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?
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© 2016 CRYSTAL CLOSE
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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?
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?
