The miracle of Lazarus reveals the power of Jesus Christ and the hope we have in the Lord. May these matters of life and death inspire us to respond to the needs of our world with conviction and compassion.
Mass Readings – 5th Sunday of Lent
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As the spirit of destructive discord increases around Jesus, we see the crucial need to work for peace and unity, especially in challenging times.
Mass Readings – Saturday of the 4th Week of Lent
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The readings today remind us of the reality of evil and its blinding presence in our lives. Yet as we confront the darkness of sin we find that our help comes from the light of Christ, who gives us the courage and strength we need.
Mass Readings – Friday of the 4th Week of Lent
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Just as Moses intervened for the people of Israel when they turned away from God, Jesus – the Son of God – intervenes for our sinfulness by his saving action on the Cross.
Mass Readings – Thursday of the 4th Week of Lent
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God’s touch brings life giving power that leads to healing and wholeness. As we confront the physical illness of COVID-19, we also call upon the Lord to restore whatever is wounded in body, mind, heart and soul.
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 4th Week of Lent
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Study: Recall a time when you experienced death. How has this experience shaped the way you live?
Pray: Is there a life and death situation near you right now? Call upon the Lord for grace.
Serve: Do you have someone in your life who is facing a life and death situation? How can you help them?
Mass Readings – 5th Sunday of Lent
Let’s take a step back and look at the these readings:
Life and death. Throughout the readings this week these powerful realities weave together, reminding us that how we live and face our death has eternal consequences.
Throughout the earthly ministry of Jesus he consistently taught that our lives provide precious opportunities to serve and care for one another. Forgiveness, mercy, compassion, service, healing and outreach to the poor are themes that surface repeatedly throughout the Gospels. WHAT we do and HOW we do it reveal the depth of our discipleship and our willingness to follow the Lord through this life.
Yet we also know that death is an experience that comes to us all. We have stood at the graves of our loved ones, grieved for those who have gone before us, and dealt with the ache in our hearts when someone we care about is no longer with us. Death reminds us that our opportunity to share our lives on earth has a limit, that we only have so much time on this rock before we are called into eternity.
And the fact that something awaits us after death is a conviction that shapes both how we live and die. God gives us immortal souls, created to be united in the great Heavenly chorus. Yet even this is a choice; out of love the Lord gives us the freedom to choose…will we follow the Lord or a different path?
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Note: This post was first published on March 27, 2017.
The Scripture readings today all reference human hardship: suffering, battle and illness. Yet through it all we have hope as we see how God gives us the grace we need to overcome these challenges every time we turn to Christ.
Mass Readings – Monday of the 4th Week of Lent
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