Week 1 (tap to toggle)
SUNDAY 1 MARCH
Scripture: Matthew 4: 1-11
Reflection
Today’s liturgy points us to the tale of two the Adams: the first man, Adam (from the book of Genesis) and the new Adam, Jesus Christ. The story of the two Adams is permeated by temptation. The first Adam, in the book of Genesis, failed to resist temptation and thus fell into sin. On the other hand, the second Adam conquered temptation and sin as also suggested by the hymn Praise to the Holiest in the height: “A second Adam to the fight and to the rescue came”.
Jesus, proclaimed Son of God at his Baptism, is subjected to a triple temptation in the Gospel that begins the First Week of Lent each year. Matthew’s version of the temptation tells us that the same Spirit that descended upon Jesus in the Jordan at the moment of Baptism, now leads him into the wilderness. There he remained for forty days and nights and this was to prepare him for his public ministry. The forty days and forty nights is suggestive not only of Moses’s fast but also of Israel’s forty years in the desert.
There are times when we too have to face our own desert or wilderness and, like Jesus, we experience temptation. Sometimes our flesh and humanity want to give in to these temptations. Often, we choose evil because there is some temporal ‘positive’ benefit which comes from it e.g. pleasure. Temptation comes at a time when we are weakened and weary. Likewise, the tempter came to Jesus when he was hungry. Our lesson lies in how Jesus resisted temptation. Even today, Jesus understands our struggles and he is one with us: “This means that he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every way, in order to be their faithful and merciful High Priest in his service to God, so that the people’s sins would be forgiven. And now he can help those who are tempted, because he himself was tempted and suffered” (Hebrews 2:17-18).
It is amazing how Jesus responded to Satan’s temptations with a quotation from scripture. Jesus is seen to face temptation with the power of the word of God. Jesus defeated Satan not with his own resources, but he trusted the power of God’s word. When St. Paul wrote his second letter to Timothy (2 Timothy 3:16) he says: “All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching the truth, rebuking error, correcting faults, and giving instruction for right living”. We too should lean upon the scriptures and God’s power to conquer our many temptations.
Practical suggestions
Jesus used Scripture (the word of God) to defeat Satan and conquer sin. During this Lenten season spend few minutes each day reading and reflecting on the Word of God. Start today with the Gospel of Matthew. If you read this gospel as was suggested during Advent, choose another Gospel to read.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, help me to understand your divinity, your humanity and your mission; bless me to accept and believe that you are my God and Saviour. Strengthen me to resist the many temptations I face. Amen
MONDAY 2 MARCH
Scripture: Leviticus 19: 11 – 18; Matthew 25: 31 – 46
Reflection
“but You shall love your neighbour as yourself”
These words from Leviticus are spoken by the Lord to Moses whom he instructed to; “Speak to the whole community and say to them; You shall be holy, for I, the Lord your God, am holy.” This is his call to us to follow his way. At the beginning of this first week of Lent the start of Lent the words of sacred scripture guide us on the right path as we commit ourselves to follow this year’s Lenten theme; “From Repentance to Renewal.” If we are genuinely serious about wanting to transform our lives so that we may live as God has calls us to: “be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.”
Leviticus offers us these words of advice in our journey to become Holy: Do not steal, nor deal falsely, nor lie to one another. Do not use my name falsely. You shall not oppress your neighbour or rob him. You shall fear your God and LOVE your neighbour as yourself.
If we look into ourselves (which is what we are meant to do during Lent), at the totally unplanned ways we have brought into or left out of our way of living, ways which oppose the ways that God has called us to follow, we can reflect on the teachings of Leviticus which are in a similar, more practical vain, and repeated in the Gospel: These are when we don’t – feed the hungry, give water to the thirsty, welcome the stranger and clothe the naked.
Jesus tells us that we must be “holy as His Father in heaven is holy” for there will be a judgement when “He will separate the sheep from the goats.” Those who follow His Word on His right and those who do not, on His left (left out?). “As you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.”
Practical suggestions
Bring some non-perishable food for the Parish Poverty Relief and the St Vincent de Paul feeding scheme. Clear out your cupboards and choose some clothes and shoes you no longer wear to give to the poor, and make a point of greeting people today.
Prayer
Strengthen me O Lord to embrace your commandment with all my heart so that I may imitate the love, care, kindness and compassion your Son Jesus came to bring. Amen
TUESDAY 3 MARCH
Scripture Matthew: 6:7-15
Reflection
Our lives are so busy nowadays that for the most part all we seem to do is play “catch up”. Today stop and think; almost a week has passed since we had ashes placed on our foreheads and heard the words, “Repent and believe in the Gospel.” What has changed in your life since then?
If you are a late starter, remember that it is never too late to put things right.
Make time today to read the Gospel proclaimed at Mass in all Churches today.
This should help to get you going. It will most certainly help anyone to get going, because what we see in the Lord’s Prayer, is what Jesus told His disciples to do if they wanted to pray and to be holy. He told them that when they prayed, they needed to avoid ‘empty phrases.’ He suggested that they should rather repent because repentance brings renewal and renewal leads us to everlasting life with God and the saints. This is the only way our prayers will make us holy.
Whenever you pray, first clear your mind of all distractions and concentrate on being fully committed to improving your life through your prayers. It is only if we are earnest and sincere in our prayers that we will be able to grow spiritually. What is it that enables us to be honest and understanding in our daily prayer?
First, we must be truly sorry for our sins, all our sins (yes even the daily sins we tend to gloss over) if we want to be forgiven by God. We must pray that we never ignore even the smallest of our sins, because if we do, we are only fooling ourselves. More often than not it is these so-called ‘little sins’ that result in us from distancing ourselves from God.
Our lives should be spent constantly trying to eradicate sin. To achieve this we need to be more committed in a prayer life. We need to ask ourselves today ‘am I God-centered or am I self-centered’? Am I genuinely seeking God’s help or am I going through the ritual of prayer?
Hopefully this will prompt us to take a long hard and honest look at our life. Then we can pray for the help to follow more closely the teachings of our Lord.
Practical Suggestions
Turn to God in prayer today and let it be a prayer from your heart. Allow the thoughts in your mind to prompt you to speak to God more honestly and sincerely. After all he knows you (and loves you) just the way you are!
Commit today to make time for prayer every morning and at the end of each day. Just 5 minutes of sincere, heartfelt prayer will suffice.
Prayer
Lord God hear my prayers and help me to be patient so that I may hear your response. Help me to deepen my prayer life and to be positive in my acceptance of your love for me. Amen. Our Father…
WEDNESDAY 4 MARCH
Scripture Luke 11: 29 – 32
Reflection
People are always looking for signs. How many times have we not asked ‘Lord just give me a sign …’? If only the crowds had listened to Jesus and taken his words and teaching to heart. If only we would read the Gospels and take the words and teaching of Jesus to heart! For many it is probably too much effort. We want the easy way of sign, wonders and miracles. Real faith goes much, much deeper than that. It comes from reading the Gospels and a time of quiet contemplation on what we have read. “There is something greater than Jonah here” Jesus said, referring to himself. But they were too blind and their hearts were closed so they couldn’t recognise him.
This same blindness and hardness of heart prevents many people from recognising Jesus today. The wonder and miracle of his presence is made real for us every day in the celebration of Holy Mass, yet we fail to see it and recognise him. The priest holding up the Sacred Host and the Sacred Chalice proclaims, “Behold the Lamb of God …”. Is that what you behold, Jesus the Lamb of God? We have the greatest gift and opportunity to encounter Jesus in the Holy Eucharist but often, far too often, we deny ourselves this opportunity – and go looking for signs here, there and everywhere!
In truth, we’re not very different to the people of Jesus’ time. We also ask for signs. Today Jesus reminds us that “when Jonah preached they repented and there is something greater than Jonah here.” When we make this Lenten journey from Repentance to Renewal we will recognise Jesus.
Practical Suggestions
Come to know Jesus by reading the Gospels. If you haven’t done so already this year, read the Gospel of Matthew during these weeks of Lent. During Lent go to Mass as often as possible and experience the miracle of the Eucharist. Allow yourself to be filled with wonder and awe when the priest proclaims “Behold the Lamb of God” and acknowledge in your heart ‘yes Lord, I believe!”
Prayer
Father open my eyes and my heart to see the wonder of your presence made real for me by your Son Jesus. Amen.
THURSDAY 5 MARCH
Scripture Matthew 7: 7 – 12
Reflection
Prayer does not necessarily come easily to us, and furthermore people have struggled, through the centuries, to know what it is ‘okay’ to pray for! We tend to feel awkward about asking God to find us ‘a good car at a bargain price’, or to help us find something that is ‘lost’. We think our prayer should be confined to ‘spiritual’ things, and we’re not entirely sure what those things are!
Jesus, however, makes no exceptions in what He says today. Just ‘ask, seek, knock’. So the conclusion is that as long as what I’m asking for is worthy of Him, and worthy of being a child of His, it’s okay. I can’t, therefore, pray for things like revenge on an enemy or the desire to see someone suffer – those things are completely unworthy!
Jesus tells us that our prayer will have results, but He does not say when, or exactly how our prayers will be answered. He says that our Heavenly Father will give His children ‘good things’, so however my prayer is answered God knows that what He is giving is ‘good’ for me.
What do I want to pray for this Lent? Is it a prayer for myself or for others? And am I willing to persist in that prayer, or will I give up if I do not receive an immediate response?
Practical Suggestions
Make time today, and during the next week, for quality prayer time. Ask Jesus, believing that you will receive, for what you want most.
Prayer
Lord, I pray for transformation – that I may become a more effective and willing disciple, and find joy in serving You through serving others. I pray this in Your name. Amen.
FRIDAY 6 MARCH
Scripture Matthew 5: 20-26
Reflection
Time and again Our Lord makes it clear that He has come properly to interpret the law and make clear to us the fullness and objectivity of that law – that is the intention God had when he gave us his commandments. This was to overcome the narrow and human understanding of the law. For instance, whilst the Jews understood what it meant to love their God, their understanding of love of neighbour was actually indifference to that neighbour (refer to the parable of the Good Samaritan).
Today Jesus emphasises the need for reconciliation; a process which is designed through dialogue and interaction, to remove fear, anger, hatred, revenge, insult, exploitation and everything that needs to be uprooted in the hope of resolving issues. This in turn must lead to pardon and forgiveness.
God will NOT forgive the sin of not forgiving others and we agree to this when we petition Him in the Lord’s Prayer to forgive us as we forgive those who have sinned against us. We need to get what we say into our hearts.
You can take a horse to the water but you cannot make it drink. Jesus is saying for your own sake take the horse to the water!! The Triune God smiles upon us when we make a genuine effort towards reconciling irrespective of the outcome, irrespective of possible failure in this regard.
Practical Suggestions
Today think about whom you have become indifferent to so that you don’t have to go through the sacrificial effort of reconciling. This could be a parent, a sibling, a friend, and many others. Choose one person with whom you need to be reconciled.
Prayer
Almighty Father, open my heart fully to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit who will empower me to start the process of reconciling with others. Amen.
SATURDAY 7 MARCH
Scripture Matthew 5: 43-48
Reflection
In this Gospel extract, Jesus tells us to “Be perfect just as your heavenly Father is perfect.” He doesn’t ask us to try our best to be perfect, He simply states that we are to be perfect. This means that we have the God-given capacity to be perfect. In Genesis 1: 27 we read that we have been created in the image of God so it goes without saying that if we believe Jesus’ words that God is perfect, and we have been created in His image, then it’s not unreasonable for Jesus to tell us to be perfect.
However, the truth of the matter is, we have the gift of free will which allows us to make choices about how we behave and all too frequently we choose to behave in a sinful manner. For this reason, Lent gives us the wonderful opportunity to take time out to repent of our sinful ways and to be renewed so that by the boundless grace of God we can be perfect just as He commands us to be. God has given us the Ten Commandments which cover every facet of human living. In Deuteronomy 26: 16 we read that God once again reiterates that we are to keep His commandments, but when we break one of these commandments we are able to confess our sins, receive His forgiveness and be renewed in our resolve to be perfect.
Practical Suggestions
The Ten Commandments are fulfilled in Jesus’ Great Commandment: “You shall love…God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength….You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” (Mark 12:30-31). Commit the Great Commandment to memory.
Prayer
Father, You gave us the Commandments so we can live a life pleasing to you and to guide us in our daily dealings with one another. You have given us the capacity to be perfect but all too often we slip into the way of sin. During this Lenten season help me in my decision to journey from repentance to renewal in every aspect of my life. Amen.
Week 2 (tap to toggle)
SUNDAY 8 MARCH
Scripture: Genesis 12: 1 – 4
Reflection
Have you ever been lost in a big city or a shopping mall or even a foreign country? In all these cases, it is not a pleasant experience because we can be frightened and feel helpless. Such an experience evokes feelings of anxiety, confusion and frustration. Last Sunday’s first reading from the Book of Genesis showed how humanity got lost and drifted from God’s plan as a result of disobedience and sin. God intervened and wants to direct humanity to the right path.
Today, we ask ourselves: what about those who have lost their spiritual path? When we think of those who are lost spiritually, we shouldn’t think only of the Catholics who no longer attend Sunday Mass. There are times when we also find ourselves lost from our faith and spirituality. We too can be confused as we search for the right path. Our life journey is not very easy. This is because life is not only a journey, it is a search: we all have to discover for ourselves the path that will lead us home to God. Today’s reading from Genesis offers guidance on this issue.
“Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house.” God says to Abram. When called by God, and because of his great faith and obedience, Abram left his land and the security of home to follow God. This was a time for Abram to put his feet up and settle down because he was advanced in age. But Abram followed God’s direction and instruction. This was God’s way to give direction to a lost humanity (because of Adam’s fall).
Our Sunday readings during Lent are chosen to help us to appreciate our salvation history which is the plan of God. Abraham’s total response to God’s instruction came at a price. He had to make sacrifices and bear ‘crosses’ of detachment and adjustments to a new life situation. Just like Abraham, our father in faith, we are called during lent, to trust God who will bring us safely home. If we feel lost, let us use this season as an opportunity to journey back towards God. Regardless of how far we have strayed from God, he is ready to welcome us back. Here are beautiful words from the prophet Hosea (14:4) “The Lord says, ‘I will bring my people back to me. I will love them with all my heart’”.
Practical Suggestions
List the things Abram left behind to follow God’s will. Now draw up your own list of the things that you have given up for Lent and ask God to give you the strength to be true to your Lenten resolutions.
Prayer
My God, I offer you myself as a sacrifice of thanksgiving. My wish is to be detached from everything that separates me from you. Help me to carry out what I profess through Christ our Lord. Amen.
MONDAY 9 MARCH
Scripture: Daniel 9: 4 – 10, Luke 6: 36 – 38
Reflection
Last Monday, in Leviticus, God called us to be “holy” because He is Holy. Today (and every day) Jesus gives us advice on how we can be precisely that: HOLY! He tells us, in Luke’s Gospel, that we are CALLED to be merciful, not to judge, not to condemn, to forgive and to give to all who are in need.
Daniel also gives us sound advice when he tells us how God is “merciful in His love for those who love Him and keep His commandments,” that we should live our lives in His ways.
We know that we are sinners and, just as children test their parents, so we test God especially when we act and do those things that we know go against God’s will. Most of the time we don’t have a legitimate excuse for doing or not doing the things that that turn us away from being “holy” or “merciful” even though we constantly get advice from so many reliable sources. ‘From where’ you may ask! From the Bible! The Bible should be our constant companion. (download a Catholic Bible app to your cell-phone – it’s free).
Today’s scripture provides great examples: Daniel tells how we can keep on doing God’s “good” side by side the things that God wants us to do. We also hear from Jesus, whom God has chosen to GIVE us His Word, telling us where we go wrong: acting wickedly and rebelling, turning away from the commandments, not listening to the prophets (from the Bible and our priests in this modern age).
We know that Jesus loves us so much that He was prepared to die for us in order that we may be freed from the sins that sadly we choose to hold on to. This is what causes us to lose sight of the mercy that we should show to others. We must remember that we are forgiven the moment we repent, because God is merciful, full of forgiveness and encouraging. We can take advantage of God’s graciousness given so freely as we make our journey of repentance from our past failings to our new life of “RENEWAL” as true members of God’s family.
Practical Suggestions
We know the old saying; “You reap what you sow.” Let us make the effort this Lent to plough all our efforts into pleasing God as we try earnestly to be “Holy” by listening to His words when we read the bible daily. Be forgiving and practice all those things that make us merciful in God’s eyes. Remember, God sees all things done in secret!
Prayer
Father, help me to keep you constantly in my thoughts and actions, especially to be ‘Holy’ as you are and to be ‘merciful’ in my judgements, knowing that your wish is for me to climb your mountain to reach your heavenly home. Amen
TUESDAY 10 MARCH
Scripture: Matthew 23: 1 – 12
Reflection
Religion has the tendency to take on a life of its own with innumerable laws, rules, customs, traditions, rituals and forms of dress. You could be forgiven for thinking that this is exactly what the Catholic Church is like. Undoubtedly through our long history there have been times when this has been the case and there are still some in the Church who hanker after this. Thankfully though, our wonderful faith is the primary focus of the Church and down to earth leaders such as Pope Francis and our own Cardinal Napier are a shining example of this.
That Jesus had a problem with the religious leaders of his time is without doubt.They were filled with a sense of their own self-importance and made life difficult for the people. They had forgotten that they were there to serve the people of God and not to lord it over them.
Naturally the Church, as a religious organisation and a faith community, has to have rules, and because we have been around for such a long time, we have a rich tradition as well as customs and rituals. But these are meant to serve us – not the other way around!
Ask yourself today, ‘where is my focus? Is it on customs, traditions and rituals or on the essence of my faith? Am I following Jesus with a lively faith?’ Remember that Lent is the season for the renewal of our faith so that we can join in with the Catechumens at the Easter Vigil. They are asked, “What do you ask of God’s Church?” They answer, “Faith.” Next, they are asked, “What does this faith offer you?” They reply, “Eternal Life!”
Practical Suggestions
Pray for your priest – and for all priests. Ask God to guide them so that they are filled with the spirit of Jesus, serving God’s people in humility and sincerity, concerned about the salvation of all God’s children.
Prayer
Father, I thank you for the gift of your Son Jesus who shows us the way to you. Help me to follow in his way so that I may imitate his humility and be of service to others. Amen.
WEDNESDAY 11 MARCH
Scripture: Matthew 20: 17 – 28
Reflection
The Pope has many titles such as ‘Supreme Pontiff (pontiff means bridge-builder), Vicar of Christ, Bishop of Rome, Sovereign of the Vatican Sate – and a few more. The title that most suits the office of the Pope is ‘Servant of the Servants of God.’ This title really describes who the Pope is.
Jesus never assumed for himself any fancy titles, never pushed himself in front of anybody and most certainly didn’t have a blue light brigade (or whatever the equivalent was in those days!)
Like the other ten apostles we are horrified at the request to Jesus from the mother of James and John, especially as Jesus had just been telling them what was going to happen to him in Jerusalem! Such is human nature – we aspire towards titles and places of honour. The way of Jesus is very different: “anyone who wants to be great among you must be your servant.” Think of the actions of Jesus at the Last Supper: “he got up from the table, removed his outer garment and, taking a towel, wrapped it round his waist; then he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples feet.” (John 13: 4). After washing their feet, he said “Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Master and Lord, and rightly, so I am. If I, then, the Lord and Master, have washed your feet, you should wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example so you may copy what I have done to you.” (John 13: 13 – 14)
The way of Jesus is very different to the ways of the world! He did this at the Last Supper after instituting the Sacraments of Eucharist and Holy Orders to show that both these Sacraments are about service. At the end of Mass, the deacon says “Go in peace glorifying the Lord by your life.” In the old translation “Go in peace to love and to serve the Lord.”
This is what our faith calls us to do and this Lenten season of Repentance and Renewal is meant to remind us of this. You may remember the 5 marks of Discipleship during Easter last year: disciples Worship, Connect, Grow, Serve and Give.
Practical Suggestions
Ask yourself today: in what way do I give of myself? How do I serve others in the spirit and way of Jesus? The answers to these questions should lead us to follow the call and example of Jesus.
Prayer
Lord Jesus. Help me to be a disciple who serves, a follower who is faithful to your teaching, and a Christian who is always willing to embrace your spirit of humility and service. Amen.
THURSDAY 12 MARCH
Scripture: Luke 16: 19 – 31
“If they will not listen to either Moses or the prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone should rise from the dead”
Reflection
This parable tends to make people feel very uncomfortable, and I am no exception. Our 21st Century world has become a place that is very much divided between the ‘Dives’ (Latin word meaning ‘rich’) and the Lazarus’ (the poor), and the trouble is that the gap between the two groups has become almost impossible to bridge. Moreover, probably two-thirds of the world’s population counts themselves among the ‘Lazarus’!
That problem is compounded by the seeming insensitivity of the world at large to the plight of the poor. Agreed the problem is huge, and most of us throw up our hands and say, ‘Well, what can I do? I can’t solve the problem!’ True, but if each of us helped just one person each day, we would begin to whittle away at the problem!
This Lenten period invites us to ‘Repentance and Renewal’. Can we ‘let go’ of something that makes us richer than so many others? For example, can we ‘fast’ from spending money on unnecessary items and give the money to someone who has less? Can we ‘fast’ from hoarding our time for ourselves, and spend it rather with someone who is lonely, grieving, or in need of a friend?
The rich man in this parable was condemned not for his ill-treatment of Lazarus, but simply because he failed to even see Lazarus on his doorstep! That is all too easy to do. Let us not be condemned for the same failure!
Practical Suggestions
Decide how you can give of your time, talent or wealth to help at least one person this week. If you don’t know of such a person, ask your friendly parish priest for suggestions.
Prayer
Lord, turn my spirit towards You, that I may see with Your eyes, and reach out to those around me who are in need of a friend or practical help. Amen.
“We can do no great things, only little things with great love. You can do what I can’t do. I can do what you can’t do. Together we can do something beautiful for God.” St. Teresa of Calcutta
During Lent, all are encourage to keep every Friday as a Day of Fast and Abstinence. Observe this day. Offer your Fast and Abstinence for the return of all lapsed Catholics. Go to Stations of the Cross. Follow the way to the Calvary with Jesus.
FRIDAY 13 MARCH
Scripture: Matthew 21: 33 – 42
Reflection
The setting and context of this parable is that the Jewish religious authorities are questioning Jesus’ authority in expelling dealers from the temple. Our Lord has just entered into Jerusalem triumphantly (Palm Sunday) and matters between Him and the chief priests and elders are now really getting ugly. He has a go at them because of their selfish attitudes as if they are totally in charge.
These people start listening to the parable and think Our Lord is referring to them as landowners because many of them had side-line businesses of leasing land. This soon changes as the story develops and they become the target.
The land is kingdom, the landowner is God, the Jewish authorities the tenants, the servants are the prophets, and the Son is Jesus. The tenants fail to give part of the produce back to the landowner as rent and thus act as if they are the owners. The owner will eventually evict them and deal harshly with them.
God is creator and owns everything. He has given to us all the necessary capacity in the form of our talents (just as the tenants had the winepress ,fences etc) to produce fruit which must be used in the furthering of the kingdom of God (rent) and NOT just for our own gain and ends! We do not have the right to use the results of our talents solely for ourselves even though we have put in the effort. We must pay rent by including serving others with what God has given to us because we can only love God and neighbour by doing this. God is not asking us to give everything away, just to be fair.
Practical Suggestions
Think about the talents and abilities God has given to you. Lent is a good opportunity to discover or rediscover them!! To what extent you have used them selfishly as if you own all the results (fruit) rather than using them to help both yourself – and others?
Prayer
Almighty Father, through your Holy Spirit, open my heart so that I may be more generous in sharing the fruit of my talents with others just as Jesus did. Amen
SATURDAY 14 MARCH
Scripture: Luke 15: 11-32
Reflection
I can’t think of a more beautiful and fitting allegory to illustrate the theme “From Repentance to Renewal” than the parable of the “Prodigal Son and the Ever-Loving Father”.
What a foolish and self-centred young man he was to have behaved in this appalling way towards such a loving and generous father. Yet, in retrospect, don’t we often behave in exactly the same way towards our loving and generous Father.
How foolish we are! We are so easily tempted by all the pleasantries of this world especially when it comes to time to attend Sunday Mass. We find it so easy to justify why missing Mass is really not such a big deal and yet our Father is there, waiting to clothe us in His love, to satisfy our spiritual hunger and quench our soul’s thirst.
How self-centred we are! We find it more convenient to be busy with every other trivial thing rather than setting aside some quality time to spend with our Father in prayer or to allow Him to speak to us through our reading of the Sacred Scripture.
Often, we behave in exactly the same way as the young man in this parable. We turn our back on our Father when life is good, and things are going well. When we find ourselves in some kind of difficulty or dilemma, we run back to God and implore His help. Our ever-loving, patient, merciful Father is always there, waiting for us to return to Him.
How much better it would be if we had a regular prayer life and set aside a little time each day to spend with our Father in prayer.
Practical Suggestions
Make a real effort to spend a few minutes during the day to say a simple prayer to God our Father. It doesn’t have to be eloquent, just pray from your heart.
Prayer
Father, thank you for always being there to listen to my prayer. Forgive me for the times when I’ve been too busy to pray. Amen
Week 3 (tap to toggle)
SUNDAY 15 MARCH
Scripture: John 4: 5 – 42
Reflection
The long Gospel (John 4:5-42) of Jesus’ meeting the woman at the well speaks of water and faith. Jesus reaches out to the woman. He begins the life-giving conversation which will end not only in her own belief in God, but also in many others coming to believe. The gospel describes how a Samaritan woman went to draw water from the village well. She sees Jesus sitting beside it. He asks her for a drink. She wonders why he should speak of her since Jews and Samaritans were traditional enemies. It shocks the woman that Jesus would talk to her because she is Samaritan, she is a woman, and she is an outcast even among the other Samaritan women. Yet this is the one Jesus invites to believe in him and to spread the faith to other women, other Samaritans and other people.
Jesus asks for water. He invites the Samaritan woman to a relationship with God by making his own need known to her. Jesus then invites her to receive the living (flowing) water which He offers. She thinks that Jesus is talking about another source of drinking water that is not as deep as Jacob’s well. She wants this flowing water so she does not have to keep coming on her own to draw water. Jesus is speaking of a spiritual water that gives spiritual life.
He is offering her the gift of faith. It is only as the conversation develops that she becomes aware of the other dimension of Jesus’ promise of living water. Jesus, on the spiritual level, thirsts for her soul. He gives her the living water so she can go home without her buckets and face her own people.
The Samaritan becomes a proclaimer of this faith-full relationship. Her past does not hinder her from being a messenger of Good News. She has a story to tell. We all have a story to share with other people. We all have stories that can bring other people into a relationship with God. As a result, others come to Jesus and ask him to stay and share His gifts with them. This season of Lent invites us to go back to our families and friends and tell them what God has done for you.
Practical Suggestion
Go back to the story of the Samaritan woman and Jesus and try to catch a word or phrase from the reading which you will carry with you this week.
Prayer
Lord Jesus help me to accept each moment as it comes to me with faith and trust. Help me to seek you not in far-off places but most especially in your presence in the Holy Eucharist. Above all help me to be grateful for all that God has done for me. Amen
MONDAY 16 MARCH
Scripture: 2 Kings 5: 1 – 15
“Wash and be clean”
Reflection
We are now well on our way to becoming “HOLY” – into the third week of our journey from “Repentance to Renewal” – “Wash and be clean” as we know that God wants this of us. To increase in ourselves to be true disciples of Jesus.
Last Monday, Jesus gave us His sound advice on how to do it! We know that Jesus doesn’t stand on ‘airs and graces’ and tells it ‘as it is’ – simple but true. That is how Elisha, the prophet, gave healing advice to the leper Naaman. No fancy cures, no fanfare, just plain and simple “wash and be clean.”
In today’s Scripture, we read about Naaman who was a warrior, well respected as a great man not only by the people, but also by his king. He was prepared to take advice from a captured maid-servant and was prepared to visit the prophet Elisha, an Israelite. But, when told to wash in the Jordan river he became indignant at such a seemingly futile suggestion. Surely there should be a more dramatic healing, or at least something more challenging to do! No, that is not God’s way. Jesus says; “your Father sees all that is done in secret”.
We have this special time in the year to concentrate our efforts at repentance and getting rid of all our impurities. We know them as sins that have built up over time, and even though we may have celebrated the Sacrament of Reconciliation in the past, sometimes there are those sins and failings that hang on to us and we can’t let them go!
Now is the time to place ourselves into the presence of God, who knows all that we do (in secret) and share with Him all of our concerns and worries. Naaman didn’t realise the simplicity of God’s nature who, with water cleanses us and, most of all, gives us LIFE! He was cleared of his leprosy just as God wants us to be healed and cleaned of our sins. Let Him into your heart so that he can.
Practical Suggestion
Offer your time to God in simple Prayer. Look for the opportunity to find Jesus in your daily life.
Prayer
Father I cherish the Love that you have for me. Help me to respond to you by following your way especially by being loving and kind to others. Amen
TUESDAY 17 MARCH
Feast of St. Patrick
Scripture Matthew 18: 21 – 35
Reflection
Every day on radio and on TV we hear about some poor individual who has been caught in a scam. Today, because of the high cost of living, many are trying to improve their lifestyle in any possible way. They invest in an attractive venture, hoping that it will make them rich.
All too often these desperate people see their money going straight down the drain, leaving them with a major headache and an empty pocket all because they trusted without fully investigating all the pros and cons on offer. Strangely enough, with all the theft and dishonesty in the world today, we still find people who will trust others in these attractive schemes and are ‘taken for a ride’.
Today’s Gospel reminds us of this problem, when it tells of a man who owed his master a great deal. When he pleaded for time to repay, his master cancelled the debt! Later, this very same man, refuses to be as generous to a colleague of his. In fact he had him thrown into prison until he should pay his debt – an impossibility!
Remember the Lord’s command to “love one another as I have loved you”?
Following this train of thought, the burning question for us today and every day is, “What can I do to show my love for my neighbour just as God shows me his love”? It has to be that we must be as generous with one another as God is with us – especially in forgiving the sins of others as we have been forgiven by God. Do we not pray this every day in the Lord’s Prayer?
Our sins are always forgiven as long as we are sincere in our confession. God goes out of His way to help prepare us for Everlasting Life, a life which is far more important than the life we lead on earth. He calls on us to love and forgive our neighbours, just as we are loved and forgiven by Him.
What a wonderful world this could be if we were as generous as our God is with us. He doesn’t promise a ‘get rich quick’ scheme. In fact Jesus never promised material and financial prosperity to his followers. He did, however, promise a generous forgiveness of our sins and failings.
Practical Suggestion
Take full advantage of God’s generous love by going to Confession this Lent.
Experience the wonderful way in which he heals, reconciles and forgives. Invite someone who hasn’t been to Confession for a long time to go with you. After you receive forgiveness enabling you to make a fresh start, a new beginning, be sure to be equally merciful and forgiving towards others who have sinned against you.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, strengthen me in my weakness. Help me to be as merciful and as forgiving as you are. Amen.
WEDNESDAY 18 MARCH
Scripture Matthew 5: 17 – 19
Reflection
You may remember the Gospel on the Second Sunday of Lent; the account of the Transfiguration of Jesus. The vision that Peter, James and John saw, was of the transfigured Jesus talking to Moses and Elijah. Moses represents the Law and Elijah the Prophets. God the Father gave his Son the assurance that he was indeed the fulfilment of the Law and the Prophets.
This is exactly what Jesus reminds his disciples about today; that he has come, not to abolish the law, but to fulfil the Law and the Prophets. There was, however, something very different to the way Jesus both followed and applied the Law and the Prophets. He did it with love, mercy and compassion. He had accused the religious leaders of laying heavy burdens on people’s shoulders and doing nothing to help them. He, on the other hand, never put the law before a person. Their needs always came first: consider the man he healed on the sabbath, or the mercy he showed to the woman caught in adultery.
The Church (remember we are the Church) is tasked with the mission and responsibility to do the same. There are still religious leaders today who place burdens on people’s shoulders, who make almost impossible demands of and do very little for people. This is not the way we should be or behave.
When we have taken the time to come to know Jesus, to really know Jesus through the Gospels, Personal Prayer and our encounter with him in the Holy Eucharist, then our understanding of the Law and the Prophets takes on a whole new meaning. Many Christians are quick to quote the laws of the Old Testament but they lack the love that Jesus asks of all his followers. In fact, did he not summarise the commandments into a single, simple, yet profound command: to love God and our neighbour as we love ourselves. This is exactly what he did! Now we must do the same.
Practical Suggestion
Ask yourself today: Am I a legalistic person, always quoting and following the absolute letter of the law because it is the law? Or have I chosen Jesus’ way of love, mercy and compassion? Once you have your answer, decide on what you can do to increase your imitation of the Lord’s love, mercy and compassion – not as a legalistic requirement but from the very depths of your being. It may require real metanoia!
Prayer
Change my heart O God. May I be like Jesus in everything I say and do. Amen.
THURSDAY 19 MARCH
FEAST OF ST JOSEPH
Scripture Luke 2: 41 – 51
Reflection
Joseph is described in Matthew’s gospel as ‘a righteous man’. What does that mean? He was a man who ‘kept the law’ and did what he knew to be the right thing according to his understanding of his faith.
None of the Gospels record a single word uttered by Joseph. It is his actions that speak volumes, and reveal to us why he was the man chosen by God to be the earthly father of Jesus.
Joseph did not abandon Mary to a horrific fate when he found out that she was pregnant before they lived together as husband and wife. The journey to Bethlehem for the census could not have been easy with him having to travel across inhospitable territory with a heavily pregnant wife. Then there was the lack of suitable accommodation which led to Jesus having to be born in a stable.
All this must have troubled Joseph greatly. The subsequent flight into Egypt to keep Jesus safe was a treacherous journey into a foreign country – the country of his forefathers’ slavery. About twelve years later he ‘loses’ Jesus in Jerusalem, and must have suffered great anguish during the three days it took to find him.
Truly a ‘superman’! A man of true worth and integrity; a man who was there in ‘the best of times and the worst of times’; who lived what he believed to be right, and whose actions were instrumental in bringing ‘the light of God’ into the world. It is this same light that invites each of us to evaluate our own lives and actions – to renew our commitment to taking the ‘light’ further.
Practical Suggestion
We are almost halfway through Lent. Evaluate your ‘actions’ up to now. What do my actions say or proclaim to others? Decide how you can improve on this in the coming weeks, especially looking at the example and faith of Joseph.
Prayer
Lord, in choosing Joseph, You chose a man of true fidelity and faith. Like him, may my actions reflect Your presence in my life, so that others may be drawn to Your light. Amen.
FRIDAY 20 MARCH
Scripture: Mark: 12:28-34
Reflection
The Jews had over six hundred rules, regulations and laws. It was a common practice at that time to try and condense them into a more user-friendly set. But there was little agreement amongst the scholars and priests. This exceptional scribe, who had bought into the wisdom of Jesus by appreciating His skill in the Scriptures, knows He will have the answer and merely wants to hear it. So do we!!
Our Lord quotes Deuteronomy 6: 4-5 and Leviticus 19: 18 to give the concise version. It emphasises that God is sovereign and is in charge of all humanity. It stresses that we must first love God. The second emerges from our love for God and not the other way around!
This command to love God and neighbour (even hostile ones) is not a suggestion, recommendation or advice. It is a Christian imperative. We may very well ask how we can be commanded to love as this sounds quite difficult. In the same way that God’s love is one of immense energy with the capacity to change people and things (creation is but an expression of this energy), this command tells us to direct whatever energy we have to the purpose of fulfilling the directive. We do not have to feel this love as we do with filial, friendly or spousal love where we get something out of it, perhaps emotional happiness. No, this is a love of sacrifice where we expect nothing in return, but rest assured, the joy and peace that comes from its pursuit will permeate our entire being.
Practical Suggestion
Without a drastic change in your life, work on tweaking what you do and say and think each day to comply with these divine instructions.
Prayer
Father give me the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit to love as Jesus did. Amen.
SATURDAY 21 MARCH
Scripture: Luke 18: 9-14
Reflection
Humility is often seen as a weakness. Some even believe that unless you are arrogant and pushy, you won’t make it in life. Jesus had a completely different take on humility and in many instances in the gospels we find Him admonishing the arrogance of certain people.
Today Jesus highlights the difference in the content of the Prayers of the self-righteous and arrogant Pharisee and a humble and contrite tax collector. Tax collectors at the time of Jesus were despised because of their corrupt wheeling and dealing while the Pharisees prided themselves as being “holier than thou”.
Often, we feel the inclination to try to justify our sins or to attempt to categorise them into big sins and little sins. Sin is sin. Some sins have more serious consequences or repercussions than others, but they are still sins, and all sins need to be confessed.
It’s not particularly easy nor is it at all comfortable to sit down and examine our life and admit where we have sinned. It takes a huge amount of humility and honesty to admit that we are sinners. It’s even more difficult to confess our sins, but if we are serious about repentance and the desire to move forward in order to achieve renewal, we have to bravely acknowledge those areas in our life where we have transgressed. It’s only once we have come to God in sincere humility and confessed our sins that we can say we have truly repented.
Practical Suggestion
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is freely available to us. We don’t need to wait for the Penitential Service to take advantage of the opportunity to repent and be healed. Check the times of confession and make the decision to be cleansed of all sin as you continue your journey through the second half of Lent.
Prayer
Father, have mercy on me a sinner. Help me identify those areas in my life where I need your healing and forgiveness. Give me an attitude of honesty and sincere humility. Amen
Week 4 (tap to toggle)
SUNDAY 22 MARCH
Scripture: John 9:1-41
Reflection
Spiritual blindness! Today John narrates a beautiful story about the healing of the man born blind. It would appear that in addition to being physically blind, he was spiritually blind as well. Jesus heals him of his physical blindness as well as his spiritual blindness. As we read and reflect on this gospel account we move from our spiritual darkness (blindness) into the light of Jesus!
We are struck by the blind man’s acceptance of Jesus “Lord I believe.” It is almost as if Jesus is saying to us today “You are looking at him, he is speaking to you.” With the blindness and darkness removed from the eyes of our hearts and minds we also proclaim” Lord I believe!”
The revelation of Jesus to the blind man can also translate to our growing personal relationship with Jesus. He reveals himself to us daily at Mass and we recognise him with the eyes of faith.
Even though the blind man was instantly healed it took him a while to realise the true identity of Jesus. He had referred to Jesus as “the man called Jesus” (vs. 11) then “he is a prophet” (vs. 17), then as “from God” (vs. 33) and finally he said, “Lord, I believe”.
We can compare this with the Samaritan woman whom we encountered last Sunday. She began by identifying Jesus just as a “Jew” (4: 9), then as “a prophet” (4: 19) and finally she said, “could he be the Messiah” (4: 29).
Little by little, both the blind man and the Samaritan woman received their spiritual sight. By the end of the gospel account, the one who healed him was no longer just ‘the man called Jesus’, but he was the Lord worthy of worship.
During this our Lenten journey, we are afforded an opportunity to look at our relationship with Jesus in a new light – with new sight. We are invited to an ever-deepening relationship with him so that we may be able to worship him in spirit and in truth!
Practical Suggestion
Reflect on what the following represents: my spiritual journey from darkness to light, from blindness to sight?
Prayer
Lord open my mind and heart that I may see your light so that I am filled with the hope you call me to. May I be filled with the richness of the blessings you offer to all your children. Amen
MONDAY 23 MARCH
Scripture: John 4: 43 – 54 “Go your son shall live”
Reflection
Today’s scripture challenges us to ask ourselves, ‘how easily do I become discouraged?’ Jesus gave a testing challenge to the official who, had heard (just as we have) about ‘the signs and wonders’ that Jesus performed. He was sent home with no more than the instruction; “Go; your son will live.”
Was he a little disappointed? Perhaps he expected something a little more ‘spectacular.’ Whatever he felt, his need for his child’s healing was great so he accepted the instruction of Jesus and returned home.
Often, we become despondent when our prayers and hopes appear not to be answered (in the ways we want). Today we learn to put our complete faith, hope and trust in Jesus, never to be discouraged. Jesus knows our every need. We need to take him at his word. Jesus always provides for us. We begin to understand the ways in which God works when we choose to listen to Jesus and do as he tells us to do.
During Lent we make a special effort to ‘repent’ and to rid ourselves of the ‘baggage’ that holds us back from following the ways of Jesus. Then we can go out ‘renewed’ in the love of our faith and strengthened to share our discipleship.
Practical Suggestion
Make a special effort today to take on a positive attitude regarding your faith.
Place yourself in the hands of Jesus and trust in him.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, help me to trust as the official did. Strengthen my little faith. Help me to seek good and not evil, that I may live in the awareness that you are with me always. Amen
TUESDAY 24 MARCH
Scripture: Ezekiel 47: 1 – 9, 12. John 5: 1 – 16
Reflection
The deeper we get into a sinful way of life, the easier it becomes for us to sin without a conscience and so become less holy. It therefore makes sense, that the closer we follow Christ’s teachings, the easier it should become for us to live a saintly life. However, to have a faith like this is not a walk in the park. Only a constant, never-ending adherence to a holy lifestyle, will help us achieve holiness. Furthermore, there is only one way to be holy, and that is God’s way.
Now to encourage us to follow our consciences, scripture tells us of a man who is shown a stream of water, flowing from the temple and going eastward and he was led along this flowing water. After every thousand cubits, he was made aware of how deep the water was and the further they went the deeper it became, until it was so deep, that no one could wade over to the other side. This exercise was intended to show us, that the further we go down the road the deeper we could get into trouble.
Can we see how this teaching can influence our lives? In John’s gospel, we encounter similar advice. John tells us that when Jesus went to Jerusalem for a Jewish festival, he went to a pool where he encountered a man who had been crippled for thirty eight years. He was patiently waiting and hoping for the opportunity to be the first person into the pool when the water was disturbed.
Jesus asks him, “Do you want to be well again?” Indirectly the man says yes, but he also explains, that before he can get into the water, someone always gets in before him. It is only the first person into the water who is healed. This serves to highlight the patient endurance of the man. He knows what he wants, and faithfully waits patiently in hope. Regardless of how long it takes, he will achieve his goal.
Jesus heals the man there and then and sends him on his way. This incurred the wrath of the religious hierarchy because Jesus had healed the man on the Sabbath. How hard of heart they were! In their fury they wanted Jesus dead.
This happened despite that what Jesus had done, was out of His love and compassion. When hearts are hardened, we lose our love and compassion.
Today we need to find ourselves at the well. We need the Lord’s help. As we embrace his healing presence we commit ourselves to a change of lifestyle – a genuine metanoia. This change, transformation and renewal makes us as loving, merciful and compassionate as our Father is.
Practical Suggestion
Today we examine our attitude towards God and an acceptance of his way, through his Son Jesus he gives us a way to follow. Be open to accept God’s way.
It is tough going sometimes but it is the best way!
Prayer
Dear Lord, grant me a happy and contented life; a life you will help me to live, in holiness of heart and spirit. Help me to accept your way unconditionally.
Forgive my many failings and strengthen me in your way. Amen.
WEDNESDAY 25 MARCH
Solemnity of the Annunciation of Our Lord.
Scripture Luke 1: 26 – 38
Reflection
The Word was made Flesh and dwelt among us! Each day when we pray the Angelus, we pray these extraordinary words; at 6.00am (the beginning of the day), 12.00pm (the middle of the day), and 6.00pm (the evening of the day).
Today we celebrate this, the greatest even in human history! God became man, he came amongst us in the fulfilment of the prophesy of Isaiah (7: 10 – 14). We are familiar with these words and the meaning of the name Emmanuel: God is with us!
Through Mary’s ‘yes’, our God is with us! The great God of the universe, the Creator of heaven and earth, chose to come among us, born of a maiden from Nazareth. Do we even realise the gravity of this truth we celebrate today?
God’s choice is to be with us, very ordinary humans, involved in the everyday stuff of life, experiencing hardships, struggles, difficulties, and confronting the challenges of life. Today he says, “I am with you always” (cf. Matthew 28:20). When all is said and done, this is where our God chooses to be, here in the trenches of life. He did not choose something grand and opulent, no blue-light brigades, no fancy clothing and magnificent feasts, no grand titles and thrones of power and control.
In a world turned mad by reality tv, greed, a lust for power and control, God chooses to be in the simple and humble, the very ordinary stuff of life. He chose Mary who would have been considered a very ordinary young woman preparing to begin her life as the wife of a carpenter, Joseph. Mary and Joseph were, however rich in faith, hope and trust. They taught the boy Jesus the faith they so dearly held on to, a way of life that valued each person regardless of status, position or wealth.
Through the Annunciation God lays down his way for us, his people. Lent reminds of the most valuable and important things in life. In this season of fasting and self-denial, we reconnect with our real self, stripped of the trappings and trimmings of life and focused on what really counts: faith, humility, sincerity, kindness, gentleness, hope and trust.
Practical Suggestion
Ask yourself today: Who am I? Who or what I have I become?
We have wrapped ourselves with so many layers of life that we lose sight of who the real person is beneath the layers of wrapping. Lent invites us to unwrap ourselves from all these, and to wrap ourselves in faith – like the white garment of our Baptism which we will renew at Easter – or will we?
Prayer
Pray the Angelus today and every day:
The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary, And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.
Hail Mary … Behold the handmaid of the Lord. Be it done unto me according to Your Word. Hail Mary… And the Word was made flesh, And dwelt among us.
Hail Mary… Pray for us, O holy Mother of God. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray: Pour forth, we beseech you O Lord, your Grace into our hearts; that we to whom the incarnation of Christ your Son was made known by the message of an angel, may by his passion and cross be brought to the glory of His Resurrection through the same Christ, our Lord. Amen.
THURSDAY 26 MARCH
Scripture John 5: 31 – 47
Reflection
These words of Jesus today, recorded by John, have a great deal to say. Jesus is responding to the persecution by the Pharisees, who see Him as making Himself, a mere human (in their eyes), equal with God.
Jesus tells them, and us, that He has been made ‘the source of LIFE;’ that He is the ‘supreme judge’, and that His judgement is ‘fair and just’. He praises John the Baptist for being a ‘shining lamp’ and testifying to the truth. But then He accuses them (and us?) of studying the scriptures and refusing to see the LIGHT they pointed to – the Light that He is!
He talks of the approval we seek from each other, but we all know that those words of praise are not always sincere. There was an era, not so long ago, when people growing up were told not to expect or rely on praise from others because it would lead to pride! But praise, genuine praise, is a good thing and it is through that that we come to accept and use the gifts that God has given us. The important thing to remember is that when we are lauded or applauded for our efforts, that we give the praise back to God, from whom ‘all good gifts come’!
So, there are questions to ask ourselves today: Do we see Jesus as the source of life; as the supreme judge – do we read the Word of God, and understand that Jesus is the LIVING WORD? These are all things we should have accepted after saying, “We believe.” Our time for repentance and renewal is running out – make the most of what you have left!
Practical Suggestion
Reflect seriously on the questions posed. Examine your conscience and your life, and if there is need for repentance, prepare to go to Confession before Easter.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, give me the gift of humility – that I may see myself as You see me, and where there is need to change, give me the grace to do it. Amen.
FRIDAY 27 MARCH
Scripture: John 7: 1 – 2, 10, 25 – 30
Reflection
Jesus is in Jerusalem for the Feast of Tabernacles where the Jews celebrated the fragile shelters, they had used in the desert for forty years. It is for this reason that Peter had, at the Transfiguration (a few days earlier), wanted to build three tents in commemoration of this.
The Rabbis taught that the Messiah would appear suddenly out of nowhere.
Despite Scripture being fulfilled in that the Christ Child was born in Bethlehem, most Jews did not know that and assumed He was born and bred in Nazareth. So, He did not fit into the idea they had of the Promised One nor did they recognise the prophesies of Isaiah coming true.
Jesus cries out to them (He had to speak loudly – no microphones) and diverts attention from Himself to the One who sent Him. He tells them that He is not just about geography and acknowledges their thoughts about His earthly origin, but He pleads with them that He truly comes from God and this is much more important than anything else. He has full knowledge of God. At this, the leaders want to arrest Him, to silence Him.
We too become so familiar with the facts and stories and miracles of Jesus that we fail to see past these and recognise Him as GOD the Son, the Redeemer, the Saviour and that His primary mission was to save us from the horrible consequences of our sinfulness.
Practical Suggestion
On Sunday we celebrated Laetare Sunday when, in the midst of our Lenten efforts, we paused to rejoice in the reality of what He is going to do for us at Easter. We are moving from Repentance to Renewal and are shortly to be renewed.
Prayer
Father, I open my heart to the Holy Spirit who reveals who Jesus really is and what He is about to do for me. Amen.
SATURDAY 28 MARCH
Scripture: John 7: 40 – 53
Reflection
Today we read about Nicodemus, a wealthy Pharisee and a respected member of the Sanhedrin. This was a judicial council made up of leading citizens including the chief priests, elders, and scribes and presided over by the high priest. We first meet Nicodemus in the Gospel of John 3: 1-15 when he comes to speak to Jesus in secret at night for fear that his fellow Pharisees would hear about his meeting and have him barred from entering the synagogue again.
Nicodemus must have heard Jesus preaching at various times and this had led him to embark on his own journey of faith. Today we see him speaking out in defence of Jesus whom the Sanhedrin were keen to have arrested. Nicodemus was ridiculed by his peers for taking a stand for Jesus.
We also experience ridicule when we stand up for our faith. As a result, we often prefer to say nothing and fade into the background when people start criticizing the Catholic Church and its members. We quickly wash off our ashes from Ash Wednesday so that we aren’t put into a position where we have to explain what the “smudge” on our forehead is all about. We are provided with so many opportunities to speak-up and testify to the faith and hope we have as Catholics. Lent is the ideal season to be brave and to share our faith with others.
The last time we read about Nicodemus is in John 19: 38-40 when Joseph of Arimathea asked for the body of Jesus. Nicodemus brought along a large quantity of expensive spices and the two men prepared Jesus’ body for burial. We see evidence of Nicodemus’ wonderful journey of faith, braving ridicule and the chance of expulsion from the synagogue, culminating in him performing the most beautiful act of service in anointing the body of his Lord and Saviour before laying Him to rest.
Practical Suggestion
Seek out an opportunity to share with someone what the season of Lent means to you and how you are journeying from Repentance to Renewal.
Prayer
Father help me to be brave and to take a stand for Jesus even when I’m ridiculed for my faith. Give me the words to speak so I can boldly share the hope I have because of Jesus’ Resurrection at Easter. Amen
Week 5 (tap to toggle)
SUNDAY 29 MARCH
Its worth reading the full text of today’s scripture.
Scripture: John 11: 1 – 45
Reflection
Death is an inevitable reality. We choose not to think about it too often because we need to get on with living life – and living it to the fullest. There are times, events, situations and occasions which remind us about this inevitable reality. Today’s gospel is one such occasion. What do we really believe about death? What do I believe about my death?
At their Baptism at the Easter Vigil the Catechumens will be asked “What do you ask of God’s Church?” they will answer “Faith.” Next they will be asked “What does faith offer you?” They will respond “Eternal Life!”
These are more than correct responses. This is the TRUTH of our faith! Faith offers us eternal life. When Jesus proclaims “I am the resurrection and the life. If anyone believes in me, even though he dies he will live, and whoever lives and believes in me will never die,” he asks Mary, “Do you believe this?” She responds “Yes Lord I believe.”
Today Jesus asks us the same “Do you believe this?”
Do we really? This entire Lenten Journey of renewal, change, transformation and metanoia – change of heart, prepares us for the renewal of our faith at Easter and for the final Easter of our lives – when Christ will come again – our own personal Easter! This is why its worth taking our faith seriously; it captures, in these short six weeks, our journey from life to death to eternal life!
Someday the body of our earthly dwelling will lie in death. We spend so much time, effort, energy and expense on these earthly bodies which eventually surccumb to death – and rightly so – up to a point, because our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit and we have been made holy and sanctified through Bapttism and our regular reception of the Eucharist. But what what happens when this body of our earthly dwelling lies in death? We will gain an everlasting dwelling place in heaven. WOW! This is the extraordinary truth of our faith. The daily lived reality of faith makes us immortal.!
When Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead today he demonstrates that he is the Lord and master over the living and the dead – truly the Resurrection and the Life! Raising Lazarus from the dead prefigures Jesus’ own resurrection – that death will have no power over him. We who share in his life through the gift and lived reality of faith, will also be able to triumph over death. The life and faith we have in Jesus is his resurrected and glorified life. “Do you believe this?”
Practical Suggestion
Personal sin stains the dignity of faith we were given at Baptism. None of us wants to die in the state of sin. The Sacrament of Reconciliation restores the dignity of our Baptism as our sins are forgiven. Although there will not be a Penitential Service due to the lockdown, do an Examination of Conscience and ask for God’s forgiveness.
Prayer
Yes Lord I believe! Strengthen my little faith so that I may journey through life with courage and the certainty that through living with you and dying with you, I will rise with you. Amen. Change my Heart O God! Amen.
MONDAY 30 MARCH
Scripture: Daniel 13:1-62; John 8: 1-11
Reflection
The mind and body have a very powerful influence on the way we act and react, but in the background there always lurks the conscience, that something, which reminding us of the real truth, the truth as taught by Jesus. Because it’s more comfortable to let the mind have its way, we often allow it to override our conscience and so we sin.
In today’s Old Testament reading we hear how two senior members of the Jewish community, let their mind and physical desires, override their conscience and so they sinned – big time. This led them gradually, to more and more offences against God, because to cover up their sins, they came up with lies that covered their lustful faults, and this in turn, led to more and more lies.
This is why so-called venial sins are so insidious. On their own, they do not completely cut us off from God, but if we ignore these “minor issues” they pile up and sooner than later, we end up turning our back on God’s teachings and this eventually places us firmly in a state of serious or mortal sin, cut off from God.
The good news for us is that all is not lost, because if we go to today’s gospel, written by John, we see God’s mercy and compassion coming to the fore.
God, through Jesus Christ, foils the deceit and duplicity of the scribes and Pharisees by playing them at their own game. When they present him with a woman, “caught in the very act of adultery”, and ask him if the woman should be stoned to death, Jesus replies, “Let the one who has committed no sin, throw the first stone.”
This puts the ball firmly in their court! Then bending down he writes in the dust, probably highlighting their most secret sins. These strict observers of the law are forced to back down, because their own (so-called) little venial sins having deadened their consciences over time, forced them into a state of mortal sin. This is now made very clear to them.
God has left them in no doubt about their own guilt, in all its gruesome detail. It makes them as guilty as those that they were accusing, and therefore as liable to be stoned to death as the woman they had accused.
This makes even the apostles sit up and take note, because we hear them ask, “If that is the case how can anyone be saved?” The response Jesus gives them, is also our saving grace, because it tells us, that on our own we cannot succeed in gaining eternal glory, but with Gods help it becomes possible.
There are, however, two things that we need to remember: we must make the first move and ask God for his help, then secondly we must try as hard as we can to avoid the occasions of sin. In other words we must also come to the party.
Practical Suggestions
Read the scriptures often, and in particular the Gospels, so that you are well informed about the teachings of Jesus and eager to follow them. This will help you to avoid all those so-called venial sins that can place you in a state of serious or mortal sin. Then pray, that God will give you the courage, the strength and the wisdom to follow his teachings.
Prayer
Lord God, through the wisdom of the scriptures and with your help, point me to the way I should follow you in my quest for love of you and love of neighbour, knowing that if I follow in the footsteps of Jesus I will enjoy eternal life with you in heaven. Amen. Change my Heart O God!
TUESDAY 31 MARCH
Scripture Psalm 101 John 8:21-30
“Let this be written for ages to come that a people yet unborn may praise the Lord;”
Reflection
Much of our life is spent focusing on the world around us with little thought of preparing for our own future (eternal life) and the future of those to come – our children; their life on earth and eventual immortality in the presence of God!
Yes, we know very well what house we want, schools and universities to choose, careers to follow but do we plan our days to co – exist with the ways of God’s plan?
The Pharisees had, over time, let their guard down. Even when the Messiah was with them, they were blinded and became trapped in believing that the laws they (not God) made, regarding worldly values, which would endear them to God, not knowing of course, that they were alienating themselves from Him whilst He who stood – right before their eyes.
In their darkness they were led into sin. They were dead to Christ. All that was needed was to look beyond their material and legalistic way of life and to choose the Life that only Jesus could lead them to!
We are called every day to renew our choice to follow God; to leave sin, the darkness offered by the world that leads to DEATH and choose instead to live in the light of His way – the way to eternal LIFE.
As we draw nearer to Easter in our long term goal we should, in our thought and action, be making every effort to bring about our renewed commitment to leave the darkness that invades our physical, material world and live in the light dominated by our faith in Jesus.
Practical Suggestions
Relook at your priorities in life. What are your priorities this week: In this time of lockdown, strive to pray together as a family at home. Remember that Jesus died to so that you may have eternal life. Join Him!
Prayer
Almighty God I thank you for the sacrifice that you made for made for me. Help me to leave the darkness of the world below to live in your world of light. Amen. Change my Heart O God!
WEDNESDAY 01 APRIL
Scripture: Daniel 3: 14 – 28
Reflection
Today we read the account of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. These three young Israelites were among many who had been captured and taken to Babylon. Being of royal descent, they were chosen to be educated in the language and literature of the Babylonians but in all the time they spent in the King’s courts, they did not relinquish their faith in God and would not serve the pagan gods of the Babylonians. They refused to bow down and worship the golden image which King Nebuchadnezzar had erected. As punishment for their disobedience to the King, these young men of faith were bound and hurled into a fiery furnace which was so hot that even those who prepared it were burnt to death.
We read that the King noticed the three young men walking about in the flames together with an angel. All were completely unharmed. He ordered them to come out of the burning furnace. The three young men who had been thrown into the fire which should have resulted in them being instantly burnt to death, came walking out of those flames very much alive and completely unscathed.
Then something more miraculous than that happened. This cruel king had a complete change of heart and issued a public decree that no one should say anything against the God whom these three men worshipped.
Here we see the results of a king meeting three men whose faith was on fire and it had a very profound effect on him which led to his incredible conversion experience.
God wants His people to be on fire for their faith. He wants our faith to be active and alive. We read in Revelations 3:15-16 that God has no time for lukewarm people. He gives a very strong warning to such people.
Lukewarm people are easy to spot by their attitude, behaviour and lifestyle. They go to Mass because they need to fulfill the Sunday observance but fail to enter fully into the celebration by praying the prayers and singing the hymns. They go through the motions to fulfill an obligation but their hearts are far from Jesus. The flame of faith has been reduced to a tiny flicker.
We need again to be fired up in our faith. Our flame of faith needs to be burning brightly so that others may see that we have something special in our life and this may well lead to them having their own change of heart.
Practical Suggestions
Videos of daily Mass from our parish are on YouTube. Search for ‘Bryanston Catholic Church’ on YouTube to find our channel, or look on www.bryanstoncatholic.co.za for the link. Experience Holy Mass and let your faith shine through.
Prayer
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and enkindle in us the fire of your love. Change my Heart O God! Amen
THURSDAY 02 APRIL
Scripture: John 8: 51-59
Oh! Harden not your hearts as to who He is.
Reflection
Jesus continues to challenge the Jews about His real identity. They regarded his “I AM” as the worst form of blasphemy as He stated that He was one with the Eternal God. He sees that they are spiritually sick and the dialogue turns very ugly – they have no answer to His diagnosis and run out of intelligent comments accusing Him of being possessed.
It was them (and us) who were possessed by protecting their vested interests, keeping the peace and subduing all criticism so as to maintain the status quo. When He challenges us through His Church, its ministers and others, we invariably become hostile and defensive losing all prospects of seeing the light He is trying to bring to our darkness. We miss the point that He came to bring to an end the stranglehold that death held over mankind by removing the prospect of facing the absolute wrath of God and giving to us the gift of eternal life.
We are NEVER to challenge the Lord when He challenges us. Ask Him questions and understanding but do not argue with Him!! It is when we react negatively to constructive challenges by Him that we run the risk of Him just leaving us to die (spiritually) in our sins. Sometimes by the grace of God, we are forcibly brought to our senses like St Paul (when he was known as Saul) who was thrown off his horse by a bright light and temporarily blinded. He then had his sight restored and saw the light of Christ to our and many other’s eternal benefit.
We often just ignore Our Lord’s invitation and shrug Him off as though He never died for us. He was just a good Man favoured by God. This is the time when Jesus hides from us. This is when He does what He did in the scripture today – just disappears from the temple as they try to kill Him with stones (the punishment for blasphemy).
Jesus was eventually killed by them when the Father’s timing permitted it. He knew the Father so intimately and all He came to do was to reveal to man, the true compassion and mercy of the Father and the way He wanted us to live. He came to reveal the path from a life leading to eternal death, to a life leading to eternal life.
Practical Suggestions
What stones do you hold ready to chase Jesus away when He is not falling in with your plans and your will? Ignoring Him, doubting Him, perhaps even accusing Him of not acting in your best interests? He acts to our eternal benefit.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, crucified by the hardened hearts of men who refuse to see the light, forcibly change my heart (like you did for Saul) to see your light, your eternal light. Change my Heart O God! Amen.
FRIDAY 03 APRIL
Scipture:Jeremiah 20: 10 – 13; John 10: 31 – 42
Reflection:
“High noon!” Both Jeremiah and Jesus are faced with great opposition, even from people who were supposedly ‘friends’! Both faced the threat of death. Jeremiah puts his trust in God, and says, ‘but Yahweh is at my side, a mighty hero’, and believes that God will overcome those seeking his downfall.
Jesus is calm in the midst of the storm surrounding him. He attempts to reason with those demanding answers from him, telling them that if they cannot and will not believe in what He says, then they should look at what He has done for proof that is He is of and from God.
Their minds are closed, and they only want to kill him! Undoubtedly there was confusion – some wanted to believe, others perhaps did believe, but the majority would not listen and had made up their minds that He was a blasphemer and needed to be got rid of.
As for us, where do we stand? Sometimes we find it easy to believe that Jesus is the Son of God, and capable of amazing things. At other times, when we are in the midst of a crisis, He seems to be quite unreal and very far away.
Hopefully our Lenten journey has brought us closer to Him, and has strengthened our belief in Him as friend, Lord and Saviour.
Let us pray, in these remaining days, for the courage to be His friend, loyal and faithful, no matter what it may cost us, because we know, deep inside, that He is always there for us, even when we cannot see or feel Him.
Practical Suggestions
Spend some quality time reflecting on your relationship with Jesus. Has it changed over these weeks? Is it strong? Would you describe yourself as a loyal and faithful friend? What has this friendship cost you?
Prayer
Loving God, and mighty champion of Your people, help me to be always aware of Your presence in my life. May that knowledge help me to assist others in times of distress, so that they too come to recognise You as a God who cares. I ask this in the name of Jesus, Your Son, Amen. Change my Heart O God!
SATURDAY 04 APRIL
Scripture: John 11: 45 – 56
Reflection
Things are coming to a head – just as Jesus had feared and anticipated before he had travelled to Jerusalem. He had a powerful sense that his preaching and teaching would not be accepted by the religious leaders. They were too entrenched in the customs, traditions, laws, rules, rituals and ceremonies all of which had hardened their hearts and prevented them from seeing and recognising love and goodness right there before them.
It is easy for us to judge and even condemn them. The horrible reality and truth is that, in so many ways (if we had to be truly honest with ourselves) we have become like them – and date I say, so has our Church. Jesus came to change hearts but the hardest hearts were those of the religious leaders. The speech of Caiaphas the high priest is quite a revelation! Selfish interests would come before the truth. “Everybody will believe in him” is his great fear, and then of course they will lose power and control. So he uses the threat of the Roman authority (whom he presumes will be displeased) to influence and convince the people.
Their determination to kill him is astounding! For what? Raising a man from the dead? Giving sight to a blind man? Curing a man unable to walk for 38 years? Preaching about love, mercy, compassion, forgiveness? Calling God Father? Restoring the sanctity and sacredness of the Temple?
This is what happens when we lose our focus on faith! That is why we need this time and this Lenten Season to help us to regain our focus or to refocus. If we don’t or refuse to grasp this opportunity then our hearts will remain as stubborn, closed and as hard as the hearts of Caiaphas and the religious leaders. The events of Holy Week ahead will pass us by without any real meaningful change or impact.
Practical Suggestions
Tomorrow Passion/Palm Sunday begins the holiest week in the Christian calendar. It is our opportunity to focus on our faith and to enter as fully as possible into the Lord’s passion, suffering, death and resurrection. Sadly we are unable to attend the Holy Week services due to the nationwide lockdown. To make this week a Holy Week, please download our parish app (instructions are on www.bryanstoncatholic.co.za) and for each service there will be a special prayer service to do at home with your family, and a video on our YouTube channel. This way, we can stay connected to our parish and experience Holy Week.
Prayer
Father, as the saving work of your Son Jesus intensifies, strengthen my faith and give me the courage to step aside from the routine of my life that I may enter as fully as possible into the events of this Holy Week and walk with Jesus my Lord and Saviour. Amen. Change my Heart O God!
Week 6 – Holy Week
PALM SUNDAY 5 APRIL
Scripture: Matthew 26: 14 – 27: 66
Reflection
It would seem that our world almost encourages selfishness in these modern times. Many people think only of themselves and have little, if any time for anyone else. We put our needs before the needs others. Businesses are out to make a profit whatever the cost. Sometimes politicians only think of personal gain instead of thinking about what is best for the people they serve. Generally, people even take more than what they actually need. Today, as we enter into Holy Week, let us pay careful attention on how Jesus Christ emptied himself to demonstrate God’s love for us.
When we celebrate the Holy Week’s liturgies we should always remember God’s love. Today we commemorate Christ’s entry into Jerusalem for the completion of the Paschal Mystery which is a manifestation of God’s overwhelming love for each one of us. Such love leaves no room for selfishness. This is the kind of love we are called to: a self-sacrificing love. We remember how Jesus, throughout his public ministry, showed love and compassion to the marginalised and the outcasts of the society.
The gospel, from the passion narrative of Matthew, tells us how Jesus accepted death on a cross. Jesus thought we were worthy of all that pain and suffering. He clearly teaches, us through his passion, that true love comes from emptying ourselves, which includes loving others just as we love ourselves. Jesus’ love for everyone was a mirror of the love of the Father. Our world frowns on self-sacrificing love. This is the kind of love Jesus call us to. He still shows us the way to true love.
Practical Suggestion
Do you have habits which may be seen as selfish (no matter how small they are)? What can you so to avoid these habits? In what way is the cross a dismal failure in a worldly sense, but a victory for Jesus and us, his followers?
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, may this Holy Week transform my darkest moments and weakness as I surrender all to you. Teach me to love others with your unconditional love. Amen.
MONDAY 6 APRIL
Scripture: Isaiah 42: 1-7
Reflection
We are told that when we read the scriptures we should imagine that God is directing his Word to us we read. In reading today’s scripture from the prophet Isaiah, his words resonate so clearly within us as God speaks to each of us;
“I, the Lord, have called you to serve the cause of right;
I have taken you by the hand and formed you;
I have appointed you as a covenant of the people and the Light of the nations,
To open the eyes of the blind,
To free captives from prison,
And those who live in darkness from the dungeon.”
Notice that there action is required. God calls us to share His mission in the world He has created. He will fulfil His aim for us to serve with and for each other, and to bring His to everyone.
We are told that God “having us by the hand” and having “formed us,” will guide us in our efforts to bring the good news of salvation to everyone. There are many who do not know or acknowledge God as our creator, who are blind to the fact that Jesus came to show us the truth that we can be “freed from prison” and move from the “darkness of the dungeon” into the light. The light of Jesus offers all of us a Renewal in our lives. During Lent we have been on the path to Repentance. This brings us to share in His mission which is to bring light into our lives and through us into the world.
We are not alone when we join Jesus on His mission; “The Lord is my light and my help; whom shall is fear?” (Psalm 26)
We will commemorate the passion and death of Jesus on Good Friday but, on Sunday, He will be resurrected. His light will shine brighter than ever within us as we Renew ourselves in His Life.
Practical Suggestion
Light a candle next to a crucifix each night during this Holy Week. Remember that through His death Jesus is the light shining in your life.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, you are my strength and salvation. Help me to know that you have called me to follow you, to understanding that I need not fear anything because are my light and my help. Strengthen me to do those things that You have called me to do, in your name. Amen.
TUESDAY 7 APRIL
Scripture John 13: 21-33, 36-38
Reflection.
If someone you admire tells you that you have a long-standing friend who is spreading rumours about you and even warning people to be careful of you, you would most certainly want to know who that person is so that you could ask them why they have become so anti-you. You would probably put such an individual in their place and break off your friendship for good. This is the way people respond today. It appears to be the norm.
Interestingly this is not the way Jesus dealt with Judas. He refrained from mentioning his name openly and only hinted at what was really happening. Peter, who would later become the leader of the apostles, was very disturbed by this news and, through another apostle very close to Jesus, he asks his master for the name of the traitor, but Jesus isn’t entirely clear in his response.
We wonder why it is that Jesus didn’t clearly identify Judas as the traitor? There are two possible reasons. Firstly He did not want the apostles to unleash their anger on Judas. This applies to us as well. Jesus wants his followers to respond to betrayal in a very different way to that of the world in which we live. Some may remember the ‘See, judge, act’ method of the Young Christian Workers.
Secondly, Jesus leaves room for repentance. This option was available to Judas who chose otherwise. This option is always available to us as well. We have the opportunity to repent and to turn our lives around from whatever wrongs and sins we may have committed.
What God wants of us is always to ask for help, to place all our trust in Him by staying close to Him and following his ways. To do this we must read the scriptures (the gospels in particular), go to Mass regularly and to confession frequently. Life is the training ground for heaven and so it follows that it is up to us to work towards our own salvation.
Practical Suggestion
Do an examination of conscience and try to establish what kind of a prayerful relationship you have with God. Then pray for the courage and strength to be as compassionate and forgiving as he is. Finally, make a firm purpose of amendment as you commit yourself to doing better in the future.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, forgive my many sins especially those that hurt others. Help me to act faithfully towards the Church that you left to guide us. Help me to do only that which is right and to love my neighbour as you love me. Amen.
WEDNESDAY 8 APRIL
Scripture Matthew 26: 14 – 25
Reflection
As we reflected yesterday, to be betrayed by someone close to us is quite devastating! What was Judas thinking in his misguided way? Whatever it was, his actions had consequences even he could not have imagined.
It is easy for us to sit in judgement of Judas and his misguided ways today. The reality is that our attitude towards our faith can sometimes be a betrayal as well. It wasn’t just Judas who betrayed Jesus, Peter did the same, and most of the apostles kept their distance when Jesus was on trial, on the road to Calvary and while he hung upon the cross. Was that not a betrayal too?
The events of the next few days is a call to faithfulness for each of us, the followers of Jesus. We sing the hymn ‘Were you there when they crucified my Lord?’ but we need to ask ourselves, ‘Where will I be?’
Holy Week, and the Sacred Triduum in particular, is a real challenge for all of us this year. It is not possible for us to attend the Mass of the Lord’s Supper tomorrow, to pray at the Altar of Repose, to Venerate the Cross on Good Friday afternoon and to experience the power of the Church’s Sacred Liturgy at the Easter Vigil. We shouldn’t think that just because we can’t go to church the Triduum has been cancelled. Our loyalty and faithfulness to Jesus, which the apostles lacked at a crucial time, will be demonstrated in the way we choose to observe the Sacred Triduum at home.
Our Lenten Season has been seriously disrupted and some have forgotten that it is Lent! That you are reading this reflection means that you have not forgotten. In a variety of ways the Church will still guide you through the events of the passion, suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus.
Like us, Judas had a choice, even to the very last moment when Jesus told the apostles that one of them was going to betray him. His response was ‘Not I, Rabbi, surely.’ ‘They are your own words’ Jesus answered. That was his opportunity.
Practical Suggestion
Plan today how you (and your family) are going to observe the Sacred Triduum. You have been provided with material and resources to use at home. Don’t miss this opportunity.
Prayer
Lord Jesus give me the strength to be a faithful follower, to walk with you through the darkness of the cross to the light and new life you offer at Easter. Amen.
HOLY THURSDAY 9 APRIL
Scripture John 13: 1 – 15
“If I then, the Lord and Master, have washed your feet, you should wash each other’s feet”
Reflection
How often do we make an issue about our dignity not being respected or acknowledged? We may not always make this a public issue, but nevertheless, we feel slighted because we were not recognised as being important, not given pride of place, or precedence. We go away, hurt and perhaps angry.
The task of washing the feet of guests entering a house in the time of Jesus was given to the lowest slave. In the house where the Passover was being celebrated by Jesus and the apostles, there was no such servant, and the apostles were so busy arguing about which of them was ‘the greatest’, that not one of them would have stooped to do this menial task!
Jesus did what none of them was prepared to do. If anyone was able to ‘stand on his dignity’ it was Jesus, Lord of all, and yet He lovingly washed the feet of His disciples. The lesson was that there was only one form of greatness to be embraced, and that is the greatness of service to others. Jesus gives us this model and, if we truly love Him, then we too will offer ourselves to others in acts of simple service, putting aside our pride and dignity in the process! By doing this, we will help others to know the love that is showered upon us by Him who is LOVE!
It is not without significance that it was here, at what we now refer to as the Last Supper, that Jesus instituted the Sacraments of Eucharist and Holy Orders. In doing this Jesus demonstrates by his own example that both the Holy Eucharist and Holy Orders are about service. While, sadly, we are not able to receive Holy Communion today, we need to realise, accept and commit ourselves to making our reception of Holy Communion an act of willingness to serve one another.
Practical suggestion
In addition to the Last Supper, tonight also commemorates the arrest of Jesus and his agony in the Garden of Gethsemane. Spend at least 10 minutes tonight in silent prayer. Imagine yourself with Jesus at Gethsemane. Ask for the gifts of loyalty, faithfulness and humble service.
Prayer
Jesus, lead me in Your way of service and love, and let me do it without thought of self. Amen.
GOOD FRIDAY 10 APRIL
Scripture: John 18: 1 – 19: 42
Reflection
For the apostles, disciples and Mary this was a bad Friday. It is only with Christian hindsight that we can confidently call it a ‘Good Friday’.
Jesus the Christ, Our Lord, Redeemer, Saviour, true God and true Man, enters into His passion with a full revelation of His absolute and full humanity and of His absolute Divinity. His nature was truly Divine.
As He is taken from the Garden in the early hours of the morning, then later to the palaces of Annas and Caiaphas, then to the praetorium of Pontius Pilate, sent to Herod and back to Pilate and then to endure horrific torture, His humanity was completely and totally tested. As a man like us, He was utterly exhausted, had lost a lot of blood and would have lost consciousness on more than one occasion. It is difficult for us to imagine such suffering.
In his book ‘This Tremendous Lover’ Eugene Boylan alludes to Jesus using His Divinity to keep himself humanly conscious (end of allusion). He does so in order to fully experience the maximum pain possible but, more importantly, to experience the utter inner joy of doing the will of the Father. He pays the ultimate sacrifice to reconcile us to God and to destroy the power of death because of our sinfulness.
This sacrifice was not just the physical suffering. Throughout His life, He had prayed to His Father, called upon His Father in everything He did, remained One with His Father. At the moment of His death, it seems that His Father has abandoned Him. That He felt the absence of the Father was more horrific and more dark than all the other punishments and human abandonments combined. Yet we know that he was neither abandoned nor God-forsaken. The Father was there on the cross sharing Golgotha with His Son.
Practical suggestion
Today we would have been able to walk the Stations of the Cross with Jesus in the morning and Venerate the Cross in the afternoon. Spend some quiet time today and meditate on the crucifix. It would be useful to have a crucifix in front of you. As you contemplate the cruel death of Jesus see in the crucifix the Father sharing his Son’s passion.
Prayer
Most loving Father, thank you that we never have to experience being abandoned by You. Today we realise that you are always with us, even in our suffering, darkness and pain. It was and is indeed a very Good Friday. Amen.
HOLY SATURDAY 11 APRIL
Scripture: Matthew 28: 1 – 10
Reflection
Today we sit in quiet reflection as we recall the violence and horror of the events of Good Friday. That Sabbath must have been a very sombre day for Jesus’ disciples. They would have been completely shaken by the previous day’s happenings, trying to make sense of it all. We are told that two of the women went off to the tomb at daybreak. On the way they experienced a frightful earthquake and the appearance of angels. We are told the soldiers guarding the tomb were petrified but the angels explained to the women that Jesus had risen just as He had promised He would.
The Triduum services are incredibly powerful but the pinnacle must certainly be Holy Saturday night when we put behind us the symbols of repentance and celebrate our new birth through the symbols of fire, light and water as we proclaim with joy the resurrection of Jesus and the promises He made at the Last Supper.
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You trust in God, trust also in me. In my Father’s house there are many places to live in; otherwise I would have told you. I am going now to prepare a place for you, and after I have gone and prepared you a place, I shall return to take you to myself, so that where I am you may be also. You know the way to the place where I am going.” John 14: 1 – 4
“I shall not leave you orphans; I shall come to you. In a short time the world will no longer see me; but you will see that I live and you also will live.” John 14: 18 -19
“Peace I bequeath to you, my own peace I give you, a peace which the world cannot give, this is my gift to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. You heard me say: I am going away and shall return. If you loved me you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. I have told you this now, before it happens, so that when it does happen you may believe.”
John 14: 27 – 29
Practical Suggestion:
In the stillness and quietness of today Read John Chapter 14: 1 – 7 and make Jesus’ words a lived reality in your life.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for the gift of your risen and glorified Son. Thank you that by His death and resurrection He has made it possible for me to have eternal life and to live with Him for ever and ever. Amen
These Daily Reflections for Lent 2020 are written by Fr. Wandile Cagwe, Deacon Mark Wardell, Lawrence Surgeson, Fr. Desmond Nair, Irene Helsdon, George Cominos, and Veronica Donnelly. Please acknowledge the authors when copying and distributing. We wish you a fruitful and blessed Lenten Journey from Repentance to Renewal.
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