LENTEN REFLECTIONS Archives -

EASTER SUNDAY ALLELUIA!

INTRODUCTION

The Resurrection of Jesus is the central pillar of our Faith. “If Christ did not rise, our Faith is in vain.” I Cor. 15:14.

In His resurrection, Jesus overcame death, the consequence of sin. Because of Jesus, we are no longer bound to sin or death but are liberated from both sin and death through the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

In Hebrews 6:5, Paul writes, “As in Adam all die, so also, in Christ, shall all be made alive. We live now not according to the flesh but according to the spirit.”

Christ’s resurrection takes place in history, in real time, and in real space. This real historical event is attested to by hundreds of eye witnesses after his resurrection. Acts 1:22

Some of the historical facts to support the resurrection are: the empty tomb and burial cloth discovered by John and Peter John 20:2, The eyewitness account of Mary Magdalene John 19:31, the eyewitness accounts of the apostles in the upper room, Easter evening John 20:19-23

HE IS RISEN ALLELUIA!

REFLECTION

The final enemy Jesus must face down is death by His own death, a death on the cross. Oh, death, where is thy sting! 1 Corinthians 15:55

“Faith in the Resurrection is the basis of our hope in the inheritance which is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you.” I Peter 1:4

For those disciples who follow Jesus…the same fate awaits…a glorious resurrection of our bodies on the last day…eyes have not seen…ears have not heard what await those who love Jesus…1 Corinthians 2:9

He is risen…He is alive…He goes before us….do not be afraid… the risen Lord has not gone away…He remains with us in the sacraments…in our faith…in our praye

EYE WITNESSES TO THE EMPTY TOMB

“On the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw the stone removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, “They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don’t know where they put him.”

Peter and John ran to the tomb and saw the burial cloths and the cloth that covered his head. They did not yet understand the Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead and they returned home.

.But Mary stayed outside the tomb weeping. And as she wept, she bent over into the tomb and saw two angels in white sitting there, one at the head and one at the feet where the body of Jesus had been. And they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken my Lord, and I don’t know where they laid him.” When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus there, but did not know it was Jesus.

Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” She thought it was the gardener and said to him, “Sir, if you carried him away, tell me where you laid him, and I will take him.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni,” which means Teacher.

MARY!

She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni,”

Jesus said to her, “Stop holding on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am going to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'” Mary of Magdala went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord,” and what he told her.” John 20:1-18

REFLECTION

Mary was weeping because she could not find her Lord…

Do we weep when we feel the Lord is not near?

Jesus appears to Mary, Mary did not recognize Him until He addressed her by name…

Listen for when Jesus calls me by name because He does…sometimes a whisper

Rejoice and be glad, for Jesus died and rose for me personally!

CHRIST VICTORIOUS

HOLY SATURDAY

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BEYOND THE CROSS

INTRODUCTION

Jesus did not go to sleep from Good Friday until Easter Sunday. He has a mission from the Father to announce his victory over sin and death to those in the abode of the dead, Sheol in Hebrew, Hades in Greek and Hell in English.

Today there is great silence upon the earth, great silence and solitude. Great silence because the King sleeps … God died in the flesh… God, made man, entered into the extreme and absolute solitude of man, where no ray of love enters, where there is total abandonment without any word of comfort: “hell”.

According to Church Tradition, after dying on Good Friday, Jesus descended to the depths of the dead to preach His message to them, liberating all holy men and women held captive in past centuries.

The People in the abode of the dead are deprived of the vision of God. The experiences of those in the abode of the dead are different, some await the bosom of Abraham; some await damnation eternal separation from God. CCC 631-637

THE LORD’S DESCENT INTO HELL

ANCIENT HOMILY FOR HOLY SATURDAY

“What is happening? Today there is a great silence over the earth, a great silence, and stillness, a great silence because the King sleeps; the earth was in terror and was still, because God slept in the flesh and raised up those who were sleeping from the ages.

He wishes to visit those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death. He goes to free the prisoner Adam and his fellow-prisoner Eve from their pains…

When Adam, the first created man, sees him, he strikes his breast in terror and calls out to all: ‘My Lord be with you all.’ And Christ in reply says to Adam: And with your spirit.

And grasping his hand he raises him up, saying: Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead,… I am your God, Come forth, those in darkness: Have light, and those who sleep: Rise.

I command you: Awake, sleeper, I have not made you to be held a prisoner in the underworld. Arise from the dead; I am the life of the dead. Arise, O man, work of my hands, arise, you who were fashioned in my image. Rise, let us go hence; for you in me and I in you, together we are one undivided person….

Look at the spittle on my face, which I received because of you, in order to restore you to that first divine inbreathing at creation. See the blows on my cheeks, which I accepted in order to refashion your distorted form to my own image.

‘See the scourging of my back, which I accepted in order to disperse the load of your sins which was laid upon your back. My side healed the pain of your side; my sleep will release you from your sleep in Hades…arise, let us go hence.

The enemy brought you out of the land of paradise; I will reinstate you, no longer in paradise, but on the throne of heaven.

“The cherubim throne has been prepared, the bearers are ready and waiting, the bridal chamber is in order, the food is provided, the everlasting houses and rooms are in readiness; the treasures of good things have been opened; the kingdom of heaven has been prepared before the ages.”

JESUS WELCOMES HIS BRIDE, THE CHURCH

GOOD FRIDAY

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BETRAYAL ON THE MOUNT OF OLIVES

They came out to arrest Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane like he was a robber, led by Judas his betrayer who betrayed him with a kiss. Jesus, showing no animosity to Judas called him friend.

In chains they brought Jesus before the high priest where he was mocked, struck and spat upon. The chief priests and elders condemned Jesus to death. Meanwhile in the high priest’s court yard Peter denied he knew Jesus three times before the cock crowed.

Peter repented and wept bitterly.

REFLECTION

How often do I betray Jesus and turn my back on him?

Do I repent and ask for forgiveness, return to Jesus like Peter or like Judas stay away and separate myself from Jesus?

The Jewish leaders took Jesus before Pilate the Roman Governor, because under Roman law the Jews had no right to carry out the death penalty. Pilate found no guilt in Jesus and tried to trade Jesus for a horrific revolutionary and murderer, Barabbas, but incited by the chief priests, the crowd cried out for Barabbas.

Pilate feared the crowds, so he had Jesus scourged. Once more, Pilate went out and said to them, “Look, I am bringing him out to you, so that you may know that I find no guilt in him.”

BEHOLD THE MAN!

JOHN 19:1-6

The chief priests and the guards cried out, “Crucify him, crucify him!” When Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing, but rather that a riot was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this Man’s blood….”They cried out “let his blood be on us and our children”!

THE CRUCIFIXION

Jesus is led out to be crucified, carrying the crossbeam of the cross himself. Because of the severe scourging at the pillar, Jesus soon falters and the soldiers force Simon of Cyrene to assist in carrying the cross.. .

At the place of the skulls, Golgotha, the soldiers nailed his hands to the cross beam, attached the cross beam to the vertical beam already in place then nailed his precious feet. The soldiers then cast lots for His discarded garments.

REFLECTION

What a difference a few days make. Today Jesus’ precious feet are nailed to a cross. A few days ago in Bethany in the home of Lazarus, they were anointed by Mary and embraced with love and kisses.

Do I embrace my Savior or nail him to the cross again?

Jesus overcame hate with love, death with his own life. “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:31.

Do I forgive others, even unpleasant ones?

Jesus looked on His mother and the disciple He loved and said, “Woman, behold, your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother.” John 19:25

From the cross Jesus gives us one of our greatest gifts, His Mother Mary. Mary is the finest intercessor with her Son, Jesus. Don’t forget Mother Mary when you need something from the Son.!

Do I ask Mary to intercede?

Bowing His head Jesus expired. “it is finished, and giving a loud cry, Father into your hands, I commend my spirit.” When the centurion who stood facing him saw how Jesus breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!” Mark 15:37-39.

“They will look upon whom they have pierced…when I am lifted up,

I will draw all things to me…who ever looks upon me and believes will be saved”

John 12:32

The pagan centurion gave witness, “Truly this was the Son of God!” What prompts me to recognize God in my life? Do we ever bear witness to these God events to others?

The veil in the temple that divided the holy of holies from the people was torn from top to bottom in two. No longer is God separated from his people by some veil, Jesus is the New Temple. Jesus is available now to everyone who seeks Him.

Seek the LORD while he may be found, Call upon him while he is near. Isaiah 55:6

BURIAL OF JESUS

Joseph of Arimathea, a distinguished member of the Sanhedrin council, went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Having brought a linen cloth, Joseph took Jesus down, wrapped him in the linen cloth and laid him in a tomb that had been hewn out of the rock. Then he rolled a stone against the entrance to the tomb.

Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses watched where he was laid.

CONCLUSION

The burial of Jesus is not the end of the story. Jesus descended to the abode of the dead to announce the good news…that soon those in Sheol will join Him in the exodus to eternal life…neither the tomb nor death will hold Jesus… Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ!

HOLY THURSDAY

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When the hour came, he took his place at table with the apostles. He said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover^* with you before I suffer… Then he took a cup,^* gave thanks, and said, “Take this and share it among yourselves; ….Then he took the bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them, saying,

“This is my body, which will be given for you; do this in memory of me.” And likewise, the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which will be shed for you. LUKE 22:14-20

INTRODUCTION

Two of our seven sacraments, Holy Eucharist and Holy Orders, were instituted on Holy Thursday. Jesus at the Passover meal took bread and wine and told his disciples to eat and drink, for this was his body and blood, given for the forgiveness of sins,

“Do this in remembrance of me” Luke 22:19

These words, “Do this in remembrance of me” are the foundation for our belief in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist today and establishes the ministerial priesthood (Holy Orders) whereby this command will be carried out through the successors of the apostles until the end of time.

TAKE AND EAT; THIS IS MY BODY

MATTHEW 26:26-30

In St. John’s Gospel we don’t find the institution of the Eucharist but we find Jesus, Servant of servants, washing the feet of His disciples and telling them to do likewise.

Jesus washing the feet of his disciples represents the service and charity of Christ, who came ‘not to be served, but to serve.’ Matthew 20:28

And at supper, Jesus—although knowing that the Father had put everything into his hands, and that he had come from God, and was to return to God— Jesus rose from his place, and, taking off his upper garments, tied a towel round his waist. He then poured some water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel tied round him…..

Do you understand what I have been doing to you?” he asked. “You yourselves call me ‘the Teacher’ and ‘the Master’, and you are right, for I am both. If I, then—’the Master’ and ‘the Teacher’—have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet; For I have given you an example, so that you may do just as I have done to you.” .

“In truth I tell you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor a messenger than the man who sends him. JOHN 13:1-1-26

A SERVANT IS NO GREATER THAN HIS MASTER

REFLECTION

Jesus Christ, is the fullest revelation of God that we can possess on earth. The Eucharist is the sacramental means to abide in Jesus. “”He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him.” John 6:54 Abide in me, and I in you” John 15:4.

When I receive the Eucharist in Holy Communion, Do I truly believe I am receiving Jesus body and blood or do I think I am just receiving a symbolic remembrance?

The washing of the feet of His disciples including Judas who betrays Him demonstrates God’s unconditional love for us.

God loves us with an everlasting love. Jeremiah 31:

What does God’s unconditional love of me say to me?

No one gets to heaven by their self. What am I doing to help others?

How do I love others? Do I have stipulations or conditions? Like what?

SACRAMENT OF MERCY

LENTEN PRACTICE OF FASTING

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

TAKE UP YOUR CROSS AND COME FOLLOW ME

LENTEN REFLECTIONS

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

ASH WEDNESDAY “REMEMBER THAT YOU ARE DUST, AND TO DUST YOU SHALL RETURN”

LENTEN REFLECTIONS

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!

THE BEATITUDES A LENTEN MEDITATION

LENTEN REFLECTIONS

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!

LENTEN REFLECTIONS

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.