Jesus came and died for us, to save us from sin. We remember this pivotal moment in salvation history by this yearly liturgy, recalling His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, and the account of His Passion.
It was all part of God's plan that Jesus come as the Suffering Servant, and then, for so suffering and dying, be exalted as our Savior. We follow in His way to the Place He has prepared for us.
Monday, March 30, 2015
Thursday, March 26, 2015
March 25, 2015: The Feast of the Annunciation
On this evening of March 25, the Respect Life Committee at my home parish held a beautiful Mass for the Solemnity of the Annunciation. During the Mass, there was a blessing of all women and girls.
Deacon Joe put it well in the homily when he said that this is an occasion for us to remember that we all have a purpose to fulfill for God in our lives, in this world. He is ready to take care of everything. All we have to do is follow the example of Mary in her fiat, saying that His will be done.
It's amazing to think how the world changed when Mary said yes. And how much more can God change the world through us when we say yes to Him.
Deacon Joe put it well in the homily when he said that this is an occasion for us to remember that we all have a purpose to fulfill for God in our lives, in this world. He is ready to take care of everything. All we have to do is follow the example of Mary in her fiat, saying that His will be done.
It's amazing to think how the world changed when Mary said yes. And how much more can God change the world through us when we say yes to Him.
Sunday, March 22, 2015
March 22, 2015: Fifth Sunday of Lent
I know it might sound a little strange to say this, but I find two parts of today's Gospel reading to be humorous.
When Philip and Andrew approach Jesus and say that some Greeks want to see Him, Jesus doesn't give them a straight answer, but commences a long discourse. When God speaks later, people puzzle over whether it's thunder or an angel.
Humor aside, Jesus deliberately avoids a straight answer to the request, using it as an opportunity to speak about His purpose on Earth. Even though He is troubled by the prospect, He knows He must die because it is the Father's will, that He be glorified by bringing us new life. As the reading from Hebrews says, Christ was obedient to God, and then, once perfect, made salvation available for all who obey Him.
We live this new life in the new covenant God has established in Jesus, in which, as Jeremiah writes, God lives in us, putting His Law on our hearts, and we know Him who has saved us.
When Philip and Andrew approach Jesus and say that some Greeks want to see Him, Jesus doesn't give them a straight answer, but commences a long discourse. When God speaks later, people puzzle over whether it's thunder or an angel.
Humor aside, Jesus deliberately avoids a straight answer to the request, using it as an opportunity to speak about His purpose on Earth. Even though He is troubled by the prospect, He knows He must die because it is the Father's will, that He be glorified by bringing us new life. As the reading from Hebrews says, Christ was obedient to God, and then, once perfect, made salvation available for all who obey Him.
We live this new life in the new covenant God has established in Jesus, in which, as Jeremiah writes, God lives in us, putting His Law on our hearts, and we know Him who has saved us.
Sunday, March 15, 2015
March 15, 2015: Fourth Sunday of Lent/Laetare Sunday
Last Thursday, March 12, was the midpoint of Lent. And so on this Sunday, we pause and lighten up from the penitential focus of this season and rejoice a little more.
And we have much reason to rejoice, because God is so merciful to us sinners. Even when we went astray and suffered the consequences, God sought to restore us, showering upon us His mercy, as He did for His people Israel, restoring them to the Promised Land after 70 years of exile as punishment for their wickedness.
The Gospel reading from John, together with the 2nd reading, clearly articulates the core of the Gospel message: God loved us so greatly, and sent His son to be lifted up and die for us, so we could have life. We have a great God, who shows us His love so powerfully. And we respond by doing the good works that He enables us to do in Him, through the free gift of His grace. Grace is not something earn, but we respond to it in living to do good works in Him.
And we have much reason to rejoice, because God is so merciful to us sinners. Even when we went astray and suffered the consequences, God sought to restore us, showering upon us His mercy, as He did for His people Israel, restoring them to the Promised Land after 70 years of exile as punishment for their wickedness.
The Gospel reading from John, together with the 2nd reading, clearly articulates the core of the Gospel message: God loved us so greatly, and sent His son to be lifted up and die for us, so we could have life. We have a great God, who shows us His love so powerfully. And we respond by doing the good works that He enables us to do in Him, through the free gift of His grace. Grace is not something earn, but we respond to it in living to do good works in Him.
Sunday, March 8, 2015
March 8, 2015: Third Sunday of Lent
God commands the people of Israel how to live in right relationship with Him, laying out the most prominent commands in the first reading that are collectively referred to as "the Ten Commandments". These are His Words that give us life.
Jesus, in righteous anger, clears the Temple because the commercial activity prevents people from truly worshiping God, and having a relationship with Him. Lent is a time that calls us to clear out from our lives what prevents us from having a right relationship with God, and to recommit ourselves to His commands, which are not burdens, but are meant to free us to live fully as He wants for us, freedom we live under that was won for us by the Cross of Christ, the ultimate power in our lives.
Jesus, in righteous anger, clears the Temple because the commercial activity prevents people from truly worshiping God, and having a relationship with Him. Lent is a time that calls us to clear out from our lives what prevents us from having a right relationship with God, and to recommit ourselves to His commands, which are not burdens, but are meant to free us to live fully as He wants for us, freedom we live under that was won for us by the Cross of Christ, the ultimate power in our lives.
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
March 1, 2015: Second Sunday of Lent
Lent's ultimate prupose is to prepare us for the coming great celebration of the Triduum, in which we commemorate the death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
We get a glimpse of that glory to come in the Gospel reading, Mark's account of the Transfiguration. As for the disciples, this glimpse helps us so that we can continue journeying with Christ in dying and rising. We go knowing our God is for us. And He wanted to help us so greatly He gave His Son for us, prefigured by Abraham's willingness to face the agony of sacrificing his only son, through whom God said He would bring about His promises. Because Abraham was faithful, God blessed Him, and said His descendants would a blessing to the world--which is all of us who live out our calling to be faithful to God by serving others in His name.
We get a glimpse of that glory to come in the Gospel reading, Mark's account of the Transfiguration. As for the disciples, this glimpse helps us so that we can continue journeying with Christ in dying and rising. We go knowing our God is for us. And He wanted to help us so greatly He gave His Son for us, prefigured by Abraham's willingness to face the agony of sacrificing his only son, through whom God said He would bring about His promises. Because Abraham was faithful, God blessed Him, and said His descendants would a blessing to the world--which is all of us who live out our calling to be faithful to God by serving others in His name.
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