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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Jesus offers a parable that speaks to our hearts. When we are caught in pride and selfishness, the words of the tax collector can restore our perspective and need for the Lord. As we reflect on our sins and shortcomings may we call out and say, “O God, be merciful to me, a sinner.”
Mass Readings – Saturday of the 3rd Week of Lent
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Peter’s question is followed by a parable that underscores the crucial role of forgiveness in the life of a disciple of Jesus Christ. It begs the question: who do we need to forgive today? May the words of the Lord inspire us to forgive one another as God forgives us.
Mass Reading – Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Lent
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Study: Reflect on your life for a moment. When was a time you really (REALLY) messed up? When was a time you were upset that others didn’t “get what they deserve” when it came to punishment?
Pray: What in your life needs God’s forgiveness and mercy right now? Ask for the Lord’s grace.
Serve: How can you reach out to others, to foster reconciliation and a new beginning? How can you help heal a situation in your life?
Mass Readings – 4th Sunday of Lent
Who doesn’t know the parable of the Prodigal Son? This story told by Jesus has 3 main characters:
Let’s start with the Younger Son. He messes up – no question about that. He presumes his inheritance, wastes it on sinful living, and is reduced to abject poverty through his own fault. Finally, at the end of his rope he comes to his senses and asks for mercy, if only to be a servant in his Father’s house.
The Older Son is dutiful, hard working, and faithful. He does his duty and carries out every command. Yet when he hears how the Father celebrates his younger brother’s return he is angry…it’s not fair!
Finally the Father. Note how the Father goes out to both of his sons. The Father takes the initiative:
Perhaps we might use the next few days to consider this simple question: Which Son am I? Have I made some really bad mistakes, caused harm, and wounded relationships with others? Have I held on to a grudge, nursing old injuries, unwilling to forgive and seek reconciliation? Or perhaps we are a mixture of both – making our share of messes and denying mercy to those in need.
Whatever we discover about ourselves, we will find our Father who comes to meet us where we are and lead us to a deeper level of grace. May we return to the Lord in our need and be filled with the grace of healing reconciliation.
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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 February 29, 2016.
The prophet Micah offers words of comfort and hope, reminding us that in the midst of our penitential practices in this season of Lent, we trust in the Lord’s mercy and forgiveness of our sins.
Mass Readings – Saturday of the 2nd Week of Lent
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