Today is a very meaningful Sunday for me, as I have just begun my first mission here in this parish. I am still learning your names, your stories, and the life of this community. Thank you very much for your kindness and warm welcome.

Starting something new always brings mixed feelings — joy, hope, and excitement, but also a little uncertainty. This is part of human life. Whenever we enter a new chapter, we learn to trust again.

Today’s readings remind us that every new beginning is safe when God is present.

In the first reading, Ezekiel sees a valley of dry bones — a situation with no life, no hope. But God asks, “Can these bones live?” From a human point of view, the answer is no. But God says, “I will put my Spirit in you, and you shall live.”

This is our hope: even when everything seems finished, God can bring life again.

Sometimes our own lives feel like that — tired, dry, or weak. But God reminds us today: He can still bring life where there seems to be none.

In the second reading, St Paul tells us that the Spirit of God lives in us. The same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead is already within us. This means we are never without hope. Even when we feel weak, God is still working in us.

In the Gospel, Jesus says:
“I am the resurrection and the life.”

He is not only giving life — He is life. And then He asks, “Do you believe this?”

This question is for all of us. Do we trust that Jesus can bring life into our situations?

Sometimes we think, “It is too late.” But the Gospel shows us it is never too late with Jesus. Even after four days, He calls Lazarus out:
“Lazarus, come out!”
And that voice still speaks to us today.

As I begin serving here, I also place my trust in the Lord. I do not have all the answers, but I trust that Christ is already here — in this parish, in your families, in your lives.

Before the miracle, Jesus says, “Take away the stone.”
The stone can be fear, pride, unforgiveness, doubt, or anything we hold onto.

If the stone remains, new life cannot enter.

Lent is the time to remove the stone — to open our hearts and let Jesus come in.

So today I ask you gently:
What is the stone in your life?
Where do you need new life?
And are you willing to trust Him?

Faith is simply saying,
“Lord, I trust You.”

As we begin this journey together, let us remember: this parish is a living community. When Christ is at the centre, there is always hope, always renewal, always life.

Let us support one another, pray for one another, and grow together in faith.

May God bring new life to each of our hearts.

Amen.