystery of God’s mercy. This is especially true in the Sacrament of Penance. Please note the opportunities listed in this bulletin for the faithful to make a good confession. We are on the home stretch now. It’s time to make our sprint to Easter! Next week (starting with Palm Sunday) we begin Holy Week. The end towards which we are running is, of course, the celebration of the greatest mystery of our faith: the commemoration of the suffering, death, and resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Plan now to participate in the whole Sacred Triduum, all to be celebrated at SS Peter & Paul Church: Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday (7:00pm,), Passion Service on Good Friday (12:30pm), and the most important celebration of the entire year, the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday (8:30pm). Easter Sunday Mass is 9am at SS Peter & Paul, and 9:30am at St. Vincent de Paul. May God bless you! Fr. Schaller