The Acts of the Apostles recounts both the persecution and joy that the early Church experienced, showcasing how St. Philip carried on the mission of Jesus through his actions. As we face our challenges today, may we allow the grace of the Lord to give us the strength and wisdom we need.
Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Easter
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Peter and John show how the name of Jesus brings hope and life to a beggar. Following their example, we offer our lives today as a living witness to the power of God in the world.
Mass Readings – Wednesday of the Octave of Easter
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The readings today reveal the common theme of the life giving power of water to nourish and heal. This image in turn points to Christ, the source of all life. May we draw near to the Lord to be refreshed, so that we may in turn share His life with one another.
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 4th Week of Lent
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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.
While spending time with tax collectors and sinners, Jesus’ response to the scribes and pharisees offers us hope. The Lord’s willingness to bring healing and forgiveness to those in need reveals Christ’s longing for our redemption as well. May we follow the example of Levi and respond to the Lord’s call.
Mass Readings – Saturday after Ash Wednesday
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The Lord heals two people in the Gospel of Mark, inviting us to acknowledge our wounds and turn to Christ with trusting faith.
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 4th Week of the Year
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The Lord heals a man with a withered hand and is angry and grieved when he encounters a lack of charity and hardness of heart from the crowd.
Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 2nd Week of the Year
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Photo Credit: Jesus of Nazareth, 1977.
