LENTEN REFLECTIONS

JESUS PRAYS AND FASTS

40 DAYS IN THE WILDERNESS

INTRODUCTION

In our modern self-centered, self-indulgent, all-about-me world, the concept of fasting is very foreign and many Christians resist it. But according to Scripture and historic Christian writings (Tradition), fasting is supposed to be a ordinary part of our spiritual life here on earth….

We must deny ourselves if we are to choose God above all.

 BACKGROUND

 The Bible has a great deal to say about fasting and praying. Many of the Old Testament heroes and heroines of the faith, fasted and prayed. Prayer and fasting are combined in the Old Testament in times of mourning, repentance, and deep spiritual need.

           DAVID FASTED AND PRAYED OVER HIS SICK CHILD     

     2 SAMUEL                           .

Early on in the New Testament of the Gospel of Luke we see the Presentation of Our Lord in the temple.  In Luke’s account, Jesus was welcomed in the temple by two elderly people, Simeon and the widow Anna.

They embody Israel in their patient expectation; they acknowledge the infant Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, Throughout the New Testament fasting and prayer are often mentioned together as with the widow, Anna, who worshiped day and night fasting and praying.”

PRESENTATION OF OUR LORD IN THE TEMPLE

There was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem. Luke 2:36-38

Fasting, joined together with fervent prayer from the heart, demonstrates just how serious our prayer is. When a Christian practices the sacrifice of self-denial, he is joining himself to the sacrifice of the Cross. The power for good is unleashed and miracles are allowed to happen.

 REFLECTION

It was our appetite of the flesh that got us into mess we are in. “The woman saw that the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eyes, and the tree was desirable for gaining wisdom. So she took some of its fruit and ate it; and she also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.  Genesis 3:6

God created us for a mission, Let’s not get in the way of that mission by putting our own desires and wants before God’s will.

Fasting, self-denial may include more than food and drink.  There are many things we may deny ourselves from, for example, talking bad about someone, not watching your favorite TV shows, not gossiping on social media, etc.

 Pray for the grace to fast. Pray that your fast will move mountains in your life and the lives of others.  Pray in words of Scripture, pray from prayer books,…PRAY!PRAY!PRAY!

Watch and pray that you may not undergo the test. 

The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.

MATTHEW 26:41

 

Once when Jesus was praying in solitude, and the disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?”  They said in reply, “John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, ‘One of the ancient prophets has arisen.'”  Then he said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter said in reply, “The Messiah of God.”

 He rebuked them and directed them not to tell this to anyone.  He said, “The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised…

 If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.  For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.   

 What profit is there for one to gain the whole world yet lose or forfeit himself?  Whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. LUKE 9:18-27

 REFLECTION:

 .Who do I say Jesus is?…This will make all the difference in my relationship and life choices….

 Most do not and will not understand Jesus’ suffering.  What is my understanding? …

 whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it… the path to glory and to life is the way of the cross… How so?

 following Jesus means dying…dying to myself…offering myself up for others… am I striving to be a disciple of Jesus…How so?

 if I refuse to follow Jesus…then what… What profit is there for one to gain the whole world yet lose or forfeit himself?…

  SILENT PRAYER

SUMMARY

 We have walked along the path with Jesus in towns such as Cana, Capernaum, Bethany, and Jerusalem, along the Sea of Tiberius, and Mount of Olives.  He has preached in synagogues, on mountains, and in the plain He has fed the hungry, quenched the thirsty, healed the blind and those afflicted, forgiven sins and admonished sinners.   He has touched and healed. Those who seek have found peace and wholeness.

He is meek and humble of heart.  A bruised reed, he does not stir.  Before his ignominious execution at the hands of this world, He is glorified on Mount Tabor.  He shares this glimpse of glory of what is to come with a few of his disciples that they might believe the Son of God will vanquish sin and death and reside at the right hand of the Father for all eternity.

      

I WILL FOLLOW YOU!

No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.  You are my friends if you do what I command you.  I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master is doing.  I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father.

It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you.  This I command you: love one another.

“If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first.  If you belonged to the world, the world would love its own; but because you do not belong to the world, and I have chosen you out of the world, the world hates you. 

Remember the word I spoke to you, ‘No slave is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. JOHN 15:13-20

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Ash Wednesday, March 5,  when ashes are placed on our forehead, we might hear either “Remember yo u are dust and to dust you shall return” or “Repent and believe in the Gospel.”

Like Moses, Elijah, John the Baptist, and His own Son, God calls us out into the desert of Lent to test us to see where our hearts are… (Deuteronomy 8:2)  God speaks to us in the silence of our hearts. Our world is full of noise, distraction and spectacle. This Lent, find time each day for quiet….Give God a chance!

.In MATTHEW 5:48 Jesus teaches how to  observe Lent by prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

Fasting  humbles us, reminds us who we are and our dependence on God. When we fast from our favorite foods and drinks, we create more space in our hearts for God….hear his voice, notice his goodness and beauty.

Prayer must always be a part of fasting. Pray for the grace to fast. Pray that your fast will be effective. Pray that your fast will move mountains in your life and the lives of others. Fast for yourself, for others, and the Poor Souls in Purgatory.

What will your Lenten resolutions be?  There are things you might do (commission) acts of charity such as donations to food banks, clothing drives, visiting the sick, work on reconciling family disputes, praying for the Souls in Purgatory, adoration visits to Blessed Sacrament, attending a weekday Mass …

And then there are things you may refrain from doing (omission) such as:  talking bad about someone, refrain from seeking attention or praise, don’t watch your favorite TV show or eat your favorite snack….

Join your sacrificial offering to Jesus in reparation for sin and the salvation of the world,

Lent is the perfect time to clean the slate, wash the soul through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This Sacrament was instituted by Jesus Christ, the Word Incarnate, on the evening of his resurrection.

Peace be with you…Jesus breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit for those whose sins you forgive, they are forgiven.  For those whose sins you retain, they are retained.'” (John 20:19-35)

The sacramental sign are the words of absolution, “I absolve you from your sins, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” Our sins are forgiven and sanctifying grace is conferred.  We are made ready to go home to the Father

RECEIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT

WHOSE SINS YOU FORGIVE ARE FORGIVEN

May the Holy Spirit lead us on a true journey of conversion, so that we can rediscover the gift of God’s word, be purified of the sin that blinds us, and serve Christ present in our brothers and sisters in need.

Behold, now is a very acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation”  2 Corinthians 6:2

 Lent is the favorable season for renewing our encounter with Christ, living in His word, in His sacraments and in our neighbor. May the Holy Spirit lead us on a true journey of conversion, so that we can rediscover the gift of God’s word, be purified of the sin that blinds us, and serve Christ present in our brothers and sisters in need.   Then we will be able to experience and share in the full joy of Easter.

 REPENT AND BE SAVED!

 

 

 

INTRODUCTION

Lent is the liturgical season that mirrors the forty days Jesus spent in the desert preparing for His public ministry.   As we prepare for the Lenten season, beginning with Ash Wednesday March 5, we gather many materials together for our Spiritual Reading and reflection. One of the best and most reliable set of meditations are the Beatitudes from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount.

                    

 SERMON ON THE MOUNT

MATTHEW 5:1-12

When he saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, He began to teach them, saying:  “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.

 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.  Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you, because of me, Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.

 COMMENTARY

 We will now look at each Beatitude as they bring us closer to imitation of Christ.

 “Blessed are the poor in Spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”  Was Jesus saying the economically poor were blessed?  No! The poor can be just as greedy and envious and proud as any other sinner.  Jesus is speaking of the poor in spirit who understand their human nature vs God’s divine nature and accept all they have comes from God in blessings.

“Blessed are the Meek for they shall possess the earth.”  The word meek comes from the Greek word which refers to a strong but domesticated animal like a powerful horse or ox.  A meek person is a strong disciplined person. A meek person proclaims not my will but thy will be done.  Obedience to the will of God brings us peace in this world and the next.:

.“Blessed are they who mourn for they shall be comforted.” Mourning in this beatitude is not mourning financial loss, loneliness, divorce, or even the loss of a loved one.  Faithful Christians mourn because they have sinned, dishonoring God and breaking communion with the Body of Christ.  Mourning our sinfulness creates in us a desire to repent and follow the Gospel.

.“Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be satisfied.” Righteousness refers to what is upright, virtuous, noble, and morally right.  To be righteous is to choose to act according to God’s will in every way.

“Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy.” The merciful are tenderhearted.  They go out of their way, without judging, to help those in need.  God shows us mercy when we are miserable and powerless in our sinfulness. Blessed be God and Father of all mercy who comforts us in our tribulations so that we may be able to comfort others in the manner we are comforted by God. “

 “Blessed are the pure of heart for they shall see God.”  Everything impure comes from our hearts. For from within the heart of man, come evil thoughts, fornication, theft, murder, greed, lust, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, licentiousness, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a man.” Mark 7:14–15; 21–23. We must attend to our hardness of heart to root out evil and convert.

“Blessed are the Peacemakers for they shall be called Sons of God.”  Peacemakers are not only those with great love for God but for all mankind as well.  They love, desire, and delight in God’s peace.  They want to preserve peace and restore it when it is broken.

“Blessed are they who suffer persecution for justice’s sake for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Persecution in our time may not be bloody but may come verbally in the form of ridicule and mocking,  Our kingdom is not of this world! “When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; when slandered, we try to conciliate” 1 Corinthians 4:12–13

REFLECTION

are the Beatitudes active in my life?

 Do I offer kind words of encouragement to those suffering from affliction of mind and spirit?

 Am I merciful to others or does rash judgment get in my way?

Do I proclaim courageously and vigorously the Words of the Gospel or do I cower and compromise… into the culture and trends of this world… 

 Is my heart detached from false idols…

 does my heart seek the kingdom of heaven first and foremost?

 PRAYER

Merciful Father, Help us to be among the poor in spirit; to be among those who mourn for all that’s wrong and broken in this world; Help us to be among the meek, the merciful, to be a true friend to those who are hated, misunderstood, rejected, and disregarded … Help us to be peacemakers… to build bridges to restoration and reconciliation with family, friends, and the world at large. In Jesus name, we pray!

 

 

After Jesus’ Baptism in the Jordan, He was led by the Spirit into the desert to prepare for his public ministry.  There He fasted and prayed for 40 days.  During this time, his faith was tested by the Evil One. Jesus was tempted by Satan with the usual temptations that we all face, to choose riches, power, self over God and others.

Lent begins March 5 Ash Wednesday and is the perfect time to clean the slate, wash the soul through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The sacramental sign of the Sacrament of Reconciliation are the words of absolution through which forgiveness of our sins and distinctive graces of sanctification are conferred.

RECEIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT

This Sacrament was instituted by Jesus Christ, the Word Incarnate, on the evening of his resurrection. “In the evening of the same day…Jesus came and stood among them…Peace be with you…. As the Father sent me…so I am sending you…Jesus breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit for those whose sins you forgive, they are forgiven.  For those whose sins you retain, they are retained.'” (John 20:19-35)

God the Father of mercy awaits our return home as illustrated in the parable of the Prodigal Son. (Luke 15:11) Today, the Church Jesus founded is the custodian of conversion, forgiveness of sins, absolution and reconciliation.  This is God’s will that none be lost.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gives his disciples three spiritual exercises—prayer, fasting, and almsgiving—as antidotes to “the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the pride of life” 1 John 2:16

If Adam and Eve had fasted from the tree of good and evil they would have never lost paradise and intimacy with God. Indeed, if we find it easy to indulge ourselves in food, then it is much easier for us to indulge ourselves in other “appetites” of the flesh as well.

Fasting brings the appetites of our flesh under control. By denying ourselves food, we help strengthen our wills in conquering sinful addictions.. Fasting reminds us who we are and our dependence on God.  Fasting is a spiritual remedy for “the lust of the flesh

Almsgiving is a spiritual remedy for the disordered desire for possessions (“the lust of the eyes”) Almsgiving is not optional for salvation. Jesus does not say in Matthew 6, “If you give alms…” but “When you give alms…” Jesus assumes that “almsgiving” or “acts of mercy” will be a regular part of the spiritual life of his followers.

Jesus clearly teaches that giving to the poor is necessary for salvation. Nowhere is this clearer than in his famous Parable of the Sheep and the Goats Matthew 25:31–46.  This parable shows the absolute necessity of almsgiving for salvation.  “Whatever you did to the least of my brethren, you did to me.”

We need, after all, every reminder we can get that God is the one in charge.  We are in need of his mercy.  We must deny ourselves if we are to choose God on a regular basis! Fasting is an important element of the cleansing process.  It humbles us.  It causes us to acknowledge our needs, go way beyond the needs of the flesh, and reminds us who we are and our dependence on God.  Fasting brings the appetites of our flesh under control.

What will our Lenten resolutions be?  There are things we might do (commission) acts of charity such as donations to food banks, clothing drives, visiting the sick, work on reconciling family disputes, praying for the Souls in Purgatory, or attending Mass one day during the week. and things we may refrain from doing (omission)

There are things you may refrain from such as:  talking bad about someone, watching your favorite TV shows, refrain from seeking attention or praise, refrain from dwelling on your real or perceived wounds.

Lent is the favorable season for renewing our encounter with Christ, living in his word, in the sacraments and in our neighbor. May the Holy Spirit lead us on a true journey of conversion, so that we can rediscover the gift of God’s word, be purified of the sin that blinds us, and serve Christ present in our brothers and sisters in need.

 

 

 

 

 

Earlier this week I published the Corporal Works of Mercy Lenten Reflection.  This is a companion piece that also fits in well with our Lenten reflections.  We diminish so Jesus can increase in us. It is good to reflect on service, how we can put others before ourselves. Jesus was all about service.  “For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many” Mark 10:45 Remember his washing the feet of his apostles at the Last Supper.

“When he had washed their feet [and] put his garments back on and reclined at table again, he said to them,…You call me ‘teacher’ and ‘master,’ and rightly so, for indeed I am. If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet. I have given you a model to follow, as I have done for you, you should also do”.  John 14:12-15

The Spiritual Works of Mercy may not be as well-known as the Corporal Works of Mercy but have long been a part of the Christian tradition, appearing in the works of spiritual writers throughout history.  Jesus attended to the spiritual well-being of those he ministered to; these Spiritual Works of Mercy guide us to help our neighbor in their spiritual needs.

In today’s blog, I list the spiritual works of mercy and make a few suggestions for carrying out these acts of mercy, especially in this time of pandemic. In adopting these works of mercy we demonstrate in a visible way our love for God who commands us to love our neighbor as ourselves.

Jesus attended to many spiritual needs through prayer. He prayed that His disciples would not succumb to the power of Satan at the time of the Last Supper. “And now I will no longer be in the world, but they are in the world, while I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one just as we are….When I was with them I protected them in your name…But now I am coming to you. I speak this in the world so that they may share my joy completely…^.I do not ask that you take them out of the world but that you keep them from the evil one.” John 17:11-13

Jesus cast out demons and called people to conversion like St. Matthew Matthew 9:9.,Zacchaus, Luke 19:2

And the Samaritan woman at the well. The woman gives Jesus a drink of water, Corporal work of Mercy..  Jesus offers her “living water” of conversion, Spiritual work of Mercy.

WHOEVER DRINKS THE WATER I GIVE

WILL NEVER THIRST

JOHN 4:14

COUNSELING THE DOUBTFUL

Everyone has moments of doubt in their faith journey.  To “counsel” in the spiritual realm refers to helping someone with a difficult spiritual decision they are about to make. Doubt is a spiritual burden, and it is an act of mercy to offer counsel and help lighten the load. We should always remember that Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life and turn to him along our way.  Has someone asked you for advice? Be sure you offer advice filtered through Jesus who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Reassure and support those who may be especially anxious during this time of Covid pandemic.

INSTRUCTING THE IGNORANT

A person may be uninformed for a variety of reasons, some of which are innocent, others are not. It may be youth or inexperience, or a person may be uninformed because of laziness, narrow-mindedness, arrogance or erroneous information. No matter the root cause, it is a work of mercy to inform the uninformed.

Jesus is the master when it comes to instructing the ignorant. His heart was moved with compassion for the people because they were “like sheep without a shepherd” Matthew 9:36 Learn about our faith and be open to talking with others about our beliefs.  There is always something more to discover about our faith.  Utilize the Bible and Catechism of the Catholic Church as resources. Take this time to recommit to your own study and formation during this Lenten season.

 ADMONISHING THE SINNER

Do not judge, but be supportive in helping others find their way and correct their mistakes.  “Remove first the beam in your eye before removing the splinter in your neighbor’s eye.” Together we can learn to walk more closely with Christ.

Remember it is not all about us.  No one gets to heaven by themselves.  We must not keep our faith to ourselves. Our faith is as result of thousands and thousands who went before us.  As they modeled the faith so too we must model the faith for others. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us.” Hebrew 12:1. Those clouds of witnesses are those that have gone before us and rest in bosom of Christ.

When you correct someone, don’t be arrogant. We are all in need of God’s loving correction.  Being confined in close quarters for long periods of time with families can test us in more ways than one.  Be supportive in helping others find their way forward in the Spirit of Christ.

 COMFORTING THE SORROWFUL

Comforting the sorrowful is one of our spiritual works of mercy. As Ecclesiastes informs us, for every beginning there is an end, where there is life there is inevitable death. Be open to listening and comforting those who are dealing with grief.  Even if we aren’t sure of the right words to say, our presence can make a big difference. Lend a listening ear to those going through a tough time.  A few moments of your day may make a lifetime of difference to someone who is going through a difficult time.

I will share a story making the internet rounds: a small boy saw an old man sitting on a bench in a park. The man was crying. The boy left his mother and walked over to the man. The mother watched as the boy climbed up on the bench and looked gently into the man’s face. The man, touched by the boy’s gesture, began to weep more visibly. The boy also started to cry. After a few minutes, the man hugged the boy and sent him back to his mother’s side. When the boy returned, the mother asked him why he felt a need to go over to the man. The boy responded, “He looked like he needed help crying. I wanted to help him do that. ”

FORGIVING INJURIES

Many people interpret forgiveness to mean that they must stop having negative feelings about something that happened to them, or toward someone who hurt them. Those are just feelings. Many also think of forgiveness as a work they must do out of their own power, rather than as a gift to be received from God.

No! Forgiveness is a work of God within us whereby He acts to free us from the poisonous effects of bitterness and grief that often accompany the harm that was inflicted upon us. The past no longer has control over us.

Our Lord Jesus taught us to pray “forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.”  So what we are saying, in effect, is “if I don’t forgive others, Lord, then don’t forgive me.”

In calling us to forgive, God is offering us the gift to be free of a great deal of poison and of a costly emotional state that robs us of joy and strength. What a relief it is to just be free of that weight!  Forgiveness does not necessarily mean that we are able or even should resume relationships with people who have done us great harm.

At times, we are able to do so, but it is not always advisable. Sometimes relationships are poisonous for both parties involved. Sometimes, because the other person has not or cannot repent (perhaps because of addictions or deep-seated drives), it is too dangerous to be close to him or her.

THIS SON OF MINE WAS DEAD 

AND HAS COME TO LIFE AGAIN 

LUKE 15:24

BEARING WRONGS PATIENTLY

“But to you who hear I say, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” – Luke 6:27-28

We have all been wronged by another person in some way. And sometimes it is perceived wrongs. Often, our response is anger and a desire for vengeance, to give what we received no matter how unkind or unfair.  But, Jesus taught us to turn the other cheek, to love our enemies, and most importantly, to forgive them.

The virtue of patience is required to bear the wrong.  We are called to be perfect as the Heavenly Father is perfect. “The Lord is patient and merciful, slow to anger…Psalm 103 We need patience to endure the sorrow that besets us so that we do not betray the good we have.

Do not be bitter about wrongs done against you.  Place your hope in God so that you can endure the troubles of this world and face them with a compassionate spirit.  Frustrated with someone? Step away from the situation, take a few deep breaths, pray the Our Father, asking God for patience

PRAYING FOR THE LIVING AND THE DEAD

Prayer is one of the most powerful ways we can support others.  Joining together in prayer for the living and the dead entrusts us all into God’s care. Let living people know you are praying for them and don’t be shy about asking them for prayers.  We are all in this Mystical Body of Christ together!

Jesus taught us to pray always and never to lose heart Luke 18:11 St. Paul echoed this with the simple exhortation, “Pray without ceasing” 1 Thessalonians 5:17 St. James also warned, “You have not because you ask not” .James 4:2 Prayer can avert war, bring healing, cause conversion, bestow peace and serenity, and call down mercy—sweet, beautiful mercy. Prayer is inestimable; its value can never be told.

Perhaps one of the greatest joys of Heaven will be seeing how much of a difference our prayers made, even the distracted and perfunctory ones. Imagine that in Heaven a sinner comes up to you and says, “Though we never met, your prayer reached me and God applied His power to me.”

Too many Catholics today miss the boat for praying for the dead.  Many are quick to point to heaven and say their loved one is looking down on us now in God’s heavenly arms.  But hold on a minute! Scripture doesn’t say that we go right to Heaven when we die. No, indeed, there is a brief stopover at the judgment seat of Christ

“It is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment”  Hebrews 9:27 “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad”  2 Corinthians 5:10

Our deceased loved ones go to the judgment seat of Christ, and that is worth praying about! We have the promise of Heaven but Jesus says, “You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect” Matthew 5:49  I would guess not many of us are in that state, right now.

When we send our faithful loved ones to judgment, although we send them with hope, we are aware that finishing work”pruning” may be necessary. Purgation and purification are necessary before entering Heaven, of which scripture says, Nothing impure will ever enter it” Revelation 21:27

Praying for the dead, then, is the last and greatest spiritual work of mercy. By the grace of it, and through its help, souls attain the glory God has prepared for them from the foundation of the world.

I AM THE RESURRECTION AND LIFE

 

 

 

THE GREATEST COMMANDMENT

  Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Mark 12:31

In the Good Samaritan parable, Luke 10:25-37, Jesus teaches his disciples that to love our neighbor is to show mercy to everyone we meet. No division, no enmities, no adversaries.  Corporal works of mercy are charitable actions by which we come to the aid of our neighbor.

Everyone is obliged to perform the works of mercy, according to his own ability and the need of his neighbor. It is important to remember that ordinary deeds done every day to relieve the corporal or spiritual needs of others are true works of mercy, if done in the name of Christ.

Corporal works of mercy are found in the teachings of Jesus and give us a model for how we see and treat others as if they were Jesus in disguise. What better time to practice these works of mercy than during this Lenten season.

WHATEVER YOU DO TO THE LEAST OF MY BRETHREN 

YOU DO TO ME!

MATTHEW 25:37-46

 CORPORAL WORKS OF MERCY

The corporal works of mercy consist especially in feeding the hungry sheltering the homeless, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and imprisoned and burying the dead. Among all these, giving alms (money) to the poor is one of the chief witnesses to fraternal charity (brotherly love); it is also a work of justice pleasing to God.

CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH #2447

FEED THE HUNGRY

There are many people in this world who go without food.  Support Food Banks especially in this time of pandemic. Caretakers who provide for the sick or dying, may not have the energy to shop or cook. Providing meals to a friend during a difficult time, is an effective act of charity. During this lent let your fast remind you of those who go to bed every night hungry all year round.

Pray for those that do not have what they need.  Why are those of us who have more than we need when there are those who have less than they need?

GIVE DRINK TO THE THIRSTY

How can you and I, as followers of Jesus Christ, practice this corporal work of mercy in our world today?  The obvious thing is, when we see someone who is thirsty, to give them a glass or bottle of water.  These days we do not meet many thirsty people by the roadside, as the early Christians did.

But as citizens and voters we can make a big difference in the availability of clean water. Supporting “clean water” policies to insure that there will be clean water for future generations is one way to give drink to the thirsty.

Nearly 1-billion people lack access to a supply of safe water. More than 3.4 million people a year die from water-related diseases. Every 21 seconds a child in the world dies of such diseases. Nearly one-fifth of all childhood deaths are caused by diarrhea, which kills more young children than AIDS, TB, and malaria combined. (Source: water.org.)

JESUS, MARY, AND JOSEPH REFUGEES IN EGYPT

 SHELTER THE HOMELESS

The Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head” (Mt 8:20).  Jesus Christ, the incarnate Son of God, was born in a borrowed manger, had no fixed address in his public ministry, and was buried in another man’s grave.  It is quite an irony: He who made the universe became a homeless person. Jesus, Mary and Joseph were themselves refugees fleeing into Egypt to avoid the infanticide of Herod.

 There are people today, here in America, who seem to be against all immigration.  But the truth is:  almost all of us are the descendants of immigrants!  And we, as believers, need to treat the immigrants with respect and according to their human dignity, as we would want to be treated ourselves.

 ‘When a stranger resides with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong. The stranger who resides with you shall be to you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt; I am the Lord your God. Leviticus 19:33-34

There are many circumstances that could lead to someone becoming a person without a home.  Christ encourages us to go out and meet those without homes, affirming their worth and helping them seek a resolution to the challenges they face. Many homeless shelters need warm blankets and other goods.

THE WIDOW’S MITE

 GIVE ALMS TO THE POOR

Jesus sat down opposite the treasury and observed how the crowd put money into the treasury.  Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow also came and put in two small coins worth a few cents. Calling his disciples to himself, he said to them, “Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the other contributors to the treasury. For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had, her whole livelihood.” Mark 12:41

Donate money to organizations that have the ability to provide support and services for those in need. . Remember in this time of pandemic that the lack of Masses and activities may result in parishes struggling financially; be sure to continue your support and if possible, increase offerings for those who cannot donate due to recent financial hardship or inability to work.

VISIT THE SICK

Some are sick, not from physical illness but from social isolation. One thinks especially of the elderly in our communities who, whether at home or in long-term care facilities, live in geographical isolation from their loved ones. The call to visit the sick can mean reaching out to the friendless in our local nursing homes: those who are ‘sick at heart’ from being lonely and forgotten and who are regularly deprived of the basic human need called ‘friendship.

Our mere presence, as someone willing to be a friend and a listening ear, can mean much more to them than we can imagine. In spite of their illness, these individuals still have much to offer to those who take the time to visit and comfort them. Along the way the infirm will be giving us the precious gift of growing in compassion.

Invest time in reaching out via phone call or by sending a letter or card to those who may feel particularly isolated during this time.  Offer to assist caregivers of chronically sick family members by grocery shopping or cooking for them so they do not have to risk exposure in this time of pandemic.

VISIT THE PRISONERS

Jesus was a prisoner; so were Peter and Paul and many of the saints, bishops, and teachers of the first few centuries of Christian life were.  So free Christians took it upon themselves to visit their friends, bringing food, solace, and encouragement.

People in prison are still people, made in the image and likeness of God.  No matter what someone has done, they deserve the opportunity to hear the Word of God and find the Truth of the message of Christ.

You may donate to charities that give Christmas presents to children whose parents are in prison. If you know a family member of one who is incarcerated, support them with a phone call or card.

Visiting prisoners may seem like one of the more difficult of the works of mercy simply because of the difficulty in gaining permission to enter the jail or prison and the need for training in how to minister to the imprisoned. Check out prison ministry in your local diocese. There are often ways to correspond with prisoners safely by mail.

Above all, pray for those in prison.  Prisoners abound in our society, and most of them are not behind bars. Many of our neighbors and family members are imprisoned by their addictions, others are isolated by their anxiety. Someone you know may need your presence more than you can imagine.

BURY THE DEAD

Funerals give us the opportunity to grieve and show others support during difficult times.  Through our prayers and actions during these times we show our respect for life, a gift from God, and comfort to those who mourn.

Grief is a rolling, painful journey with stops and starts and no discernable end. No two people grieve in the same way, and remembering that and resisting comparisons will help us support those we love. It is in the weeks and months after the funeral when our support can mean the most.  A phone call or email just to let the grieving person know we care can be a boost in a painful day.

We can include a grieving person in lunch, dinner or other plans.  At the end of the meal, I can make plans to meet my friend for coffee, giving him/her something to look forward to.  A note of condolence can touch the heart in the days and weeks after a death, and much later, it can be re-read and offer comfort again.

CONCLUSION

FRANCIS EMBRACES JESUS IN THE DISGUISE OF A LEPER

 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works?   Can that faith save him?

If a brother or sister has nothing to wear and has no food for the day   And one of you says to them, “Go in peace, keep warm, and eat well,”But you do not give them the necessities of the body, what good is it?  Faith of itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

JAMES 2:14-17

FOLLOWING JESUS IS AN ADVENTURE IT IS NOT JUST CARRYING MY CROSS BUT LIGHTENING THE CROSSES OF OTHERS LIKE SIMON OF CYRENE DID.

TO LOVE MY NEIGHBOR IS TO LOVE GOD I CANNOT LOVE GOD AND HATE MY NEIGHBOR

IF I DON’T FORGIVE ANOTHER WILL I BE FORGIVEN BY GOD?  WHY TAKE THE CHANCE? HELP ME TO SHOW MERCY OVER JUDGMENT.

A RECONCILED SOUL IS A PEACEFUL SOUL, NO ADVERSARIES TO SHADOW BOX WITH, NO CLINCHING AND GRITTING OUR TEETH, LOWER BLOOD PRESSURE.  SHARE THE PEACE OF CHRIST THAT IS BEYOND ALL UNDERSTANDING, FORGIVE AND BE SAVED

AS I MEASURE SO WILL IT BE MEASURED TO ME.  GOD BE MERCIFUL TO ME A SINNER

GOD IS GOD AND WE ARE NOT.  WHAT DO I HAVE TO BOAST OF?  MY SINS???  WE MAY GIVE UP ON JESUS BUT HE NEVER GIVES UP ON US.

IN THE PRODIGAL SON STORY THERE IS THE PRODIGAL WHO REPENTS AND RETURNS TO HIS FATHER’S HOUSE AND THE FATHER THAT RUNS TO GREET HIM.  THEN THERE IS THE OLDER BROTHER WHO RESENTS BOTH THE SON SEEKING FORGIVENESS AND THE FATHER OFFERING FORGIVENESS.  PLEASE GOD, LET ME NOT BE LIKE THE OLDER SON STANDING IN JUDGMENT BUT RATHER OFFER MERCY TO ALL I MEET.

IS MY PRAYER SELF CENTERED LIKE THE PHARISEE IN THE TEMPLE OR GOD CENTERED LIKE THE TAX COLLECTOR, O GOD BE MERCIFUL TO ME A SINNER?  IS GOD THE PRINCIPLE ACTOR IN MY PRAYER?

LORD THAT I MIGHT SEE!  YOU ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD.  LIFT THE DARKNESS OF SELF-SERVING. SHED LIGHT ON MY SINFULNESS AND REMOVE WHAT YOUR LIGHT HAS REVEALED.

JESUS THE HEALER,. HEAL ME FROM MY PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL INFIRMITIES  JESUS MAKE ME WHOLE AGAIN AS THE FATHER INTENDED!

HIS HOUR HAD NOT YET COME.  WHAT IS MY HOUR?  HAS IT ALREADY PASSED OR STILL TO COME?   DON’T LET ME MISS IT….THY WILL BE DONE!

CHRISTIANITY IS A SALVATION RELIGION.  IF YOU ARE NOT A SINNER YOU JUST DON’T GET IT.  IT’S NOT FOR YOU.  CHRISTIANITY IS MADE UP OF SINNERS IN NEED OF A SAVIOR.  JESUS HAVE MERCY ON ME!

“I AM THE RESURRECTION AND LIFE.”  NO MATTER HOW DEAD YOU ARE IN SIN, JESUS CAN CALL YOU BACK TO LIFE!  LISTEN FOR HIS CALL!

JESUS CHRIST CRUCIFIED.  GOD LOVES US FULLY, COMPLETELY, UNCONDITIONALLY EVEN TO DEATH.  DO NOT FEAR THE CROSS, EMBRACE IT BECAUSE IT IS AN ICON OF GOD’S LOVE.