Let’s take a look at some of the major themes we find in the readings for the 11th Sunday of Ordinary Time.
1st Reading – Ezekiel 17:22-24
The prophet offers the cedar as a sign of God’s restoration for the people of Israel, which will be ultimately fulfilled in the Kingdom of God.
God’s power reigns supreme over all creation.
Psalm – 92:2-3,13-14,15-16
“Lord, it is good to give thanks to you.”
God is praised for mighty deeds that bring blessings to those who live holy lives.
2nd Reading – 2nd Corinthians 5:6-10
We remain courageous as we follow the Lord in faith.
In both life and death we belong to the Lord, from whom we will receive recompense for the good or evil we have done.
Gospel – Mark 4:26-34
This passage offers two parables about the kingdom of God that highlight the contrast between the humble beginnings of a seed and the final glory of a mature plant.
The simple start of a small seed reminds us that God’s power touches the little and the lowly, resulting in a final creation beyond our expectation.
This six part retreat was given during Lent in 2021 at the Cathedral of Christ the King. Each session stands alone and can be heard in any order. However, they are listed below in the order they were given. May these reflections help us draw closer to Christ and one another.
Part 1 – Confronting Injustice – February 18, 2021
Part 2 – Jesus falls three times – February 25, 2021
This sixth and final installment of the Lent Retreat focuses on the reality of death in the last three Stations: Jesus dies, Jesus is taken down from the Cross and Jesus is laid in the tomb. As the Lord triumphed over death through his resurrection, we recognize that death is our doorway that leads to eternal life with Christ.
This Monday Conversation discusses the principal components of Mark and John’s Gospel account of the Passion, using the practice of Lectio Divina (Divine Reading) to help us enter into this great story of God’s love for humanity.
My photo of the 11th Station at Chiesa Nuova in Rome.
In this 5th installment of the Lent Retreat, Fr. Andrew talks about the sacrificial offering of Christ on the Cross…inspiring us to recognize the Crosses in our lives and carry them with the hope we have in the Lord’s triumph.
Daily Prayer is a crucial pillar in our spiritual lives. This Monday Conversation offers practical tips to examine how we can build a pattern that fits and adjusts to our particular circumstances.
This fourth installment of the Lenten Retreat focuses on the humiliation and shame associated with being stripped of dignity. As the Lord experiences some of the most painful aspects of mental anguish, we take comfort that he redeems it with His saving love.
