Sunday Reflections

I always think of this as ‘fickle’ Sunday.  It is the only Sunday in which we hear two Gospels – the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, and the Passion.  In the first the people shout, “Hosanna”, “Blessed is he”.  They welcome Him, and put down their cloaks and palm branches to form a carpet for the King of Israel.  Yet, a few days later, the same crowd (with the influence of the Pharisees) are shouting, “Crucify him!”  With which crowd do we want to associate?

There was a woman who was often short of breath and she started having pains in her arms and chest.  She finally went to the doctor and after being admitted to the hospital, she was told that she was placed on the transplant list.  She asked what the criterion was for a new heart.  The doctor told her, “You need one!” 

St. Paul reminds us of the generous and gracious nature of God’s love for us. There is nothing that we can possibly do to earn, merit, or deserve this love. It is a free gift. As a free gift, it is given with no strings attached. God will never force or coerce us into this relationship. Indeed, God wants a companion who willingly and freely enters into this relationship. If we can only but catch a glimpse of this love that God has for us, we will be drawn and moved by that love with our whole hearts.

The gospel of today often makes people question, “Is this my Jesus?” It seems out of character for Jesus, an act that we may regard as angry and violent.  Jesus, as God-made-man, Jesus knows our human weakness, and he comes to us as our Lord and Saviour to give us His divine grace to help us to ‘perfect’ our humanity.  It is written at the end of the Gospel, “He understands human nature well.”   However, especially during this Lenten season, Jesus calls us to purify ourselves in keeping with God’s will, as was His intention in chasing out the money-changers and vend

On this second Sunday of Lent we are invited to do two things: Pray and Listen. In the first reading Abraham is invited by God to sacrifice his only son. In the Gospel narrative Jesus takes three of his closest disciples up a high mountain and, "he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them."

            The Preface I for Lent might take us by surprise. It begins by thanking God for giving us “this gracious gift each year” so that we can prepare for the paschal feasts “with the joy of minds made pure.” This phrase stands in sharp contrast to the images that we tend to associate with Lent: penance, fasting, abstinence, not singing “Al----ia,” and austere looking churches with no flowers. For some, the Lenten season is a bit of a “downer”; they can hardly wait until it is over.

The power of touch is real.  Studies have shown how children respond when touched with care and love, and also how those deprived of human contact respond.  The differences are alarming!  The power of touch is also shown in the Sacred Scriptures, as a sign of blessing and the giving of life and power.  Jesus touched the leper and brought him healing.  This touch was forbidden by law, and brought even penalties in the Synagogue and Temple.  But, for Jesus, healing was more important.  Jesus continues to touch us, especially when we fervently and sincerely c

             Our readings today remind us of the importance of having a “prophetic voice.” Of course, this voice will only “speak with authority” if we are authentic people of integrity—people who are willing to be united in their thoughts, words, and actions. A lack of integrity undermines the message. This is why Jesus was so critical of some of the Pharisees who did not follow what they preached. In contrast, Jesus was willing to “shed blood” as a testimony to his commitment to have his actions conform to his teaching.

The Lord is forever calling us into deeper union with Him.  This Sunday, the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, he is calling us to a conversion, a change of heart.  His message is clear.  We hear the message, but we may hold out.  St.