|
 JOHN
4:5-42
THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT
(Exodus 17:3-7; Psalm 95; Romans 5:1-2, 5-8)
KEY VERSE: "The water that I will give will become in them a
spring of water gushing up to eternal life" (v 14).
READING: Jesus offered life-giving water to all who thirsted on
their spiritual journey. St. Augustine said, "It was for you that Jesus
was weary from the journey." Perhaps the Samaritan woman at the well was
nameless as she represents each person with whom Jesus had a personal
encounter. The woman who met Jesus at the well was despised as a
heretical Samaritan. Furthermore, her life was arid because of sin. At
first, the woman was suspicious of Jesus and argumentative, but as he
revealed her inner need, the woman changed her attitude. She addressed
him as "sir" and then as "prophet," but as the woman gradually
recognized Jesus as the Messiah, she finally saw him as her personal
Savior. Leaving her water jar behind, the woman ran off to tell the
people in the village that she found the Lord. Many believed on the
strength of the woman's testimony. Jesus' disciples had gone to the city
to buy food. When they returned, he asked them to pray for others, who
like the woman, would harvest the ripe field of souls that lay before
them.
REFLECTING: Have I shared Christ's life-giving water with others
this Lent?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, help me to be thirsty for you.
Note: On the
Third Sunday of Lent, we celebrate the First Scrutiny and Exorcism for
the Elect (RCIA, 150). When the elect, catechumens and candidates are
present, the story of the Woman at the Well is read (Jn 4). In the
Scrutiny Rites, those preparing for baptism at the Easter Vigil as well
as the entire assembly are called to examine the areas in their lives
where they thirst for God and need God's healing love. During the week
the presentation of the creed is celebrated with the elect (RCIA, 157).
|
 SCRUTINIES
̶ EXAMINING OUR LIVES: The primary way that the Church
assists those preparing for baptism (the catechumens, called the
elect after the celebration of the Rite of Election on the First
Sunday of Lent) in the conversion process during Lent is through
the celebration of the rites called Scrutinies. These ritual
celebrations are held on the Third, Fourth and Fifth Sundays of
Lent. On the Third Sunday we hear the story of the woman at the
well and her thirst for God. On the Fourth Sunday we hear the
story of the man born blind and the healing power of God in his
life. On the Fifth Sunday we hear the story of the raising of
Lazarus, which reminds us of our own dying and rising with
Christ in Baptism. The Scrutiny rites of Lent are communal
prayers celebrated to strengthen the elect to overcome the power
of sin in their lives and to grow in virtues. To scrutinize
something means to examine it closely. The community does not
scrutinize the elect; they scrutinize their own lives and allow
God to scrutinize them and to heal them. Since all of us are
called to continual conversion throughout our lives, we join
with the elect in scrutinizing our own lives and praying to God
for the grace to overcome the power of sin that still has a hold
on us, and to be strengthened in the virtues. |
LUKE 4:24-30
(2 Kings 5:1-15b; Psalm 42)
KEY VERSE: "Amen, I say to you, no
prophet is accepted in his own native place" (v 24).
READING: The people of Nazareth were amazed at Jesus' teaching, but they
were skeptical as to where he got his authority. If he performed so many
miracles elsewhere, why had he not worked any in his own hometown? Jesus
said that prophets were never accepted by their own people. He compared
his ministry to the prophets Elijah and Elisha who were rejected by
their own, yet brought healing and hope to Gentiles (1 Kgs 17; 2 Kgs
5). The people were angered by Jesus' words. They were so sure that they
were God's people that they believed that the Gentiles were nothing but
fuel for the fires of hell. And Jesus, whom they all knew, was preaching
as if the Gentiles were specially favored by God. Outraged, the people
dragged him from the synagogue and attempted to throw him over a cliff,
yet he miraculously eluded them. This incident prefigured the
persecution that Jesus continually faced. He would find no escape from
his ultimate fate on Calvary.
REFLECTING: Pray for missionaries
around the world who face suffering, persecution and death for the sake
of the gospel.
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, help me to
listen to your voice today.
MATTHEW 18:21-35
(Daniel 3:25, 34-43; Psalm 25)
KEY VERSE: "So will my heavenly
Father do to you, unless each of you forgives his brother from his
heart" (v 25).
READING: Discipline is important
within the Christian community, but it is more important that the Church
manifest the mercy of God. As a leader of the community, Peter asked
Jesus how often he must forgive a fellow disciple. In the Old Testament,
Lamech, a descendant of Cain, exacted a "seventy-sevenfold"
vengeance, meaning unlimited retaliation for injury (Gn 4:23-24). The
rabbis of Jesus' time taught that forgiveness should be offered another
person at least three times, and Peter increased the number to seven.
However, Jesus said that Christian forgiveness must be infinite
("seventy-seven times," Matt 18:22). He illustrated this with a parable
in which a master forgave his servant a huge debt that he had no way of
repaying. But later, when the man met a fellow servant who owed him a
much smaller debt, he demanded immediate payment. When the debtor begged
for mercy, the servant refused and cast him into prison. Jesus warned
his followers that Gods' compassion toward us would correspond to our
own willingness to extend mercy and forgiveness to others (Mt 6:14-15).
REFLECTING: Who do I need to
forgive this Lent?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, grant me the
grace to ask for forgiveness of those I have offended.
MATTHEW 5:17-19
(Deuteronomy 4:1, 5-9; Psalm 147)
KEY VERSE: "But whoever obeys and
teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the kingdom of
heaven" (v 19b).
READING: Like Moses, Jesus taught
his followers that the Law of God had lasting validity and must be
obeyed. Jesus emphasized the permanency of God's Law by saying that not
even the tiniest flourish (yod) of the smallest letter (iota) in the
Hebrew alphabet would pass from the Law until its fulfillment in the
final age. Jesus' dispute with the religious leaders was not with the
Law itself, but with their legalistic interpretation. Jesus deepened and
widened the meaning of the Law through his words and works. He said that
those who taught others that justice and charity was the true purpose of
God's Law, and practiced it through love of God and one another, would
inherit a place in God's kingdom. Those who willfully disregarded God's
Law would be excluded from God's reign.
REFLECTING: Do I give good example
by my respect for God's Law?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, help me to be
guided by God's Law in all I do this Lent.
LUKE 11:14-23
(Jeremiah 7:23-28; Psalm 95)
KEY VERSE: "Every kingdom divided
against itself will be laid waste and house will fall against house" (v
17).
READING: Jesus was accused of
casting out devils by the power of "Beelzebul" (meaning 'lord of the
lofty dwelling,' the pagan god Baal of Syria). Jesus pointed out the
absurdity of this accusation. He asked the crowd whether their own
people performed exorcisms in the name of God or in Satan's name. If
Satan (meaning adversary) used his power to cast out demons, then Satan
was working against himself and would eventually be defeated. Jesus was
the "one mightier" prophesied by John the Baptist (Lk 3:16). Every word
and act of Jesus' ministry was an attack on Satan's stronghold. Like
Moses, Jesus power came from the "finger of God" (Ex 8:15). Whoever did
not join Jesus in his opposition of evil assisted the adversary in his
attempt to destroy God's realm.
REFLECTING: Do I trust in God's
power to protect my household from evil?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, help me this
Lent to oppose evil wherever I see it.
MARK 12:28-34
(Hosea 14:2-10; Psalm 81)
KEY VERSE: "There is no other
commandment greater than these" (v 31).
READING: The scribes were the
learned interpreters of the Law of Moses. They expanded the Ten
Commandments given to Moses into 613 greater and lesser rules and
regulations. One scribe recognized Jesus' skill as a teacher, and asked
him which one of the Mosaic Laws was the greatest. Jesus recognized the
scribe's sincere search for truth, and he summed up the entire Law with
two basic decrees, which he saw as inseparable. They were the laws upon
which all the other commandments were based: to love God with one's
entire being, and to love one's neighbor as oneself. The scribe declared
that the love of God and neighbor was worth more than any religious acts
that one could perform. Because the scribe understood this principle, he
moved a step closer to God's reign.
REFLECTING: Is my love of God
demonstrated by the way I love my neighbor? Do I have a healthy self
love?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, help me to
love others this Lent, with the love you have shown to me.
 April
Fool's Day
Ancient cultures, including those as varied as the Romans and the
Hindus, celebrated New Year's Day on April 1, which closely follows the
vernal equinox (March 20th or March 21st.). In medieval times, much of
Europe celebrated March 25, the Feast of Annunciation, as the beginning
of the new year. In 1582, Pope Gregory XIII ordered a new calendar (the
Gregorian Calendar) to replace the old Julian Calendar. The new calendar
called for New Year's Day to be celebrated January 1. Communications
being what they were in those days, many people did not receive the news
for several years. Others refused to accept the new calendar and
continued to celebrate the new year on April 1. These backward folk,
labeled as "fools," were subject to ridicule and made the butt of
practical jokes. "The first of April is the
day we remember what we are the other 364 days of the year."
- Mark Twain
LUKE 18:9-14
(Hosea 6:1-6; Psalm 51)
KEY VERSE: "For everyone who
exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be
exalted" (v 14).
READING: The Pharisees were a sect
within Judaism that carefully observed the written law. In opposition to
the Sadducees, the Pharisees also followed the traditional oral law, the
613 decrees beyond the Ten Commandments. Pharisees regarded themselves
as the "separated ones" because of their staunch adherence of the law in
contrast to what they assumed was the sinful behavior of the rest of
humanity. Jesus compared the self-righteous attitude of the Pharisee
with that of a humble tax-collector (Publican). This Pharisee regarded
himself as superior to others, especially the tax-collector whom he held
in contempt. The arrogant Pharisee did not even ask God to pardon his
sins. The tax collector, on the other hand, acknowledged his sinfulness,
and humbly prayed that God would forgive him. Jesus declared that it was
the tax-collector who was justified before God because he repented of
his sins and confessed his need for salvation.
REFLECTING: Does my pride get in
the way of serving God and others?
PRAYING: Pray the ancient Jesus
Prayer: Lord Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.
With broken heart and contrite sigh, a trembling sinner, Lord, I cry.
Thy pardoning grace is rich and free, O God, be merciful to me!
 Memorial
of Francis of Paola, hermit
Francis
was born at Paola, Italy and when he was fifteen he became a hermit. In
1436, he and two companions began a community where they led a
eremitical life. Some fifteen years later Francis set a Rule for his
followers emphasizing penance, charity, and humility, and added to the
three monastic vows, one of fasting and abstinence from meat. He was
credited with many miracles and had the gifts of prophesy and insight
into people's hearts. The Order was approved by Pope Sixtus IV in 1474
with the name Hermits of St. Francis of Assisi. In 1492 they were
renamed the Franciscan Order of Minim Friars, which means
"the least of the family of God." Francis'
fame was such that the Pope ordered him to
France, as the dying King Louis XI felt he could be cured by Francis.
The king was not
cured, but was so comforted that Louis' son Charles VIII became
Francis' friend and endowed several monasteries for the Minims. Francis
spent the rest of his life at the monastery of Plessis, France, which
Charles built for him. Francis died there on April 2nd and was canonized
in 1519.
 JOHN
9:1-41
FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT
(1 Samuel 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a; Psalm 23; Ephesians 5:8-14)
KEY VERSE: "One thing I do know is
that I was blind and now I see" (v 25).
READING: Jesus told his disciples
that no follower of his would walk in darkness but would have the "light
of life" (Jn 8:12). During the seven day feast of "Tabernacles," the
temple area was illuminated with torches. On the last day of the
festival, water from the pool of Siloam was poured on the altar in
thanksgiving for the rain that assured a good harvest. Jesus declared
that he was the fountain of "living water" that brought forth new life
(7:37-38). He was the "light of the world" who enlightened those in
darkness (9:4). The story of the man born blind illustrated these two
sayings of Jesus. The man was blind from birth, and when Jesus saw him,
he made a mixture of clay and salvia and put it on the blind man's eyes.
Then Jesus told the man to wash in the pool of Siloam, and when he did
so, he was cured. The Pharisees were spiritually blind, and they accused
Jesus of breaking the Sabbath Law by healing the man. But the man knew
that his healing had come from God, and he fell at Jesus' feet and
acknowledged him as "Lord." This story was a popular feature of
Baptismal ceremonies in the early Church. St. Augustine said, "The blind
man is the whole human race."
REFLECTING: In what ways am I
helping to guide those journeying to baptism this Lent?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, you are a
lamp to my feet, leading me to the waters of your healing grace.
Note:
On the Fourth Sunday of Lent, we celebrate the Second Scrutiny and
Exorcism for the Elect (RCIA, 165). When the elect, catechumens and
candidates are present, the story of the Man Born Blind is read (Jn 9).
In the Scrutiny Rites, those preparing for baptism at the Easter Vigil
as well as the entire assembly are called to examine the areas in their
lives that block God's love and blind them to God's healing presence.
JOHN 4:43-54
(Isaiah 65:17-21; Psalm 30)
KEY VERSE: "Jesus said to him, `Your son will live,' and he and
his whole household came to believe" (v 53).
READING: Jesus returned to Cana in Galilee where he had changed
water to wine (Jn 2:1-12), the first "sign" or self-revelation of God's
mighty work. A royal official approached Jesus and begged him to heal
his dying son. Jesus was dismayed because the people refused to believe
in him unless they witnessed "signs and wonders" (v 48). When the man
begged him a second time, Jesus told him that his son would live. On the
strength of Jesus' word, the official returned to his home. On the way,
his servants met him and announced that the man's son had recovered at
the very hour that Jesus declared he would live. The official and his
whole household believed in Jesus' saving power. This was the second
sign that Jesus performed in Cana in Galilee.
REFLECTING: Do I put my trust in the Lord's word?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, help me to have faith even when I don't see
your signs.
 Optional
Memorial of Isidore, bishop and doctor of the Church
Isidore was born at Cartagena,
Spain, about 560. On the death of his elder brother Leander, Isidore
succeeded to the See of Seville. He presided over the Second Council of
Seville in 619. But it was the Fourth National Council of Toledo 633
that afforded him the opportunity of being of the greatest service to
his county. It was at this council and through his influence that a
decree was promulgated commanding all bishops to establish seminaries in
their Cathedral Cities, along the lines of the school already existing
at Seville. Isidore was the first Christian writer to compile a summa of
universal knowledge, ancient as well as modern. Isidore was undoubtedly
the most learned man of his age and exercised an immeasurable influence
on the educational life of the Middle Ages. He died April 4, 636, and
was proclaimed a Doctor of the Church by Pope Benedict XIV in 1722, and
he became the leading candidate for patron of computer users and the
Internet in 1999.
Reading the holy Scriptures confers two benefits. It trains the mind
to understand them; it turns man's attention from the follies of the
world and leads him to the love of God. St. Isidore
JOHN 5:1-16
(Ezekiel 47:1-9, 12; Psalm 46)
KEY VERSE: "Rise, take up your mat, and walk" (v 8).
READING: The healing of the paralytic by the pool of Bethesda was
Jesus' third "sign," or self-revelation, in John's gospel. Modern
excavations have uncovered the Bethesda pool with its five porticos
where Jesus healed the man who had been crippled for 38 years. A popular
belief of this time was that when the water became turbulent (caused by
a sudden inflow through the drain) the first person to get into the pool
would be cured (v 4, the account of an angel stirring up the waters is
missing from early Greek manuscripts and is probably a later addition).
When Jesus asked the crippled man if he wanted to be healed, the man
explained that no one ever helped him into the water (a baptismal
symbol). Jesus' powerful word restored the man to full health, but the
healing was surrounded by disbelief and accusations that Jesus violated
the law by curing on the Sabbath. Jesus warned them that it was sin,
more than physical infirmity, prevented a person from responding to
God's grace.
REFLECTING: In what ways do I need to "rise and walk"?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, heal me of everything that makes me weak and
unable to walk in your grace.
 Optional
Memorial of Vincent Ferrer, priest
Despite parental opposition, Vincent Ferrer entered the Dominican Order
in his native Spain at age 19. After brilliant studies, he was ordained
a priest by Cardinal Peter de Luna—who would figure tragically in his
life. Vincent was chosen prior of the Dominican house in Valencia
shortly after his ordination. The Western Schism divided Christianity
first between two, then three, popes. Clement VII lived at Avignon in
France, Urban VI in Rome. Vincent was convinced the election of Urban
was invalid and in the service of Cardinal de Luna, he worked to
persuade Spaniards to follow Clement. When Clement died, Cardinal de
Luna became Benedict XIII. Vincent tried unsuccessfully to persuade his
former friend to resign, but the new pope did not resign as all
candidates in the conclave had sworn to do. Vincent concluded that
Benedict was not the true pope. Though very ill, Vincent mounted the
pulpit before an assembly over which Benedict was presiding and
thundered his denunciation of the man who had ordained him a priest.
Benedict fled for his life, abandoned by those who had formerly
supported him. Strangely, Vincent had no part in the Council of
Constance, which ended the schism. Vincent had the gift of tongues and
was a miracle worker. He is a Doctor of theology.
Ask God simply to fill you with charity, the greatest of all virtues;
with it you can accomplish what you desire. St. Vincent Ferrer
JOHN 5:17-30
(Isaiah 49:8-15; Psalm 145)
KEY VERSE: "My Father is at work until now, so I am at work" (v
17).
READING: In Jesus' day, a son learned his trade by watching his
father at work. Thus, Jesus learned carpentry from his earthly father
Joseph. Similarly, Jesus imitated his heavenly Father's creative and
redemptive work in everything he said and did. When Jesus was accused of
violating the Sabbath law by healing a cripple (Jn 5:1-16), he declared
that God's activity was ongoing. Jesus did not act on his own accord; he
only did what the Father did. Jesus received divine power from the
Father to exercise judgment and authority over life and death. Jesus'
word brought healing and life to those who believed in the One who sent
him, and condemnation to those who did not. At the last judgment, all
who hear his voice and obey his word will be raised to eternal life.
REFLECTING: Do I reveal God's saving work by what I say and do?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, help me to be a faithful son or daughter to
your Father.
JOHN 5:31-47
(Exodus 32:7-14; Psalm 106)
KEY VERSE: "If I testify on my own behalf, my testimony cannot be
verified" (v 31).
READING: Jewish law prohibited persons from testifying on their
own behalf. Two or three witnesses were needed to give evidence
regarding any offense that may have been committed (Dt 19:15). However,
Jesus presented four valid witnesses for the truth of his words. First,
John the Baptist was a "lamp" that gave witness to the "light" that
Jesus came to reveal (Jn 1:7). Second, the works that Jesus accomplished
testified that God had sent him. Third, the scriptures gave witness to
Jesus, but while people searched the scriptures to find life, they
refused to come to Jesus who was God's life-giving word (Jn 1:1).
Finally, God the Father gave the conclusive testimony. No one had ever
seen the invisible God, nor heard God's voice, yet God was fully
revealed in Jesus Christ, God's Son.
READING: Do I give testimony to Jesus by what I say and do?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, help me to recognize you in your word and
works all around me.
 Optional
Memorial of John Baptist de la Salle, priest
John Baptist de la Salle
founded the Brothers of the Christian Schools (Christian Brothers),
established and supported academic education for all boys, not just the
nobility. John instituted the process of dividing students into grades.
He established the first teacher's school, and started high schools and
trade schools. He liquidated his personal fortune, and his Brothers
expected him to use it to further his education goals, but he surprised
them by saying they would have to depend on Providence. The money was
given away to the poor in the form of bread during the great famine of
1683-84. John kept only enough to endow a salary for himself similar to
that which the Brothers received so he wouldn't be a burden on them. He
was proclaimed the patron of all teachers of youth by Pope Pius XII in
1950.
JOHN 7:1-2, 10, 25-30
(Wisdom 2:1a, 12-22; Psalm 34)
KEY VERSE: "I did not come on my own, but the one who sent me,
whom you do not know, is true" (v 28).
READING: Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles were major feasts
that the Jews celebrated annually. The Feast of Tabernacles was also
known as the Feast of Booths, or in Hebrew, Sukkot. During the seven day
feast, the people dwelt in branched "booths" (or tents). This was a
commemoration of the time when their ancestors lived in tents during
their wilderness journey (Lev 23:43). The people offered thanksgiving
for the the temple, the place of worship given them to them in the
Promised Land (1 Kgs 8:2; 12:32). Thanksgiving was also offered for the
crops harvested that year (Deut 16:13; Ex 23:16). When some relatives of
Jesus urged him to go to the feast and publicly perform his miracles, he
knew that his life would be at risk. So Jesus went in secret and while
he was there he taught in the temple. Some people who knew his human
origin questioned whether Jesus could be the Messiah. They knew that his
home was in Nazareth; they knew who his parents and who his brothers and
sisters were. There was no mystery about that. But popular belief held
that the Messiah would appear suddenly upon the world and no one would
know where he had come from. Jesus declared that he had not come on his
own. He had been sent by God, the one whom they did not know.
REFLECTING: Do I help others understand God's revelation through
Jesus?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, dwell with me throughout my life's journey.
JOHN 7:40-53
(Jeremiah 11:18-20; Psalm 7)
KEY VERSE: "So a division occurred in the crowd because of him"
(v 43).
READING: The Jewish Feast of Tabernacles (Hebrew, Sukkot) was a
commemoration of the exodus and a thanksgiving for the rain that brought
forth the harvest. While Jesus was attending the festival, he proclaimed
that he was the source of the "living water" of the Spirit (Jn 7:37-38;
1 Cor.10:4). The people were divided in their opinion of Jesus, as it
was believed that the Messiah would come from David's city of Bethlehem
in Judea (Mi 5:1). Jesus was from Galilee, the region of the gentiles,
which was belittled because of its large pagan population. The temple
police did not arrest Jesus because they were impressed by his words.
The religious leaders contemptuously retorted that only the unlearned
crowd believed in Jesus. Nicodemus, a doctor of the law who had a
personal encounter with Jesus (Jn 3:1-21), defended him. The religious
leaders sarcastically told Nicodemus to look in the Scriptures and find
out the Messiah's origin for himself. Although they searched the
scriptures to find eternal life, they did not realize that God's Word
gave testimony to Jesus who was the resurrection and the life.
REFLECTING: Do I defend my faith when others demean it?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, help me to know you in a personal way as
Nicodemus did.
 JOHN
11:1-45
FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT
(Ezekiel 37:12-14; Psalm 130; Romans 8:8-11)
KEY VERSE: "I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes
in me, even if he dies, will live" (v 25).
READING: Martha and Mary sent word to Jesus that their brother
Lazarus was dying, and to come immediately to the village of Bethany
where they lived. The disciples feared for Jesus' life as the town was
near Jerusalem. Jesus knew his fate awaited him in the Holy City, yet he
declared that God's glory would be revealed so that all might believe.
Jesus was delayed in coming, and upon his arrival, Martha told Jesus
that he was too late; her brother had already died. Martha reproached
Jesus for not coming sooner, yet she was confident that God would grant
whatever he asked. Jesus told her that he was the resurrection with
power over life and death. Like Peter, Martha confessed her faith in
Jesus as the "Messiah, the Son of God" (Mt 16:16). With a powerful
command, Jesus raised Lazarus to life, a symbol of Christ's own
resurrection and our rising to new life in Baptism. Ironically, it was
this gift of life that would lead to Jesus' own death.
REFLECTING: Does my parish have a bereavement ministry to assist
those grieving over loss of a loved one?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, raise me to new life in you.
Note: On the Fifth Sunday of Lent,
we celebrate the Third Scrutiny of the Elect (RCIA, 171). When the
elect, catechumens and candidates are present, the story of the Raising
of Lazarus is read (Jn 11). In the Scrutiny Rites, those preparing for
baptism at the Easter Vigil as well as the entire assembly are called to
examine the areas in their lives that block God's love and discover
where they are entombed in sin and need to experience the life of the
risen Christ. During this week the Presentation of the Lord's Prayer is
celebrated with the elect (RCIA, 178).
JOHN 8:1-11
(Daniel 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30,
33-62; Psalm 23)
KEY VERSE: "Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw
a stone at her" (v 7).
READING: One day, when Jesus was teaching in the temple, the religious leaders
brought a
woman to him whom they accused of adultery. Hoping to catch Jesus in a
contradiction of the law, they asked his opinion whether or not she should be put
to death as commanded by the Mosaic law (Lv 20:10). Jesus was in a dilemma as
Roman law prohibited Jews from administering capital punishment.
Yet if he he pardoned her it might appear
that he had no regard for the law.
Silently, Jesus
stooped down and wrote in the sand. Although it is not known what he wrote, it
may have been the sins of each accuser. When they
demanded an answer, Jesus told them that the one without sin should cast the first
stone. One by one the woman's accusers departed and Jesus was left alone with
her. He had not come to judge her, but to save her (Jn 8:15).
REFLECTING: Am I quick to judge the faults of others?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, thank you for setting me free from my sins.
 Memorial of Stanislaus, bishop and
martyr
Stanislaus was
born of noble parents near Cracow, Poland. After his
ordination he became noted for his preaching, and was much
sought after as a spiritual adviser. Stanislaus was
successful in his reforming efforts, and in 1072 was named
Bishop of Cracow. (Many centuries later, John Paul II was
also bishop of Cracow before he became pope).
Bishop
Stanislaus won the love of all the people, especially for
the way he cared for the poor, the widows and the orphans.
However,
Stanislaus
incurred the enmity of
Poland's king
Boleslaus the Bold when he denounced his cruelties and
injustices and especially his kidnapping of the beautiful
wife of a nobleman. Stanislaus excommunicated the king and
stopped services at the Cathedral when Boleslaus entered.
King Boleslaus ordered his guards to kill Stanislaus three
times and failed. On April 11, 1079, the king himself rushed
into the bishop's chapel and murdered Stanislaus as he was
celebrating Mass. God worked many miracles after Stanislaus'
death. He was canonized by Pope Innocent IV in 1253 and is
the principle patron of Cracow.
JOHN 8:21-30
(Numbers 21:4-9; Psalm 102)
KEY VERSE: "When you lift up the Son of Man, you will realize that I AM,
and that I do nothing on my own" (v 28).
READING: Jesus uttered a warning against those who
persisted in their unbelief. Only those who believed in him could go with him to
the Father; those who opposed him would die in their sins. The unbelievers
sarcastically asked Jesus if he intended to kill himself. The irony was that Jesus
would freely lay down his life on the cross. He compared his being
"lifted up" on the cross to the bronze serpent that Moses elevated in
the desert to heal those who had been bitten by poisonous
snakes (Nm 21:4-9). The cross was a
paradoxical symbol of life and death, sin and grace,
suffering and healing. Once Jesus was
exalted on the cross, unbelievers would realize that he and the Father were
one; Jesus did nothing on his own.
REFLECTING: Gaze upon a crucifix and contemplate its meaning
for your life.
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, heal me by the mercy of your cross.
JOHN 8:31-42
(Daniel 3:14-20, 91-92, 95; Psalm: Daniel 3)
KEY VERSE: "So if the son frees you, then you will truly be free"
(v 36).
READING: Throughout history, Israel had been enslaved by one foreign nation
after another. In the time of Jesus they were subject to the Roman Empire. Jesus
said that if
people really lived by his words, they would be free from oppression. Thinking that Jesus
meant political freedom, his enemies boasted that they had never been subjected to
anyone. They were free sons of Abraham, and needed no liberator. Jesus told
them that ancestral heritage did not make one a child of Abraham. Abraham's
children were the true believers who followed his example of faith and trust in God. Jesus said that if they really knew God as
their Father, they would believe that God had sent him.
Since God is
the source of all truth, then the closer we listen to God's
word, the more we grow in the the knowledge and wisdom
of God's truth, which liberates us from doubts, illusions, and fears.
REFLECTING: Does slavery to sin
hold me in bondage?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, free me from everything that enslaves me.
 Optional
Memorial of Martin I, pope and martyr
Martin
became Pope on July 5, 649. There was great turmoil in the
Church over the Monothelite heresy*.
Pope Martin convened a council of 105 bishops which
condemned the heresy. The Emperor Constans responded by
sending General Olympius to take the Pope in bonds to
Constantinople. Olympius did not dare to touch the Pope
himself, so he sent one of his men into the church with a
sword to kill Martin. As the soldier entered the church, he
was instantly blinded. The Emperor then sent General
Theodore to do the job, under the pretense that Martin was
in league with the godless Saracens and did not reverence
the Mother of God. When he read the charges to the Pope,
Martin refuted them as preposterous. Nevertheless, Theodore
bound him and took him to Constantinople. He was imprisoned
there and ill-treated. Two years later, in 655, Martin died.
* Monothelitism was condemned as
heretical by the Third Council of Constantinople in 680. It
that taught that Jesus Christ had two natures but only one
will. This is contrary to the more common Christology that
Jesus Christ has two wills (human and divine) corresponding
to his two natures.
JOHN 8:51-59
(Genesis 17:3-9; Psalm 105)
KEY VERSE: "Amen, Amen, I say to you, before Abraham came to be, I AM"
(v 58).
READING: Jesus said that those who were true to his words would never see
death. The unbelievers scoffed, saying that all
of the prophets had died, and even the great
father Abraham was dead. Did Jesus claim to be greater than them? Jesus
answered
that he did not glorify himself, but Abraham rejoiced that the divine
promises were fulfilled in him. His enemies mocked Jesus
asking if he claimed
to have seen Abraham. Jesus used the divine name of God, "I AM,"
declaring that he existed before Abraham. His enemies were scandalized. Did Jesus
claim equality with God? The penalty for blasphemy was death by stoning (Lv
24:16), but Jesus was able to evade their attempt to kill him.
REFLECTING: Do I show respect for the name of God?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, help me to trust your promise of eternal life.
JOHN 10:31-42
(Jeremiah 20:10-13; Psalm 18)
KEY VERSE: "I have shown you many good works from my Father. For which of
these are you trying to stone me?" (v 31).
READING: During the festival of the Dedication (Hanukah), Jesus was
walking in the temple precincts. People gathered
around and asked, "How long will you keep us in
suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly" (v 24). When Jesus announced that he and the Father were one (v 30),
they
charged him with blasphemy for claiming to be equal to God and they tried to stone
him. Jesus told them that he had spent his days healing the sick,
feeding the hungry, and comforting the sorrowing, which
showed that he had come from God. For which of these deeds did they wish to
stone him? They answered
that it was not for anything he had done; it was the
claim that he was the Son of God. Jesus declared that even the judges of Israel were likened
to "gods" because they mediated God's words and justice (Ex 21:6; Ps
82:6). Jesus was consecrated by God and acted in the power of the divine name
("I AM"). He told his enemies that if they could not believe in
him, at least they should believe in his works. At these words, they tried to arrest him, but
he
eluded them
again. Like the prophet Jeremiah, Jesus suffered rejection
because of his message.
REFLECTING: Am I grateful that Christ has sent me to do his work?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, thank you for the divine life you share with me.
JOHN 11:45-56
(Ezekiel 37:21-28; Psalm: Jeremiah 31)
KEY VERSE: "It is better for you that one man should die instead of the
people, so that the whole nation may not perish" (v
50).
READING: When Jesus raised Lazarus to life (Jn
11:44), many came to believe in him.
Others informed the Sanhedrin ("Great Assembly")
about Jesus' deed. This religious council was composed of the elders, the priests
(mostly Sadducees) and the Scribes (mostly Pharisees). They
feared that if Jesus was
allowed to continue his teachings, the people would acclaim him
to be the Messiah. If that happened, the
wrath of the Roman Empire would be brought down upon
them. Therefore, a plot was contrived to
kill Jesus. Without realizing the importance of his words,
Caiaphas, the high
priest at the time (18-36 CE), said
that it would be better for one man to die in order to
preserve the entire nation. It is ironic
that the gift of life offered to Lazarus would lead to Jesus' own death.
REFLECTING: How do I give myself for the sake of others?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, help me to trust my life to God's plan.
MATTHEW 26:14 ̶ 27:66
(or
27:11-54)
PALM SUNDAY OF THE LORD'S PASSION
(Isaiah 50:4-7; Psalm 22; Philippians 2:6-11)
KEY VERSE: "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (27:46b).
READING: Jesus prepared to eat the Passover with his disciples on "the
first day of Unleavened Bread" (Mt 26:17a), an
agricultural feast that coincided with Passover
commemorating the deliverance from slavery in
Egypt. The meal probably took place on the evening before the first day of
Passover. During this time, Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus' own disciples, agreed
to betray Jesus for the petty sum of "thirty pieces of silver" (v 15),
the compensation for a wounded slave (Ex 21:32). During the ritual action of the
Passover Feast, Jesus gave his own body and blood to his disciples as food and
drink. Then singing songs of praise (the Hallel Psalms 113-118), Jesus set out
to the "Mount of Olives" (Mt 26:30) where death lay ahead. Though
Peter affirmed his undying loyalty, Jesus declared that he would deny him three
times before the cock crowed at dawn. In the
garden of Gethsemane, meaning "olive-press," Jesus prayed alone
in agony to accept the suffering and death that awaited him. Jesus was arrested
and his followers deserted him. In the morning, the religious leaders conferred
against Jesus, and handed him over to be tried by Pontius Pilate,
the Roman
governor. Jesus was mocked, beaten and led away to be executed between two
criminals on Golgotha ("Place of a Skull" or
"Calvary" in English). On the cross, Jesus felt abandoned by all, even
by God. When the Roman Centurion witnessed
Jesus’ death, he could not deny that "this man was God's
Son!" (v 54).
REFLECTING: When have I denied the Lord?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, help me to be faithful to you as I carry my cross.
Note: The crimes during the
Passion of Christ cannot be attributed to all Jews of that time, nor to Jews
today. The Jewish people should not be referred to as though rejected or cursed,
as if this view followed from Scripture. The Church ever keeps in mind that
Jesus, his mother Mary, and the Apostles all were Jewish. As the Church has
always held, Christ freely suffered his passion and death because of the sins of
all, that all might be saved. -- Bishops' Committee for Ecumenical and Inter-religious Affairs
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 ST.
ISIDORE, PATRON OF THE INTERNET
St. Isidore of Seville (601) was one of
the most learned men of his day. Among his prolific works, he wrote a
rule for Religious Orders, a dictionary, an encyclopedia, a history of
the Goths, and a history of the world beginning with creation. He was
proclaimed Doctor of the Church by Pope Benedict XIV in 1722 (Feast Day
April 4). St. Isidore is being considered as patron saint of computer
users and the Internet. He writes: All spiritual growth comes from
reading and reflection. By reading we learn what we did not know; by
reflection we retain what we have learned. Reading the Holy Scriptures
confers two benefits. It trains the mind to understand them; it turns
our attention from the follies of the world and leads us to the love of
God.
"We need to enter into this modern and increasingly active network of
information with realism and trust, knowing that if it is used with
competence and attentive responsibility, it can offer valid
opportunities for the spreading of the Gospel message" Pope John
Paul II, May 12, 2002
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