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
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