Our conversion of heart never stops; we are either drawing closer to Christ or farther away. As we follow the Lord we recognize our actions have consequences that affect our lives…both in this life and the life to come.
The presider’s chair in any Catholic Church is a place of authority, overseen by a bishop who is a successor to the apostles…of which St. Peter is the rock upon which Jesus builds His Church. May we draw strength from the Lord, our Great Shepherd, and offer our lives to care for those entrusted to us.
As the Lord attempts to teach the disciples he catches them arguing about who is the greatest. His response: to set before them a child…that as they welcome the innocent and vulnerable into their midst, they welcome Him.
Lent provides a wonderful opportunity to implement new actions that draw us closer to the Lord and one another. As we reflect on our current situation, consider ways that speak to our interests, and integrate the sacraments of the Church, we find ourselves poised to make this the best Lent ever.
Jesus says “Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you.” This command to love one another as God loves us will challenge our attitudes, actions and prayer as we strive to follow the Lord’s example of love.
On the mountain Jesus is transfigured, appearing to three disciples as he stands in Heaven. His transfiguration offers us hope, that as we carry our crosses and face the challenges of life we will have the strength and guidance we need.
Jesus invites us to “take up our Cross” and follow him. While God does not will suffering, the Lord permits it for the sake of a far greater commandment: Love one another. As we carry our crosses today, we do so out of love for one another, as the Lord – who shows his love on the Cross – loves us.
When Jesus asks the disciples “Who do you say that I am?” Peter gets it right…and then he gets it wrong. The Lord reminds us that we are called to think as God does…and not as human beings do!
As Jesus heals the blind man in the Gospel today, he shows how healing is often an intimate process that leads back to our relationships at home. May we set before the Lord whatever is wounded in our lives, trust in his process of healing, and renew the relationships within our families and friendships.
Jesus recalls how a little yeast can transform dough – making it grow larger into something new. In our spiritual lives this process can work for both good or evil, and we are invited today to embrace God’s grace into our hearts, changing us into daughters and sons of God.