The story of Joseph in the Book of Genesis recounts the power of reconciliation within a family. Joseph chooses the higher path and overcomes hatred and discord as he returns compassion toward his brothers. His example inspires us to examine our own families and actively seek opportunities to foster peace.
Mass Readings – Thursday of the 14th Week of the Year (St. Benedict)
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Catholic Inspiration Archives
The man brought to Jesus was healed of his affliction and forgiven of his sins. God longs to heal and restore our lives, and even when we are unable to initiate the process the Lord brings people around us to make his grace possible.
Mass Readings – Thursday of the 13th Week of the Year
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All of the readings today reveal the compassion of God that flows from the sacred heart of Christ. God’s mercy reaches out to us, invites us to reconcile, and urges us to turn away from our sins and toward the Lord. May we accept this amazing grace!
Mass Readings – The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
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Catholic Inspiration Archives
Jesus makes it clear in today’s Gospel reading (part of the Sermon on the Mount) that reconciliation is a non-negotiable aspect of Christian Life. Who do we need to reconcile with today? How can we take the first step in putting the Lord’s command into practice?
Mass Readings – Thursday of the 10th Week of the Year (St. Anthony of Padua)
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The encounter between Jesus and St. Peter offers us an example of the Lord’s gentle call to grow ever deeper in our love. God patiently meets us where we are and invites us to follow…may we respond!
Mass Readings – 3rd Sunday of Easter
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Study: Reflect on a time in life when you made a grave mistake or serious sin. How did you face it?
Pray: Is there something that is keeping you from the Lord or another person? Ask the Lord for the grace to reconcile.
Serve: Is there a situation in your life that offers you a chance to extend mercy? Consider ways to make it happen.
Mass Readings – 5th Sunday of Lent
Have you ever been clearly in the wrong? Made a mistake that was self-evident and completely your own fault? Don’t worry…you’re in good company. As much as we don’t like to admit it or claim it, we have all fallen short of the Lord’s commandments. We sin.
There are a couple of easy traps that we need to avoid:
What we find in the Gospel today is something in between that exemplifies God’s Mercy. The woman caught in adultery (where’s the man?!) is dragged before the Lord and forced to stand out in her shame as the people try to trap Jesus.
His response is profound. “Let the one among you who is without sin, be the first to throw a stone at her.” One by one the realization of their own sins causes the crowd to dwindle away; they have all fallen short, and they have all been in need of mercy.
Yet the Lord is not done. After all, he is the only one without sin in the group! He alone has the right to carry out judgment. Yet this is what he says:
“Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on do not sin.”
Note both points:
In light of this Gospel I suggest the following takeaways:
As we embark on the last weeks of Lent, may we never fear to approach the Lord in our sins. For as we honestly claim our faults we draw forgiveness from the one who came to save and set us free.
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If you are looking for more material to help you this Lent, you might consider this list of presentations I have offered over the last couple of years. Feel free to check it out and share if you find it helpful:
Podcast Resources for a Powerful Lent
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Note: This post was first published on March 8, 2016.
Photo Credit: The Passion of the Christ, 2004.
The parable of the Prodigal Son proclaims the tender compassion of the Father. In our wayward moments the Lord continues to run to us in our need, reaching out with mercy, forgiveness and love.
Mass Readings – 4th Sunday of Lent
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