In the long form of the Passion from Luke’s Gospel, Jesus refers to himself as “the one who serves” (Luke 22:27). This reminds me of today’s second reading from Paul’s letter to the Philippians. He says that Christ “emptied himself, taking the form of a slave” (Philippians 2:7). Jesus is not just being humble here. He gives us an example of how far God will go in loving humanity.
I suspect the apostles were confused when Jesus talked this way. Yet he tells them to be like a servant—expect little reward for what you do for others. Now, the apostles might have thought, “Sure, I can do that. I’ll preach about the Kingdom of God for free. Then I’ll really look important and holy.” Jesus reminds them that the world looks at the person being served as more important than the servant. But he is one who serves. and if the apostles are to be leaders of the church, they will need to be servants, too. Why? Because that is how God comes to the people.
In the Passion according to Luke, Jesus heals one of the men sent to arrest him. Barabbas, a murderer, is set free so Jesus can be crucified. As he is led to the cross, he consoles the women who weep for him. And even on the cross, he is the suffering servant who asks the Father to forgive those who are killing him.
With the example of service that Jesus shows toward those who put him to death, can we at least be “one who serves” those around us? Can we at least forgive those who hurt us — maybe even pray for our leaders, especially the ones with whom we disagree.
Tom Schmidt
Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion | USCCB
Jesus’ action shows that the sin must not be equated with the sinner. Sin must be condemned and was condemned by our Lord when He said to this woman, “Go, and from now on do not sin anymore.” Though He condemned her sin, he did not condemn her: “Neither do I condemn you.”
The mercy of God is incomprehensible. For example, recall that Jesus cried out from the Cross, “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.” Imagine the surprise that the first hearers of those words would have had. How could this man ask that God forgive the people who were murdering Him? Perhaps the only person who truly understood this prayer of mercy from the Cross was Jesus’ own mother as she stood there gazing at Him with love.
An important lesson for us to learn from Jesus’ depth of mercy is that, at first, it will likely scandalize us as well. Mercy, to this extent, is supernatural. It challenges our natural reason and calls us to a new way of thinking and relating to others. The only way to overcome the “scandal” we might feel in the face of God’s mercy is to live it ourselves. Doing so will require that we put on new eyes to see sin, mercy and forgiveness through the eyes of God. If doing so shakes you to the core of your being, that might be a good sign. Are you allowing the apparent scandal of God’s abundant mercy to transform you so that it is no longer a shock or scandal to you but is experienced as good and holy and from the Heart of our God?
How deeply you understand God’s mercy? Do you rejoice when mercy is offered to another? Or do you find yourself condemning? Our Lord said, “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” None of us are without sin; therefore, none of us has the right to cast a stone at another. Allow the apparent scandal of God’s mercy to challenge you so that you come to not only understand God’s infinite mercy but also to act as an instrument of that mercy to everyone.
catholic-daily-reflections.com
Fifth Sunday of Lent | USCCB
The book of Joshua tells of the Israelites coming into the Promised Land, where they no longer needed to be fed with manna as in the desert. They had been wandering much longer than expected because of their unfaithfulness. But now they are forgiven and so celebrate the Passover with food from the land. Then we hear the Gospel parable about another feast. This one is also a celebration of forgiveness, for the prodigal son has returned to his father, and the father’s forgiveness shows us how willing God is to forgive us. That’s where we end the parable, right?
Wrong. The parable continues with the older son’s complaint about a feast for his brother. That son cannot forgive his brother and is angry at the father for welcoming the prodigal back. This is where we come in. Most of us have no trouble asking God’s forgiveness. But we may have trouble forgiving others. We are so used to thinking in terms of justice that we are not satisfied with forgiveness. When I have been hurt, I feel like hitting back.
We have to ask ourselves whose idea of justice we live by. Is it the human expectation of an eye for an eye? Or is it God’s justice, which is mercy and forgiveness? When someone cuts you off in traffic, do you feel like firing the photon torpedoes, or offering forgiveness? The Golden Rule could be “Forgive others as you would be forgiven.” Jesus gave his life for the sins of the world. Do we have the right to ask for more?
Tom Schmidt, Diocesan Publications
Fourth Sunday of Lent | USCCB
As we get to the halfway point of Lent, we may be tempted to overconfidence: “The first three weeks weren’t so hard. I can go a few more weeks without the things I gave up. And I’ve only committed a few sins; maybe I’ll go to confession right before Easter.” If so, it might be a good idea to look at the second reading and the Gospel.
St. Paul says that anyone who is overconfident about their lack of sin “should take care not to fall” (1 Corinthians 10:12). He compares those people to the ones Moses brought through the desert. In fact, many were punished because they were tempted to follow false gods or to complain about the food and drink God provided them. Could the same thing happen to us?
One form of overconfidence rejecting what we learned as children. We may think, “I’m old enough to decide if I should go to church” or “I can take care of myself now; I don’t need God’s help.” If these sound familiar because you have thought that way yourself, Paul has a warning. His analogy of the Rock following the Hebrews in the desert refers to God’s constant presence to the people. In the same way, God is present to us today. But just as God was not pleased with those in the desert, God may not be pleased with us if we continue to ignore the Lord.
That brings us to the Gospel. In the parable of the fig tree, the owner is not pleased—the tree has not produced any fruit. Unlike the fig tree, God would be happy with any fruit we produce. We could be generous to the poor, we could fight for the unborn child’s right to life, or we could simply teach our children how to pray. Like the owner of the fig tree, God is patient, but we only have so much time. When do you plan to bear fruit?
Tom Schmidt, Diocesan Publications
Third Sunday of Lent | USCCB
In today’s Gospel we encounter the powerful and mysterious event known as the Transfiguration of Jesus. This moment, where Jesus is revealed in his divine glory on the mountain, offers profound insights into His identity, the nature of His mission, and the relationship between God the Father and the Son. It is a moment of revelation not just for Peter, James, and John, but for all who seek to understand the person and work of Jesus Christ.
Passages such as this help us to remember that Jesus is not just an ordinary man preaching God’s word but is part of God Himself. He is given to us in hopes of giving us a better understanding of God’s love and purpose for us during our time here on Earth.
It also gives us a glimpse of a visual manifestation of his divine glory, which had been veiled in his humanity. For the disciples, witnessing this change must have been awe-inspiring, confirming that there was something far beyond the ordinary in the person of Jesus. It also shows us how wonderful and beyond human comprehension life after death will be with the Lord.
As you reflect on the incredible occurrence that Peter, James, John witnessed that day, remember that is this type of wonder that we are all striving to experience when Jesus comes again.
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031625.cfm
Heather Orlowski, Diocesan Publications
I always thought today’s Gospel shows how Jesus was tempted to be a Messiah in a way that matched human expectations—those of Jews waiting for a messiah—instead of doing what his Father wanted. But I also wonder if these temptations are what we expect of God.
Do we expect God to provide for our needs by turning stones into money? God does help us with our troubles, but usually by giving us the strength to get through them with our God-given abilities. This might mean finding a better job that uses more of our talents. It might be forgiving us if we are the cause of our own troubles and giving us the courage to start over.
Or do we expect God to bring peace to the world by instantly removing all nuclear weapons or capturing all terrorists? When we pray for peace, we could pray that God show us what we can do to bring that peace. We could be generous in giving to the poor, especially where poverty is the cause of war.
Maybe we expect God to be a superhero for us, strengthening our faith with spectacular miracles. Jesus would tell us the same thing he told the devil: “Don’t put the Lord your God to the test” (see Luke 4:12). Instead, as we take time to pray over the scriptures, read spiritual books, and share our faith with others, we will find our faith growing and know that the Lord has been with us all along the way.
Tom Schmidt , Diocesan Publications
First Sunday of Lent | USCCB
This year, we hear the Passion from the gospel of Mark. One thing unique about this reading is the emphasis on Jesus being abandoned by his disciples. First, the leaders of the disciples cannot even support Jesus in his agony in the garden: They fall asleep, three times. Then there is Judas, who seeks out the chief priests to make a deal with them, Peter, who denies Jesus three times, and the crowds who cried, “Hosanna!” a few days before, now call for him to be crucified.
What does this tell us? With friends like these, who needs enemies? No, the point is that Jesus died specifically for these people, not because they were once friends, but because they were sinners, who needed Jesus. When we find ourselves in sin, when we think that everything we do is wrong, or when we think we can’t possibly deserve to be loved by God—that is when God can help us, if we just stop hating ourselves and start loving and trusting the Lord. It is not the time to pretend we have avoided the big sins, or to brag about some of the good we may have done. Instead, simply agree that you need his help. God loves sinners who know they need his forgiveness and don’t deserve it.
But maybe you have already been forgiven and wonder what’s next. Remember the ones you would not expect to support Jesus: the centurion proclaiming him Son of God, Joseph giving him a burial place, the women who followed Jesus. These were people who did not claim to be worthy, just did what they could to show their love. Ask Jesus each morning when you wake up, “What can I do for you today?” and do what you can.
Tom Schmidt, Diocesan Publications
Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032424.cfm
The promise made by the Lord in the first reading is very bold. He says that all people shall know him, without having to be taught by others. The way people will know Him is through forgiveness of their sins. Remember, he is speaking to the Israelites: When they broke a commandment or law, they were isolated from the community. So, the promise that God would place his law in their hearts meant they would be free to do God’s will because they want to, not because they were feared punishment or rejection.
Jesus says something similar in today’s gospel. He tells the disciples that his crucifixion would draw everyone to him. Now, Jesus’ death showed that he took on the punishment for sins in place of us, who deserve it. By dying on the cross, Jesus shows how much God loves us. By rising from the dead, he shows that we can rise from sin to a new life of faith and love.
Getting back to the first reading, we experience that promise when we bring our sins to God. When we forgive people who have hurt us, we also help them to experience that love. We also help others to know God when we share or experience of being forgiven. The sacrament of Reconciliation gives us the assurance of God’s forgiveness, as well as the experience. Along with the other sacraments, it helps us keep God’s love in our hearts.
Tom Schmidt, Diocesan Publications
Readings: Fifth Sunday of Lent | USCCB
St. Paul tells us in his letter to the Ephesians that we are saved through grace: God’s actions of sending his Son to die for us, and raising Jesus from the dead show the love God has for us. It comes entirely from God. When Paul says that no one can boast about being saved, he means that we can’t add up our good deeds like reward points for heaven. He also means that we can’t brag about our faith because we can recite the creed or answer an altar call. So if being saved is not a matter of saying the right things, or doing good deeds, what is it?
The answer comes from the gospel. Jesus tells us that he will be lifted up, or crucified, so that we can believe in him and have eternal life. When we “believe in” someone, we put our love and trust in that person. We know that we are loved and so respond by giving love. Our response of love inspires us to stop being selfish and start noticing that others need our help. Jesus describes it as living in the light: we are not ashamed to help someone, forgive someone, or comfort someone.
That brings us back to the question about salvation: it is not something we do or say. It is what God does for us. Our response of faith is also his gift. So when we recognize all that God has done for us and believe in his Son Jesus, the Spirit will guide us to live that faith and share it with others.
Tom Schmidt, Diocesan Publications
Readings: Fourth Sunday of Lent | USCCB
As we are now well into Lent, we can take a look at what it means to turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel. A good place to start would be the Ten Commandments. The reading from Exodus presents us with one of the first listings of the Commandments. In this passage, God explains some of the laws to show how serious they are. For the first one, God includes making images to be used for worship.
In the days of Moses, people of other cultures made images of their gods and declared that the image was the god, and so should be worshipped. The Lord wanted his people to remember that God cannot be limited to an image or idea. That is still true today. Our images and statues are meant to help us pray to God, not to that work of art.
On the other hand, some people give a superstitious meaning to religious articles. Burying a statue to help sell your house could be one example. If you want to ask for a favor from God, just ask Him. God is much more likely to listen to a sincere prayer than a superstitious action.
God also emphasizes some commands by duplicating them. He tells us not to steal from others, and also not to plan to steal from our neighbor. The same with adultery: Planning it is just as bad as doing it.
Jesus simplified all these commands when he reminds us to love God with all your heart and love your neighbor as yourself. Let’s remember that as we turn away from sin to serving God better during Lent.
Tom Schmidt, Diocesan Publications.
Reading: Third Sunday of Lent | USCCB
Jesus started his ministry by being tempted by Satan.
He was in a desert devoid of comforts, and inhabited by dangerous beasts.
A hostile world turned away from God by the stain of original sin, but He prevailed.
He modeled for us how we are to respond to temptation and pain.
He taught us that by proclaiming His word to further the Kingdom.
It is a mission to be pursued despite the trails that accompany it.
Lent can fortify you for your mission.
Will you make use of this opportunity?
Readings: First Sunday of Lent | USCCB
Jesus’ life and the sacrifice of that life was the greatest act of love in all of time.
His love for us even exceeded our ability to ignore and reject him by our transgressions.
Passion Sunday and Holy week bring Jesus’ sacrifice back into the reality of our lives.
We are challenged to remember and to change.
Will we respond by improving our lives to live as he taught us to live?
Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/040223.cfm
In the face of death of Lazarus, Jesus offers life.
He proves, once again, that He bears the power of almighty God.
Jesus not only demonstrates this for Lazarus, but He also offers it to us.
This is the most important thought that we as human beings can have.
We are reminded that we are destined for death, and yet, can have everlasting life with God.
Do you believe?
Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032623.cfm
Jesus healed the blind man and brought back his sight.
The authorities could not believe what happed and tried to deny the reality of the miracle and also discredit Jesus.
Jesus tells us that He was to bring light to the world so that all could see the reality of the wonder of God.
But many wished to hold onto their beliefs and practices that are threatened by anything new…. even if it came from God.
It was their choice to hold onto their opinions and to deny the power and reality of God through Jesus.
Jesus invites us to ask to have our eyes opened to see beyond the limitations of our experience.
Are you ready to ask for this?
Readings: Fourth Sunday of Lent | USCCB
Yes, Jesus also speaks to us on this day.
The Samaritan woman believed because she had a personal spiritual and physical encounter with Jesus.
She communicated what happened to her with her friends and they, too, believed.
The disciples, you and I, are commissioned by Jesus to share our interaction with Him to the world.
What has been your encounter with Jesus in the Eucharist and what do you think you should do?
Lent is an ideal opportunity to consider this question.
Readings: Third Sunday of Lent | USCCB
The Apostles were given first-hand experience with Jesus to help strengthen their faith.
We too experience Jesus in this Gospel, to focus us on who Jesus was and is.
Are we moving forward with this message or are we afraid or paralyzed by something else?
Readings: Daily Bible Reading – March 5, 2023 | USCCB
Honoring and following God’s Word is more important than anything else in life.
The Devil’s temptations will try to obscure that fact.
How is this a challenge for us?
How do we respond?
Readings: First Sunday of Lent | USCCB
Jesus can always see the state of our hearts.
He can see hypocrisy, He can see true contrition.
And He always has mercy for the repentant.
In this Gospel, Jesus again teaches the lesson of looking inward before judging.
Examining our own motives, examining the state of our soul – is difficult.
But that is what we are called to do during Lent.
Can you refrain from judging others?
Do you have the courage to see your own faults and failings?
Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/040322-YearC.cfm
Jesus knows all about the real state of mind of humans.
He knows of all their problems and bad decisions.
Jesus only has mercy for all those who wish to return to him.
He has no room for condemnation resulting from false pride so typical of many of the Pharisees.
Will we all return to our Father’s house?
He is waiting!
Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032722-YearC.cfm
Jesus admonishes us to change our ways.
Jesus also reminds us that we will face difficulties in life, sometimes because of our own behaviors.
These difficulties are not sent to us as punishment but are opportunities for us to turn toward God and realize that God is there to sustain us in these times, just as the gardener lovingly cultivated and fertilized the barren tree to give it another chance.
Jesus will offer us guidance, comfort, and mercy in times of trouble when we turn to Him.
The heartfelt acknowledgment of His goodness and our sinfulness will result in regret for our failings.
This regret can cause us to change our ways.
The choice is yours – will you turn to God and repent, allowing Jesus to feed your soul?
Reading: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032022-YearC.cfm
The Apostles had a remarkable encounter with the living God.
They came to realize more fully that Jesus was the fulfillment of God’s plan all throughout history.
The stories of Moses and Elijah came to life in a new way.
Jesus was seen as He was about to become; transfigured as God’s salvation of mankind through His death and resurrection.
Can we listen to, and see, Jesus in this powerful new way as He, again and again, enters into our experience and lives?
Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031322.cfm
Jesus predicted the kind of death he would die.
His ultimate moment of glory was at hand.
He instructs us to follow him and to live a life of self-sacrifice.
He offered His life for others and He expects us to do the same.
Life is meant to be good but also focused on what is most important.
Lent should help us order our existence. How are we doing?
Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032121-YearB.cfm
Jesus is aware that followers do not understand what He means.
The temple is a structure, but His body is the true temple of God.
Death is thought to be an ending, but for Christ, it will lead to the resurrection and our salvation.
The mysteries that surround Christ our King and Savior are profound.
As we contemplate Lent and our relationship with God, let us ask for the Holy Spirit’s enlightenment.
What mysteries of Christ do you need help to understand?
Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031421-YearB.cfm
Jesus made a prediction of His Resurrection.
The emphasis of the dignity of His body was contrasted with the profane actions of the money changers in the temple.
Jesus knew the fickle nature of people who just wanted to see miracles.
He knows the true nature of our hearts
Is our Lenten journey bringing us closer to Him?
Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030721-YearB.cfm
The transfiguration of Jesus cements the relationship of Jesus to the Faith, for the disciples, and for us.
It was a mysterious event that caused the disciples to think and discuss the meaning of rising from the dead.
As we celebrate Lent and prepare for Easter it is good for us to, once again, ponder Jesus’ resurrection.
Our reading each Sunday always connects the experience of the Jewish people and the prophets with Jesus’ fulfillment of God’s promises.
Are we ready to consider the experiences of the prophets and Jesus’ fulfillment as important guideposts for our lives?
readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/022821.cfm
Jesus started his ministry being tempted by Satan.
He was in a desert devoid of comforts and inhabited by dangerous beasts.
A hostile world turned away from God by the stain of original sin.
But He prevailed.
He modeled for us how we are to respond to temptation and pain.
He taught us that by proclaiming His word to further the Kingdom.
It is a mission to be pursued despite the trails that accompany it.
Lent can fortify you for your mission.
Will you make use of this opportunity?
Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/022121.cfm
Jesus’ life and the sacrifice of that life was the greatest act of love in all of time.
His love for us even exceeded our ability to ignore and reject him by our transgressions.
Passion Sunday and Holy Week bring Jesus’ sacrifice back into the reality of our lives.
We are challenged to remember and to change.
Will we respond by improving our lives to live as He taught us to live?
Jesus, by raising Lazarus confirmed his promise.
We too are heirs to this promise.
Have faith and trust in Jesus and we can face anything, even death.
What do you need help with right now? Pray and ask for it. He is listening.
…… And those who do not see might become blind.
Jesus helps us see what is truly important in life.
In Baptism, Jesus reveals Himself to us. Will we accept the gift from Jesus so that we may truly see Him as our Lord and worship Him?
As water is essential for existence, Jesus is essential for eternal life.
He comes to everyone with an offer and a gift of salvation through Him.
Jesus said, “I Am He”, the Messiah. Do we need further convincing?
Artwork used with permission, "The Woman at the Well”,
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