Passion Sunday: Today's Scripture: Isaiah 50:4-7; Philippians 2: 6-11; Luke 22: 14-56 can be read at www.usccb.org/nab
Walking With Jesus
This week, Holy Week, we walk again with Jesus as he passed from life through death to life. We move with Jesus from his hero’s welcome surrounded by friends and joyful followers to his time of suffering, abandonment and death.
As we re-live these last days of Jesus’ earthly life, God’s Word today reminds us that suffering and death were part of Jesus’ life. Jesus’ sufferings were real; his death was real; his walk through the dark valley was real. But we also know that suffering and death were not the end of his life.
We can’t close the book yet, because there is more to come. That’s why we look forward to Easter; we believe that something follows suffering and death.
Although Jesus knew that he was not alone : “the Lord God helps me” (Isaiah), he still experienced a sense of abandonment : “My God, why have you forsaken me?” (Luke).
Growing in relationship with Jesus calls for each of us to live so that “the same mind is in us that was in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians) This is indeed a lifelong challenge! Knowing that God is with us can help us as we continue to grow.
To think about: Is it easy for me to be a disciple of Jesus when everything is going well?
What happens to my relation with Jesus when there is suffering, misfortune, or difficulty in my life?
What would I have done if I had been with Jesus through the events of this week?
After I take my palms home, will I try to remember that Jesus is with me through the good times and the bad times, the peaceful times as well as the stressful times, the times of new life and the times of pain, suffering and death?
To do: Try to put into action some of Jesus’ words that we hear this week. "This is My Body, broken for you...My Blood poured out for you"; "Father, forgive them."
Be conscious of Jesus’ words as you serve others in the everyday chores and responsibilities of your life.
Point out ways that your children have been helpful by serving others in the family; many times small simple actions can make a difference!
Help someone who is suffering or dying. Call someone who is lonely.
Refrain from one treat individually or as a family, and give the saved money to a charity.
To pray: “Lord, let me walk this road with you.”
Next week: Easter Sunday – The Resurrection of the Lord
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Saturday, March 20, 2010
"Looking Beyong Restrictions"
Looking Beyond Restrictions”: Reflection for March 21, 2010, 5th Sunday of Lent
Today’s Scripture: Isaiah 43: 16-21; Philippians 3: 8-14; John 8: 1-1 1can be read at www.usccb.org/nab
“Looking Beyond Restrictions”
While laws and rules certainly are essential for all sorts of groups in society, the type, reason for, and interpretation of the laws may vary according to the group.
As we move toward the end of this Lenten season, we encounter Jesus as he faces an accusing band of Pharisees who, as Law dictated, condemn only one of the two people caught in adultery, namely the woman (John).
Although such a discriminatory application of the Law was the observed practice at the time – and is a practice that is still found in some societies today, Jesus moves beyond the restrictive law and gives life and hope to the accused woman.
Boldly yet calmly showing that law is not the highest authority, Jesus is not trapped in the skewed Pharisaic vision. Rather, he embodies God’s Word and does a new thing.
In moving to a deeper, personal level, Jesus gives “water in the wilderness”(Isaiah) to this desperate child of God.
We, in turn, are challenged to consider the laws that rule our lives and the ways that we apply laws and rules to others.
To think about: How do laws and rules help or hinder my life/ my family’s life?
Are there some discriminatory practices in my life?
Do I judge people according to gender, race or religion?
Do I judge people according to my own interpretation of the law?
How do I respond to discriminatory, unjust rules?
How do I view those who question rules or those who work to change rules, even long-held rules?
Does my family need fewer rules to help family life?
To do: Hold a family meeting to decide on family rules.
Notice if you tend to judge people or accept people.
Speak up in the face of injustice or discrimination.
Encourage your child to speak to someone whom other children ignore or treat unfairly.
Give life and hope to someone in need through financial support to a group or organization that helps people who experience discrimination.
To pray: Hear Jesus say to you, “I am Bread for your life” when facing decisions this week.
Next week: Passion Sunday: Isaiah 50:4-7;Philippians 2: 6-11; Luke 22: 14-56
Today’s Scripture: Isaiah 43: 16-21; Philippians 3: 8-14; John 8: 1-1 1can be read at www.usccb.org/nab
“Looking Beyond Restrictions”
While laws and rules certainly are essential for all sorts of groups in society, the type, reason for, and interpretation of the laws may vary according to the group.
As we move toward the end of this Lenten season, we encounter Jesus as he faces an accusing band of Pharisees who, as Law dictated, condemn only one of the two people caught in adultery, namely the woman (John).
Although such a discriminatory application of the Law was the observed practice at the time – and is a practice that is still found in some societies today, Jesus moves beyond the restrictive law and gives life and hope to the accused woman.
Boldly yet calmly showing that law is not the highest authority, Jesus is not trapped in the skewed Pharisaic vision. Rather, he embodies God’s Word and does a new thing.
In moving to a deeper, personal level, Jesus gives “water in the wilderness”(Isaiah) to this desperate child of God.
We, in turn, are challenged to consider the laws that rule our lives and the ways that we apply laws and rules to others.
To think about: How do laws and rules help or hinder my life/ my family’s life?
Are there some discriminatory practices in my life?
Do I judge people according to gender, race or religion?
Do I judge people according to my own interpretation of the law?
How do I respond to discriminatory, unjust rules?
How do I view those who question rules or those who work to change rules, even long-held rules?
Does my family need fewer rules to help family life?
To do: Hold a family meeting to decide on family rules.
Notice if you tend to judge people or accept people.
Speak up in the face of injustice or discrimination.
Encourage your child to speak to someone whom other children ignore or treat unfairly.
Give life and hope to someone in need through financial support to a group or organization that helps people who experience discrimination.
To pray: Hear Jesus say to you, “I am Bread for your life” when facing decisions this week.
Next week: Passion Sunday: Isaiah 50:4-7;Philippians 2: 6-11; Luke 22: 14-56
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Being "At Home"
Being “At Home”: Reflection for 4th Sunday of Lent, March 14, 2010
Today’s Scripture : Joshua 5:2-12; 2 Corinthians 5: 17-21; Luke 15: 11-32 can be read at www.usccb.org/nab
Being “At Home”
How wonderful it is to feel “at home” and to be “at home” somewhere. We can all probably think of places where we have felt at home; and we can also think of people who have helped convey the sense of being “at home”.
Today God’s Word vividly reminds us of the Good News: God wants to be “at home” with us!
In the very familiar story popularly known as “The Prodigal Son” (Luke), Jesus gives us an image of God in the Father who “ran to his child, put his arms around him, and kissed him” when the son turned toward home.
God’s Word reminds us that God is ready to do the same for each of us; God does not keep us at a distance.
This Good News can make a difference in one’s approach to life; it can even give a sense of new beginning.
We have renewed reason to celebrate life’s joys (Joshua), for, in accepting God’s love, “the old has past away; everything has become new.”(Corinthians)
God's Word challenges us, in turn, to extend that same love to others and to help put the past behind.
To think about: What helps me to feel “at home” in situations?
Who are some people who have helped me feel at home?
Do I picture God “running to me” in love?
Do I picture God running to different people I know?
Is there someone with whom I refuse to reconcile, someone I am unwilling to forgive?
Can I help someone feel more at home in a new situation?
How do I treat people who have disabilities that limit places in which they can feel “at home”?
To do: Picture God embracing you in love.
Picture God embracing your child in love.
Make that phone call to take a step toward a reconciliation in your life.
Help someone to feel at home in a new situation with a welcoming smile and greeting.
Instead of buying some new “extra” for your house, give financial support to help those who do not have a home.
To pray: Hear God saying to you: “Do not be afraid, I am with you. I have called you, ____, by name.”
Next week: 5th Sunday of Lent: Isaiah 43: 16-21; Philippians 3: 8-14; John 8: 1-11
Today’s Scripture : Joshua 5:2-12; 2 Corinthians 5: 17-21; Luke 15: 11-32 can be read at www.usccb.org/nab
Being “At Home”
How wonderful it is to feel “at home” and to be “at home” somewhere. We can all probably think of places where we have felt at home; and we can also think of people who have helped convey the sense of being “at home”.
Today God’s Word vividly reminds us of the Good News: God wants to be “at home” with us!
In the very familiar story popularly known as “The Prodigal Son” (Luke), Jesus gives us an image of God in the Father who “ran to his child, put his arms around him, and kissed him” when the son turned toward home.
God’s Word reminds us that God is ready to do the same for each of us; God does not keep us at a distance.
This Good News can make a difference in one’s approach to life; it can even give a sense of new beginning.
We have renewed reason to celebrate life’s joys (Joshua), for, in accepting God’s love, “the old has past away; everything has become new.”(Corinthians)
God's Word challenges us, in turn, to extend that same love to others and to help put the past behind.
To think about: What helps me to feel “at home” in situations?
Who are some people who have helped me feel at home?
Do I picture God “running to me” in love?
Do I picture God running to different people I know?
Is there someone with whom I refuse to reconcile, someone I am unwilling to forgive?
Can I help someone feel more at home in a new situation?
How do I treat people who have disabilities that limit places in which they can feel “at home”?
To do: Picture God embracing you in love.
Picture God embracing your child in love.
Make that phone call to take a step toward a reconciliation in your life.
Help someone to feel at home in a new situation with a welcoming smile and greeting.
Instead of buying some new “extra” for your house, give financial support to help those who do not have a home.
To pray: Hear God saying to you: “Do not be afraid, I am with you. I have called you, ____, by name.”
Next week: 5th Sunday of Lent: Isaiah 43: 16-21; Philippians 3: 8-14; John 8: 1-11
Friday, March 5, 2010
"Keep On Growing"
“Keep On Growing”: Reflection for 3rd Sunday of Lent, March 7, 2019
Today’s Scripture: Exodus 3: 2-12; 1 Corinthians 10: 1-12; Luke 13: 1-9 can be read at www.usccb.org/nab
Keep on Growing
Spring is almost here; we can see signs of new life beginning to emerge. We’ve been enjoying more daylight hours, and next week’s arrival of daylight savings time will give us additional time to enjoy the light.
In some places bushes and trees have been trimmed or pruned so that new life will emerge in a fuller way.
Nature reminds us that growth can be slow and surprising! Some seeds may have been planted indoors to get an early start. One may find that a bush or tree thought lifeless shows signs of new life.
God’s Word today reminds us of the marvels of growth and new life. This Word also calls us to look at the way our own “life tree” is growing and the ways that we help other lives to grow.
This is especially vivid in the parable of the fig tree (Luke) and in Paul’s reminder to “drink from the rock, Jesus” (Corinthians).
God’s description as the great “I Am” (Exodus) also calls us to remember God’s presence even when growth is not visible.
Our daily lives present many opportunities to look beyond our own desires and to find ways to add to life’s beauty, joy and love.
To think about: How is my “life tree” growing?
Do I need to make some changes to help my life grow in a healthier way for body, mind, or spirit?
Am I so occupied with producing material “fruit” that I have no time or energy for God or others?
What do I “feed” my child’s mind and spirit to encourage and foster good growth?
Do I express appreciation to those who give time and energy to help young people grow with good values?
Do I let regrets about the past or undue worry about the future wear away at my life?
To do: Notice how you spend your time and evaluate it in light of “If I had 24 hours left to live, what would I do?”
Turn off the computer or the TV and spend that time with a family member. Or use that time for quiet reading and resting in God.
Notice and affirm a good quality, attitude or action you see in a family member.
Try to stay in the present moment and be aware of God’s presence.
Try adding a smile to someone’s life!
To pray: Repeat Jesus’ promise, “I am with you always, _____”. Insert your own name to hear it better!
Next week: 4th Sunday of Lent: Joshua 5:2-12; 2 Corinthians 5: 17-21; Luke 15: 11-32
Today’s Scripture: Exodus 3: 2-12; 1 Corinthians 10: 1-12; Luke 13: 1-9 can be read at www.usccb.org/nab
Keep on Growing
Spring is almost here; we can see signs of new life beginning to emerge. We’ve been enjoying more daylight hours, and next week’s arrival of daylight savings time will give us additional time to enjoy the light.
In some places bushes and trees have been trimmed or pruned so that new life will emerge in a fuller way.
Nature reminds us that growth can be slow and surprising! Some seeds may have been planted indoors to get an early start. One may find that a bush or tree thought lifeless shows signs of new life.
God’s Word today reminds us of the marvels of growth and new life. This Word also calls us to look at the way our own “life tree” is growing and the ways that we help other lives to grow.
This is especially vivid in the parable of the fig tree (Luke) and in Paul’s reminder to “drink from the rock, Jesus” (Corinthians).
God’s description as the great “I Am” (Exodus) also calls us to remember God’s presence even when growth is not visible.
Our daily lives present many opportunities to look beyond our own desires and to find ways to add to life’s beauty, joy and love.
To think about: How is my “life tree” growing?
Do I need to make some changes to help my life grow in a healthier way for body, mind, or spirit?
Am I so occupied with producing material “fruit” that I have no time or energy for God or others?
What do I “feed” my child’s mind and spirit to encourage and foster good growth?
Do I express appreciation to those who give time and energy to help young people grow with good values?
Do I let regrets about the past or undue worry about the future wear away at my life?
To do: Notice how you spend your time and evaluate it in light of “If I had 24 hours left to live, what would I do?”
Turn off the computer or the TV and spend that time with a family member. Or use that time for quiet reading and resting in God.
Notice and affirm a good quality, attitude or action you see in a family member.
Try to stay in the present moment and be aware of God’s presence.
Try adding a smile to someone’s life!
To pray: Repeat Jesus’ promise, “I am with you always, _____”. Insert your own name to hear it better!
Next week: 4th Sunday of Lent: Joshua 5:2-12; 2 Corinthians 5: 17-21; Luke 15: 11-32
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