THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT, CYCLE C
SUNDAY, MARCH 23, LUKE 13:1-9
(Exodus 3:1-8a, 13-15; Psalm 103; 1 Corinthians 10:1-6, 10-12)
KEY VERSE: "Unless you repent, you will all perish as they did" (Luke 13:3).
TO KNOW: In Jesus' time, some hoped for a triumphant Messiah who would reestablish Israel in power. They found his teaching on the cross difficult to accept. Jesus pointed out recent disasters that they believed were the consequence of sin. In one incident, Pontius Pilate's men killed some Jewish Galileans in cold blood while they were offering sacrifices in the Jerusalem temple at Passover. In another case, several construction workers were accidentally killed when a water tower fell on them. These individuals did not die because of their sins. Although they were innocent of wrongdoing, they nonetheless suffered the reality of evil in the world. Without faith, these calamities would be seen as terrible tragedies, but with faith, all events in a person's life, whether good or bad, can be sanctifying and redemptive. Jesus told a parable about a fruitless fig tree planted in the vineyard (a symbol of barren Israel, Jer 8:13; Isa 5:1-7). While God was merciful and patient in waiting for it to bear fruit, time was running out. The kingdom of God was at hand, and God's people should repent while there was still time.
TO LOVE: Do I view the trials in my life as punishment for sin or opportunities for growth?
TO SERVE: Lord Jesus, help me to uproot sin in my life so that I might bear good fruit.
SUNDAY, MARCH 23, LUKE 13:1-9
(Exodus 3:1-8a, 13-15; Psalm 103; 1 Corinthians 10:1-6, 10-12)
KEY VERSE: "Unless you repent, you will all perish as they did" (Luke 13:3).
TO KNOW: In Jesus' time, some hoped for a triumphant Messiah who would reestablish Israel in power. They found his teaching on the cross difficult to accept. Jesus pointed out recent disasters that they believed were the consequence of sin. In one incident, Pontius Pilate's men killed some Jewish Galileans in cold blood while they were offering sacrifices in the Jerusalem temple at Passover. In another case, several construction workers were accidentally killed when a water tower fell on them. These individuals did not die because of their sins. Although they were innocent of wrongdoing, they nonetheless suffered the reality of evil in the world. Without faith, these calamities would be seen as terrible tragedies, but with faith, all events in a person's life, whether good or bad, can be sanctifying and redemptive. Jesus told a parable about a fruitless fig tree planted in the vineyard (a symbol of barren Israel, Jer 8:13; Isa 5:1-7). While God was merciful and patient in waiting for it to bear fruit, time was running out. The kingdom of God was at hand, and God's people should repent while there was still time.
TO LOVE: Do I view the trials in my life as punishment for sin or opportunities for growth?
TO SERVE: Lord Jesus, help me to uproot sin in my life so that I might bear good fruit.
THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT, CYCLE A
(Exodus 17:3-7; Psalm 95; Romans 5:1-2, 5-8)
KEY VERSE: "The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life" (John 4:14).
TO KNOW: The woman who met Jesus at the well was despised as a heretical Samaritan, a descendant of the Assyrian occupation. With their mixed Jewish and pagan beliefs, Samaritans were regarded as unfit to worship in the temple in Jerusalem. Thus, the Samaritans built their own temple on Mount Gerizim. Jesus looked beyond national and religious boundaries to the coming of the Spirit who would unite all believers in the worship of one God. At first, the woman was suspicious of Jesus, but as he revealed her inner need, the woman changed her attitude. She addressed him as "sir" then as "prophet." Then she recognized Jesus as the Messiah, and finally as her personal Savior. Leaving her empty water jar behind (a symbol of her arid life), the woman ran off to tell the people in the village that she found the Lord. Many believed in the strength of her testimony. Jesus' disciples had gone to the city to buy food, and when they returned, he asked them to pray for others, who, like the woman, would harvest the ripe field of souls that lay before them. Each of us needs a personal encounter with Jesus. St. Augustine said, "It was for you that Jesus was weary from the journey."
TO LOVE: Have I shared Christ's life-giving water with others this Lent?
TO SERVE: Lord Jesus, increase my thirst for you.
(Exodus 17:3-7; Psalm 95; Romans 5:1-2, 5-8)
KEY VERSE: "The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life" (John 4:14).
TO KNOW: The woman who met Jesus at the well was despised as a heretical Samaritan, a descendant of the Assyrian occupation. With their mixed Jewish and pagan beliefs, Samaritans were regarded as unfit to worship in the temple in Jerusalem. Thus, the Samaritans built their own temple on Mount Gerizim. Jesus looked beyond national and religious boundaries to the coming of the Spirit who would unite all believers in the worship of one God. At first, the woman was suspicious of Jesus, but as he revealed her inner need, the woman changed her attitude. She addressed him as "sir" then as "prophet." Then she recognized Jesus as the Messiah, and finally as her personal Savior. Leaving her empty water jar behind (a symbol of her arid life), the woman ran off to tell the people in the village that she found the Lord. Many believed in the strength of her testimony. Jesus' disciples had gone to the city to buy food, and when they returned, he asked them to pray for others, who, like the woman, would harvest the ripe field of souls that lay before them. Each of us needs a personal encounter with Jesus. St. Augustine said, "It was for you that Jesus was weary from the journey."
TO LOVE: Have I shared Christ's life-giving water with others this Lent?
TO SERVE: Lord Jesus, increase my thirst for you.
FIRST SCRUTINY
The Scrutinies are solemnly celebrated on the Third, Fourth and Fifth Sundays of Lent. These are rites for self-searching and repentance and are meant to uncover, and then heal all that is weak, defective, or sinful in the hearts of the elect; to bring out, then strengthen all that is upright, strong, and good. The Scrutinies are celebrated in order to deliver the elect from the power of sin and Satan, to protect them against temptation, and to give them strength in Christ, who is the way, the truth, and the life. On the Third Sunday of Lent, the focus is on Christ the Redeemer, who is the living water (the gospel of the Samaritan woman in the first scrutiny), the light of the world (the gospel of the man born blind in the second scrutiny), the resurrection and the life (gospel of Lazarus in the third scrutiny). From the first to the final scrutiny, the elect should progress in their perception of sin and their desire for salvation.
NOTE: Laetare is the first word — meaning “rejoice” — in the Latin text of the Entrance Antiphon. On Laetare Sunday (similar to the Third Sunday of Advent’s Gaudete Sunday) the Church expresses hope and joy in the midst of our Lenten fasts and penances.
The Scrutinies are solemnly celebrated on the Third, Fourth and Fifth Sundays of Lent. These are rites for self-searching and repentance and are meant to uncover, and then heal all that is weak, defective, or sinful in the hearts of the elect; to bring out, then strengthen all that is upright, strong, and good. The Scrutinies are celebrated in order to deliver the elect from the power of sin and Satan, to protect them against temptation, and to give them strength in Christ, who is the way, the truth, and the life. On the Third Sunday of Lent, the focus is on Christ the Redeemer, who is the living water (the gospel of the Samaritan woman in the first scrutiny), the light of the world (the gospel of the man born blind in the second scrutiny), the resurrection and the life (gospel of Lazarus in the third scrutiny). From the first to the final scrutiny, the elect should progress in their perception of sin and their desire for salvation.
NOTE: Laetare is the first word — meaning “rejoice” — in the Latin text of the Entrance Antiphon. On Laetare Sunday (similar to the Third Sunday of Advent’s Gaudete Sunday) the Church expresses hope and joy in the midst of our Lenten fasts and penances.
MONDAY, MARCH 24, LUKE 4:24-30
Lenten Weekday
(2 Kings 5:1-15ab; Psalm 42)
KEY VERSE: "Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place" (Luke 4:24).
TO KNOW: The people of Nazareth were amazed by Jesus' teaching, but they were also skeptical as to where he got his authority. If he performed miracles elsewhere, why had he not worked any in his hometown? Jesus said that prophets are never accepted by their people. He compared his ministry to the prophets Elijah and Elisha who were rejected by their own, yet brought healing and hope to the Gentiles (1 Kgs 17; 2 Kgs 5). Jesus' words angered the people. Was he saying that God more favored the Gentiles than they were? They were certain that they were God's people and believed that the Gentiles were nothing but fuel for the fires of hell. Outraged, they dragged Jesus from the synagogue and attempted to throw him over a cliff. Miraculously, he eluded them. This incident prefigured the persecution Jesus continually faced until his ultimate fate on Calvary.
TO LOVE: Lord Jesus, help me to listen to your voice today.
TO SERVE: Pray for Christians around the world who face persecution and death for the sake of the gospel.
Lenten Weekday
(2 Kings 5:1-15ab; Psalm 42)
KEY VERSE: "Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place" (Luke 4:24).
TO KNOW: The people of Nazareth were amazed by Jesus' teaching, but they were also skeptical as to where he got his authority. If he performed miracles elsewhere, why had he not worked any in his hometown? Jesus said that prophets are never accepted by their people. He compared his ministry to the prophets Elijah and Elisha who were rejected by their own, yet brought healing and hope to the Gentiles (1 Kgs 17; 2 Kgs 5). Jesus' words angered the people. Was he saying that God more favored the Gentiles than they were? They were certain that they were God's people and believed that the Gentiles were nothing but fuel for the fires of hell. Outraged, they dragged Jesus from the synagogue and attempted to throw him over a cliff. Miraculously, he eluded them. This incident prefigured the persecution Jesus continually faced until his ultimate fate on Calvary.
TO LOVE: Lord Jesus, help me to listen to your voice today.
TO SERVE: Pray for Christians around the world who face persecution and death for the sake of the gospel.
SOLEMNITY OF THE ANUNCIATION OF THE LORD
TUESDAY, MARCH 25, LUKE 1:26-38
(Isaiah 7:10-14, 8:10; Psalm 40; Hebrews 10:4-10)
KEY VERSE: "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God" (Luke 1:30).
TO KNOW: Nine months before the Feast of the Nativity, the Church honors the Annunciation of the Lord's birth. After centuries of longing for the Messiah, Archangel Gabriel announced the good news to a young woman in the obscure village of Nazareth. The virgin's name was Mary (Hebrew, Miryam, "the exalted one"). The angel told Mary that she had found favor with God and would bear a son, whom she was to name Jesus (Hebrew, Yeshua, Yahweh saves). Mary was deeply troubled by the angel's message, but she was told not to be afraid since God's Son had been conceived by the Holy Spirit. The "Son of the Most High" (v. 32) would rule eternally over the "house of Jacob" (v. 33) fulfilling the promise made to King David (2 Sm 7:16). Mary was given a sign to prove that "nothing was impossible with God" (Lk 1:37); Elizabeth, her kinswoman, had conceived a son in her old age. Mary responded with faithful submission to the will of God (fiat, "Let it be done"). Mary is the new Eve. While Eve grasped the forbidden fruit, Mary received the Divine fruit of her womb. Mary's dispositions of waiting, fidelity, and praise are necessary virtues for all Christians.
TO LOVE: Can I say with Mary: "Be it done unto me according to your will"?
TO SERVE: Blessed Mother, help me to obey God's will as you did.
TUESDAY, MARCH 25, LUKE 1:26-38
(Isaiah 7:10-14, 8:10; Psalm 40; Hebrews 10:4-10)
KEY VERSE: "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God" (Luke 1:30).
TO KNOW: Nine months before the Feast of the Nativity, the Church honors the Annunciation of the Lord's birth. After centuries of longing for the Messiah, Archangel Gabriel announced the good news to a young woman in the obscure village of Nazareth. The virgin's name was Mary (Hebrew, Miryam, "the exalted one"). The angel told Mary that she had found favor with God and would bear a son, whom she was to name Jesus (Hebrew, Yeshua, Yahweh saves). Mary was deeply troubled by the angel's message, but she was told not to be afraid since God's Son had been conceived by the Holy Spirit. The "Son of the Most High" (v. 32) would rule eternally over the "house of Jacob" (v. 33) fulfilling the promise made to King David (2 Sm 7:16). Mary was given a sign to prove that "nothing was impossible with God" (Lk 1:37); Elizabeth, her kinswoman, had conceived a son in her old age. Mary responded with faithful submission to the will of God (fiat, "Let it be done"). Mary is the new Eve. While Eve grasped the forbidden fruit, Mary received the Divine fruit of her womb. Mary's dispositions of waiting, fidelity, and praise are necessary virtues for all Christians.
TO LOVE: Can I say with Mary: "Be it done unto me according to your will"?
TO SERVE: Blessed Mother, help me to obey God's will as you did.
SONG OF THE DOVE
A novel of Mary of Nazareth by Kay Murdy
Here is the story of a Jewish woman of the first century, Miryam of Nazareth, who lived in a tiny village nestled in the hills of Israel. She had parents, friends, a husband, a son, and she struggled to understand the strange things happening to her in a time and a place with more than its share of turmoil, both political and religious. What happened tested both her faith and courage. A glossary contains Hebrew and Greek words used in the book. ACTA Publications. Order: http://www.actapublications.com or at www.amazon.com, paperback or Kindle versions.
A novel of Mary of Nazareth by Kay Murdy
Here is the story of a Jewish woman of the first century, Miryam of Nazareth, who lived in a tiny village nestled in the hills of Israel. She had parents, friends, a husband, a son, and she struggled to understand the strange things happening to her in a time and a place with more than its share of turmoil, both political and religious. What happened tested both her faith and courage. A glossary contains Hebrew and Greek words used in the book. ACTA Publications. Order: http://www.actapublications.com or at www.amazon.com, paperback or Kindle versions.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, MATTHEW 5:17-19
Lenten Weekday
(Deuteronomy 4:1, 5-9; Psalm 147)
KEY VERSE: "But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:19b).
TO KNOW: Like Moses, Jesus taught his followers that the law of God had lasting validity and must be obeyed. Jesus emphasized the permanency of God's law by saying that not even the smallest letter in the Hebrew alphabet (yod; in Greek iota) or the tiniest flourish of the pen would pass from the law until its fulfillment in the final age. Jesus' dispute with the religious leaders was not with the Mosaic Law itself but with their legalistic interpretation, expanding the law to 613 rules and regulations. Jesus deepened the meaning of the law through his words and works. Those who understood that the true purpose of the law was justice and charity and practiced it by loving God and one another would inherit a place in God's kingdom. Those who willfully disregarded God's law would be excluded from God's reign.
TO LOVE: Do I give a good example by my respect for God's law?
TO SERVE: Lord Jesus, help me to be guided by your law in all I do.
Lenten Weekday
(Deuteronomy 4:1, 5-9; Psalm 147)
KEY VERSE: "But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:19b).
TO KNOW: Like Moses, Jesus taught his followers that the law of God had lasting validity and must be obeyed. Jesus emphasized the permanency of God's law by saying that not even the smallest letter in the Hebrew alphabet (yod; in Greek iota) or the tiniest flourish of the pen would pass from the law until its fulfillment in the final age. Jesus' dispute with the religious leaders was not with the Mosaic Law itself but with their legalistic interpretation, expanding the law to 613 rules and regulations. Jesus deepened the meaning of the law through his words and works. Those who understood that the true purpose of the law was justice and charity and practiced it by loving God and one another would inherit a place in God's kingdom. Those who willfully disregarded God's law would be excluded from God's reign.
TO LOVE: Do I give a good example by my respect for God's law?
TO SERVE: Lord Jesus, help me to be guided by your law in all I do.
THURSDAY, MARCH 27, LUKE 11:14-23
Lenten Weekday
(Jeremiah 7:23-28; Psalm 95)
KEY VERSE: "Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste and house will fall against house" (Luke 11:17).
TO KNOW: Jesus was accused of casting out devils by the power of "Beelzebul" (Satan, a popular name for the master of demons). Jesus pointed out the absurdity of this accusation. He asked the crowd whether their own people performed exorcisms in the name of God or in Satan's name. If Satan (“adversary”) used his power to cast out demons, then Satan was working against himself and would eventually be defeated. Jesus was the "one mightier" prophesied by John the Baptist (Lk 3:16). Every word and act of Jesus' ministry was an attack on Satan's stronghold. Like Moses, Jesus’ power came from the "finger of God" (Ex 8:15). Whoever did not join Jesus in his opposition to evil assisted the adversary in his attempt to destroy God's realm.
TO LOVE: Do I pray for God's power to protect my household from evil?
TO SERVE: Lord Jesus, help me to oppose evil wherever I find it.
Lenten Weekday
(Jeremiah 7:23-28; Psalm 95)
KEY VERSE: "Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste and house will fall against house" (Luke 11:17).
TO KNOW: Jesus was accused of casting out devils by the power of "Beelzebul" (Satan, a popular name for the master of demons). Jesus pointed out the absurdity of this accusation. He asked the crowd whether their own people performed exorcisms in the name of God or in Satan's name. If Satan (“adversary”) used his power to cast out demons, then Satan was working against himself and would eventually be defeated. Jesus was the "one mightier" prophesied by John the Baptist (Lk 3:16). Every word and act of Jesus' ministry was an attack on Satan's stronghold. Like Moses, Jesus’ power came from the "finger of God" (Ex 8:15). Whoever did not join Jesus in his opposition to evil assisted the adversary in his attempt to destroy God's realm.
TO LOVE: Do I pray for God's power to protect my household from evil?
TO SERVE: Lord Jesus, help me to oppose evil wherever I find it.
FRIDAY, MARCH 28, MARK 12:28-34
Lenten Weekday; Day of Abstinence
(Hosea 14:2-10; Psalm 95)
KEY VERSE: "There is no other commandment greater than these" (v 31).
TO KNOW: The scribes were the learned interpreters of the Law of Moses. They expanded the Law into 613 greater and lesser rules and regulations. One scribe recognized Jesus' skill as a teacher and asked him which one of the Mosaic Laws was the greatest. Jesus recognized the scribe's sincere search for truth and summed up the entire Law with two basic decrees that he saw as inseparable. They were the laws upon which all the other commandments were based: to love God with one's entire being (Deut 6:2), and to love one's neighbor as oneself (Lev 19:18). The scribe saw how Jesus combined two commands given to Israel by Moses, and declared that the love of God and love of neighbor was worth more than any religious acts that one could perform. Because the scribe understood this principle, he moved a step closer to God's reign.
TO LOVE: Is my love of God demonstrated by how I love my neighbor? Do I have a healthy self-love?
TO SERVE: Lord God, help me to serve you with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength.
Lenten Weekday; Day of Abstinence
(Hosea 14:2-10; Psalm 95)
KEY VERSE: "There is no other commandment greater than these" (v 31).
TO KNOW: The scribes were the learned interpreters of the Law of Moses. They expanded the Law into 613 greater and lesser rules and regulations. One scribe recognized Jesus' skill as a teacher and asked him which one of the Mosaic Laws was the greatest. Jesus recognized the scribe's sincere search for truth and summed up the entire Law with two basic decrees that he saw as inseparable. They were the laws upon which all the other commandments were based: to love God with one's entire being (Deut 6:2), and to love one's neighbor as oneself (Lev 19:18). The scribe saw how Jesus combined two commands given to Israel by Moses, and declared that the love of God and love of neighbor was worth more than any religious acts that one could perform. Because the scribe understood this principle, he moved a step closer to God's reign.
TO LOVE: Is my love of God demonstrated by how I love my neighbor? Do I have a healthy self-love?
TO SERVE: Lord God, help me to serve you with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength.
SATURDAY, MARCH 29, LUKE 18:9-14
Lenten Weekday
(Hosea 6:1-6; Psalm 51)
KEY VERSE: "For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted" (Luke 18:14).
TO KNOW: The Pharisees were a sect within Judaism that carefully observed the written law. In opposition to the Sadducees, the Pharisees also followed the traditional oral law, the 613 decrees beyond the Ten Commandments. Pharisees regarded themselves as the "separated ones" because of their staunch adherence of the law in contrast to, what they assumed, was the sinful behavior of the rest of humanity. Jesus tells the story of two individuals who went to the temple to pray. One was a Pharisee and the other a tax collector (Publican). The arrogant Pharisee regarded himself as superior to others, especially the tax collector whom he held in contempt. He smugly stated his virtues and did not ask pardon from God for his sins. The tax collector, on the other hand, recognized his sinfulness, and humbly prayed that God would forgive him. Jesus pronounced the tax collector justified before God because he repented his sins and confessed his need for salvation.
TO LOVE: Does my pride get in the way of acknowledging my sins?
TO SERVE: Pray the ancient Jesus Prayer: Lord Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.
With broken heart and contrite sigh, a trembling sinner, Lord, I cry. Thy pardoning grace is rich and free, O God, be merciful to me!
Lenten Weekday
(Hosea 6:1-6; Psalm 51)
KEY VERSE: "For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted" (Luke 18:14).
TO KNOW: The Pharisees were a sect within Judaism that carefully observed the written law. In opposition to the Sadducees, the Pharisees also followed the traditional oral law, the 613 decrees beyond the Ten Commandments. Pharisees regarded themselves as the "separated ones" because of their staunch adherence of the law in contrast to, what they assumed, was the sinful behavior of the rest of humanity. Jesus tells the story of two individuals who went to the temple to pray. One was a Pharisee and the other a tax collector (Publican). The arrogant Pharisee regarded himself as superior to others, especially the tax collector whom he held in contempt. He smugly stated his virtues and did not ask pardon from God for his sins. The tax collector, on the other hand, recognized his sinfulness, and humbly prayed that God would forgive him. Jesus pronounced the tax collector justified before God because he repented his sins and confessed his need for salvation.
TO LOVE: Does my pride get in the way of acknowledging my sins?
TO SERVE: Pray the ancient Jesus Prayer: Lord Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.
With broken heart and contrite sigh, a trembling sinner, Lord, I cry. Thy pardoning grace is rich and free, O God, be merciful to me!
FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT, CYLCLE C
SUNDAY, MARCH 30, LUKE 15:1-3, 11-32
(Joshua 5:9a, 10-12; Psalm 34; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21)
KEY VERSE: "This son of mine was dead, and has come to life again; he was lost, and has been found" (Luke 15:24).
TO KNOW: Luke said that the "sinners were all drawing near" to Jesus, while the Pharisees and the scribes were complaining: "This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them." (Lk 15:1). Through a parable, Jesus reminded them of God's unconditional love for the wayward and lost. In this story of God's amazing grace, the prodigal son (a symbol for the pagan Gentiles) came to his senses after he had squandered his inheritance in dissolute living. When he returned to the waiting arms of his father, they celebrated with a feast (the Eucharistic banquet). The elder son (Israel) protested that he had been faithful all his life yet never received such a reward. The father reminded his firstborn son that everything had always belonged to him. He asked his son to rejoice because his brother was once lost, but had returned home to his loving embrace. This parable might be titled the story of "The Two Sons" to emphasize the younger son's repentance (the tax collectors and sinners) and the envy and narrow-mindedness of the elder son (the religious leaders). It might better be called the "Parable of the Loving Father" to express the unconditional love and grace of God toward all his children. Bishop Robert Barron says, “God looks for us, comes running after us, never relents, never gives up. The more we run, the more he runs after us; the more we hide, the more he looks; and the more we resist, the more he persists.”
TO LOVE: Have I forgiven my brothers and sisters for their wrongdoings, and welcomed them with joy?
TO SERVE: Lord Jesus, give me the grace to come back to our Father when I have strayed.
SUNDAY, MARCH 30, LUKE 15:1-3, 11-32
(Joshua 5:9a, 10-12; Psalm 34; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21)
KEY VERSE: "This son of mine was dead, and has come to life again; he was lost, and has been found" (Luke 15:24).
TO KNOW: Luke said that the "sinners were all drawing near" to Jesus, while the Pharisees and the scribes were complaining: "This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them." (Lk 15:1). Through a parable, Jesus reminded them of God's unconditional love for the wayward and lost. In this story of God's amazing grace, the prodigal son (a symbol for the pagan Gentiles) came to his senses after he had squandered his inheritance in dissolute living. When he returned to the waiting arms of his father, they celebrated with a feast (the Eucharistic banquet). The elder son (Israel) protested that he had been faithful all his life yet never received such a reward. The father reminded his firstborn son that everything had always belonged to him. He asked his son to rejoice because his brother was once lost, but had returned home to his loving embrace. This parable might be titled the story of "The Two Sons" to emphasize the younger son's repentance (the tax collectors and sinners) and the envy and narrow-mindedness of the elder son (the religious leaders). It might better be called the "Parable of the Loving Father" to express the unconditional love and grace of God toward all his children. Bishop Robert Barron says, “God looks for us, comes running after us, never relents, never gives up. The more we run, the more he runs after us; the more we hide, the more he looks; and the more we resist, the more he persists.”
TO LOVE: Have I forgiven my brothers and sisters for their wrongdoings, and welcomed them with joy?
TO SERVE: Lord Jesus, give me the grace to come back to our Father when I have strayed.
FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT, CYCLE A
SUNDAY, MARCH 30, JOHN 9:1-1 or JOHN 9:1, 6-9, 13-17, 34-38
(1 Samuel 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a; Psalm 23; Ephesians 5:8-14)
KEY VERSE: "One thing I do know is that I was blind and now I see" (John 9:25).
TO KNOW: Jesus told his disciples that no follower of his would walk in darkness but would have the "light of life" (Jn 8:12). During the seven-day feast of Tabernacles, the temple area was illuminated with torches. On the last day of the festival, water from the pool of Siloam was poured on the altar in thanksgiving for the rain that assured a good harvest. Jesus declared that he was the fountain of "living water" that brought forth new life (7:37-38). Moreover, he was the "light of the world" who enlightened those in darkness (9:4). The story of the man born blind illustrated these two sayings of Jesus. When Jesus’ disciples saw the blind man, they asked, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents that he was born blind?” Jesus answered that it was not due to the sins of the man, nor of his parents. It was so that the works of God might be made visible through him. Then Jesus made a mixture of clay and salvia, put it on the blind man's eyes, and told him to wash in the pool of Siloam (meaning "sent"). When he did so, his blindness was cured. The Pharisees, who were spiritually blind, accused Jesus of breaking the Sabbath law by healing the man. But the man knew that his healing had come from God, and he fell at Jesus' feet and acknowledged him as "Lord." This story was a popular feature of Baptismal ceremonies in the early Church. St. Augustine said, "The blind man is the whole human race."
TO LOVE: Have I been praying for the Elect who are journeying to baptism this Lent?
TO SERVE: Lord Jesus, you are a lamp to my feet, leading me to the waters of your healing grace.
SUNDAY, MARCH 30, JOHN 9:1-1 or JOHN 9:1, 6-9, 13-17, 34-38
(1 Samuel 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a; Psalm 23; Ephesians 5:8-14)
KEY VERSE: "One thing I do know is that I was blind and now I see" (John 9:25).
TO KNOW: Jesus told his disciples that no follower of his would walk in darkness but would have the "light of life" (Jn 8:12). During the seven-day feast of Tabernacles, the temple area was illuminated with torches. On the last day of the festival, water from the pool of Siloam was poured on the altar in thanksgiving for the rain that assured a good harvest. Jesus declared that he was the fountain of "living water" that brought forth new life (7:37-38). Moreover, he was the "light of the world" who enlightened those in darkness (9:4). The story of the man born blind illustrated these two sayings of Jesus. When Jesus’ disciples saw the blind man, they asked, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents that he was born blind?” Jesus answered that it was not due to the sins of the man, nor of his parents. It was so that the works of God might be made visible through him. Then Jesus made a mixture of clay and salvia, put it on the blind man's eyes, and told him to wash in the pool of Siloam (meaning "sent"). When he did so, his blindness was cured. The Pharisees, who were spiritually blind, accused Jesus of breaking the Sabbath law by healing the man. But the man knew that his healing had come from God, and he fell at Jesus' feet and acknowledged him as "Lord." This story was a popular feature of Baptismal ceremonies in the early Church. St. Augustine said, "The blind man is the whole human race."
TO LOVE: Have I been praying for the Elect who are journeying to baptism this Lent?
TO SERVE: Lord Jesus, you are a lamp to my feet, leading me to the waters of your healing grace.
SECOND SCRUTINY FOR THE ELECT
On the Fourth Sunday of Lent, we celebrate the Second Scrutiny and the Exorcism for the Elect (RCIA, 165). When the elect, catechumens and candidates are present, the story of the Man Born Blind is read (Jn 9). In the Scrutiny Rites, those preparing for baptism at the Easter Vigil as well as the entire assembly are called to examine the areas in their lives that block God's love and blinds them to God's healing presence.
On the Fourth Sunday of Lent, we celebrate the Second Scrutiny and the Exorcism for the Elect (RCIA, 165). When the elect, catechumens and candidates are present, the story of the Man Born Blind is read (Jn 9). In the Scrutiny Rites, those preparing for baptism at the Easter Vigil as well as the entire assembly are called to examine the areas in their lives that block God's love and blinds them to God's healing presence.