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First Sunday of Lent - Year A
Gen 2:7-9; 3:1-7
Rom 5:12-19
Matthew 4:1-11
Welcome
to the Season of Lent. Now is the time to slow down and ponder the
important things in our relationship with God. Jesus shows us the
way in today's Gospel as he confronts the devil. Jesus tells him
that "One does not live on bread alone, but on every word that
comes from the mouth of God." Again, Jesus says, "You
shall not put the Lord, God to the test." Finally, Jesus says,
"The Lord your God, you worship and him alone shall you serve."
Trust
in God. Do not test God. Serve God alone. Three very simple rules.
If we were to wake up each morning during this Lenten Season and
say, "Today, I will trust you, never test you, always serve
you," we would most definitely grow in holiness.
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Second Sunday of Lent
Gen 12:1-4a
2 Timothy 1:8b-10
Matthew 17:1-9
God
calls, we listen, and we are sent.
In
the first reading this weekend, we hear that Abraham has been called
by God to leave his homeland and go to a land that God will show
him. Abraham is not aware of what the Lord has in store for him.
He simply listens to the Lord's command and follows.
The
Gospel invites us to see the transfiguration of the Lord. More importantly,
it invites us to hear the words spoke from God in heaven. "This
is my beloved Son with whom I am well pleased. Listen to him!"
By listening to the Son, we listen to the Father, for as Jesus says,
"The Father and I are one."
Lent
offers an opportunity to listen. We must quiet ourselves before
the Lord in order to hear His voice. As Christian Stewards, we know
that we must receive in order to give. If we aren't open to receiving
the message of God in our daily loves, how can we be effective communicators
of the Lord's will?
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Third
Sunday of Lent - Year A
Exodus 17:3-7
Romans 5:1-2, 5-8
John 4:5-42
The
rather long Gospel for this Sunday about Jesus and the woman at
the well is very colorful and very detailed. The Gospel points to
Jesus who is the true "well-water" of salvation. When
we drink from him, we have eternal life. The Gospel also shows us
what can happen to us when we meet Christ. Like the woman at the
well who discovers God in Jesus and goes out to proclaim that she
has seen the Christ, we are called to share what we have seen and
heard in our encounter with Christ.
However,
we cannot be effective communicators of Christ if we do not take
time to know Christ. Spiritually speaking, we must go to the well
of salvation and find Jesus. Only after we come to know Christ in
our daily prayers and moments of meditation can we be prophetic
people - people who proclaim that we have seen Jesus the Lord.
We
are all called to be prophets. As Christian Stewards of God's gifts,
we are called to share Christ with others. I pray that all parishioners
of St. Rose of Lima will learn from this Gospel and Season of Lent
and become effective communicators and prophets for Christ our Lord.
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Fourth
Sunday of Lent - Year A
1 Samuel 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a
Ephesians 5:8-14
John 9:1-41
Once
again, the reading for this Sunday in Lent is long but filled with
wonderful imagery. It is a day to focus on light, new sight, acceptance
by God, and true worship.
The
story of the man born blind is a story about all who come to Jesus.
Once, we were in darkness. Now, we have seen the light. The story
also tells us that others may want to keep us from coming to the
light. The man born blind is thrown out of the synagogue. Christ
welcomes him to the new temple of grace. The man is welcomed and
then begins to worship.
It has been said, "Belonging leads to believing." As
Christian Stewards, we must do our part to welcome people to the
faith. If they are blind to God, make them feel welcome. Soon, the
scales of doubt will fall from their eyes and they will see Christ.
When they see Christ, they will believe and worship and praise him.
"Belonging leads to believing."
In
a few short weeks, we will celebrate the holiest week of the year.
You are invited to use your gift of hospitality - your God given
gift - to welcome others back to the Church by inviting them to
the Palm Sunday Masses and the Holy Week services. Help
them shed their doubts, fears, and lack of faith, and offer them
the light of Christ. Help others see with eyes of faith.
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Fifth
Sunday of Lent - Year A
Ezekiel 37:12-14
Romans 8:8-11
John 11:1-45
Next
to the resurrection of Jesus the Lord, the raising of Lazarus from
the dead is the most powerful miracle Jesus had to accomplish in
his ministry. In this story, we see that Christ has the power to
overcome all things; even death itself.
We
must all die, but we will all be raised in Christ on the last day.
The raising of Lazarus is in fact a resuscitation of his body. It
is a symbol of what will occur in Jesus and in all who believe in
Him when we die and are raised to heaven. The raising of Lazarus
is just a foreshadowing of what will happen on Easter day, when
Christ is raised as a glorified body and soul. Lazarus is restored
to his natural human state. Christ is raised to his supernatural
and glorified human state.
You
are invited to use your gift of prayer to ask God to bless those
who will be celebrating their baptism in the Lord. Baptism is a
dying and rising with God. In many ways, this Gospel is intended
for all who will be welcomed into the church through baptism, eucharist,
and confirmation. As Christian Stewards, pray generously for the
elect who will be received into the Body of Christ at Easter.
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Passion
(Palm) Sunday - Year A
Is 50:4-7
Phil 2:6-11
Mt 14--27:66
Betrayal,
False Accusations, Death ...
This words sound like the making of a mystery novel. But, the Gosepl
of Matthew is more than a novel. The Gospel relates the greatest
Mystery of all times. The mystery of Christ's passion and death
is one into which we can enter.
Entering
the mystery of Christ's passion is more than reading about Jesus'
crucifixion. It is about dying and rising with the Lord ourselves.
As Jesus reminds us, we must take up our cross and follow him. We
must die with him in baptism and rise with him to everlasting life.
May
this Holy Week offer us an opportunity to enter into the mystery
of Christ's passion. May it change our hearts and awaken within
us a deeper conversion to the one who died to set us free.
First
Sunday of Lent - Year B
Genesis 9:8-15
1 Peter 3:18-22
Mark 1:12-15
As
we begin our forty days of Lent, we are reminded in today's readings
about the forty days and nights of Noah in the ark. The second reading
reminds us that unlike the ark that saved eight people from the
waters in Noah's day, the waters of baptism will save all who believe
in Christ and journey with him.
This
Lenten experience is for all of us who have been baptized in the
Lord. We walk with Christ for forty days to remember how he saved
us by faith and baptism. This Season of grace is also for those
who will be approaching the Easter Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist,
and Confirmation.
As
Christian Stewards, let us all use our gift of prayer to ask the
Lord to bless those who are sent to the bishop for the Rite of Election
and are to celebrate their Easter Sacraments at the conclusion of
these forty days.
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Second
Sunday of Lent - Year B
Genesis 22:1-2, 9, 10-13, 15-18
Romans 8:31-34
Mark 9:2-10
In
the first reading for this Sunday, we read that Abraham must take
his son up the mountain to be sacrificed. Abraham's faith faith
is so great that he is willing to fulfill this command of God. Thankfully,
the Lord spares Abraham from having to accomplish the task. Because
of Abraham's faith, he is richly blessed.
In
the Gospel, we read about James, Peter, and John who must go up
another kind of a mountain. Here, in this Transfiguration story,
they are prepared for an even greater mountain of sacrifice. Her,
they are told to listen to the Lord and follow him to the mountain
of his death, Calvary.
God
will not spare his only begotten son, but will offer Jesus up for
our sins. Through the sacrifice of Christ the Lord, we are redeemed
and we become adopted sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father.
In
this Season of Lent, let us follow Christ to Calvary. Let us "listen
to him," the one who carries his cross before us. Let us look
upon the crucified one and give thanks to God for our redemption.
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Third
Sunday of Lent - Year B
Exodus 20:1-17
1 Corinthians 1:22-25
John 2:13-22
The
Gospel for the Third Sunday of Lent reminds us that we are living
stones within a new temple - living temple - that cannot be destroyed.
More than a constructed temple that will pass away, we are built
on the capstone, Jesus the Christ, who will last forever.
We
must always live as though this world is passing away. We can't
ever expect that our accomplishments will ever out-do, or even match,
the marvelous works of God.
This
is why St. Paul says in the second reading, "For the foolishness
of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger
than man's strength." We can't out-do God's greatness.
Lent
is a reminder that we are not God. We are dust and unto dust we
shall return. We are called to remove our foolish pride and return
to the Lord.
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Fourth
Sunday of Lent - Year B
2 Chronicles 36:14-16, 19-23
Ephesians 2:4-10
John 3:14-21
The
Gospel tells us to look to the one who is crucified and we shall
be saved. As moses raised the serpent in the desert and all who
looked on it were healed, those who view Christ as their savior
will be come to salvation.
We
have been wandering with Christ in this Season of Lent. o have those
who will be received into the church at Easter. Many adults, children,
and youth of our parish have been looking at Christ for a long time
and now they are ready to be received by him through the Sacraments
of baptism, eucharist, and confirmation.
Let
us offer our prayers for all who will enjoy the Easter Sacraments.
Let us pray for them, and for their sponsors and catechists (teachers
of faith).
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Fifth
Sunday of Lent - Year B
Jeremiah 31:31-34
Hebrews 5:7-9
John 12:20-33
Now is the hour. Jesus says in today's Gospel,
“Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father,
save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I
came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!” God responds,
“I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.”
Now is the hour. Jesus's hour had to come and he
would not allow his life to be spared. He chose to die for us so
that we would live. Consider the love he had for us that he would
lay down his life for us. We should always ask ourselves, "Why
would God go so far to show us how much he loves us?" This
is a question worth pondering all the days of our life.
Now is the hour. Now is our hour to prepare for
the holiest week of the year. Next Sunday is Passion (Palm) Sunday.
It is the gateway to Holy Week where we will walk with Jesus through
his passion, death, and resurrection. We are all invited to make
the most of this hour. We are all invited to attend the Holy Thursday,
Good Friday, and Easter services. As Christian Stewards, take this
opportunity to use your gifts of welcoming and invite inactive Catholics
back to church. Invite them to this holiest of weeks.
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First
Sunday of Lent - Year C
(February 29, 2004)
1st Reading - Dt 26:4-10
2nd Reading - Rom 10:8-13
Gospel - Lk 4:1-13
The
First Sunday of Lent offers us an opportunity to walk with Jesus
into the desert and confront our temptations. The temptations
Jesus had to confront are our very own.
For example, the desire to satisfy our immediate needs (First temptation for
Jesus was to turn stones into bread) is a very human temptation. Television
or radio commercials tell us that we need what they want us to buy. But, do
we really need these things? Or, do we just want them. As Christian Stewards,
this Season of Lent offers us an opportunity to make a list of what we really
need vs a list of what we want.
How much must we accumulate in order to be satisfied in the world? (The second
temptation of Jesus was to bow to the evil one in order to gain everything
- "all of this will be yours.") We read in 1 Tim 6:10 - "The
love of money is the root of all evil." How much is enough? As Stewards
of God's gifts, we know that to have God is to have everything.
Finally, the risks we may take to get what we want is also a great temptation.
(Jesus was tempted to throw himself off the temple parapet). For example, an
excessive gambler running off to the nearest casino, or a salesperson who cheats
a customer, is testing fate and God. Eventually, addiction or dishonesty will
cause us to fall. Christian Stewards do not tempt God. They trust God, always!
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Second
Sunday of Lent - Year C
(March 7, 2004)
1st Reading - Gn 15:5-12, 17-18
2nd Reading - Phil 3:20 – 4:1
Gospel - Lk 9:28b-36
In
the first reading, God takes Abraham on a star tour. The Lord God
took Abram outside and said, "Look up at the sky and count
the stars, if you can. Just so," he added, "shall your
descendants be."
The reading continues with the sacrificial offering by Abraham. Without the
sacrifice, the covenant would not be complete. The sacrifice is an outward
sign - a sealing - of the covenant between God and Abraham.
In
the Gospel, Jesus is transfigured before Peter, James and John.
Jesus stands between Moses and Elijah. Peter can hardly believe
his eyes and, out of joy, says, ""Master, it is good
that we are here;let us make three tents, one for you, one for
Moses, and one for Elijah."
However, this story continues with God telling the disciples, "This is
my chosen Son; listen to him." Jesus will soon tell his disciples that
he must first be handed over and die, and on the third day, he will rise.
The joy of heaven, witnessed by Peter and the disciples in the transfiguration,
can only fully be achieved through the sacrifice of Jesus. Like Abraham's covenant,
the covenant of humanity must be sealed by the sacrifice of our Lord.
As Christian Stewards, we must remember that the graces we receive from God
also demand sacrifice. The grace of marriage, for example, without the sacrifices
that come with it, is an incomplete covenant. The grace of love, without the
charitable sacrifices that go with it, is an incomplete love. The grace of
a deep spirituality, without the sacrifice of a regular prayer life, is incomplete.
The Season of Lent offers us an opportunity to consider our richest blessings
and to acknowledge the times when we have taken them for granted. It also calls
us to make sacrifices in order to really appreciate the fullness of joy that
comes from these blessings.
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Third
Sunday of Lent-
Year C
(March 14, 2004)
1st Reading - Ex 3:1-8a, 13-15
2nd Reading - 1 Cor 10:1-6, 10-12
Gospel - Lk 13:1-9
Please note: These readings come from the C cycle
(Gospel of Luke). Other readings, from the A cycle (Gospel of Matthew)
will also be used for the next three weeks in Lent for the RCIA
process.
In
the first Reading, Moses confronts God on the mountain. He finds
God in the burning bush and is told to remove his sandals because
he is on Holy Ground.
As baptized Christians and members of Christ's Body, we are always standing
on holy ground. We ourselves become holy when we draw water from the Holy One.
Unfortunately, we often take our holiness for granted.
That
is why we hear Jesus' parable about the barren fig tree. When
we forget that we are on holy ground, we become lifeless. Unless
we recognize our holiness, we can't bear fruit.
For
example, when we come to the Eucharist at Mass, we should recognize
that we are on Holy Ground. If we would recognize this, we would
produce great fruit. We would be more attentive to the Word proclaimed,
we would respond to the acclamations in the Eucharistic prayer
and glorify God in song with more enthusiasm, we would go from
Mass and be more charitable.
As
Christian Stewards, let us make an attempt to prepare ourselves
to step into holy ground as we come to Mass each Sunday. Recognizing
our holiness, let us put our whole heart, soul and energy into making
the Eucharist alive. Let us be holy and bear great fruit.
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Fourth
Sunday of Lent-
Year C
(March 21, 2004)
1st Reading - Jos 5:9a, 10-12
2nd Reading - 2 Cor 5:17-21
Gospel - Lk 15:1-3, 11-32
Please note: These readings come from the C cycle
(Gospel of Luke). Other readings, from the A cycle (Gospel of Matthew)
will also be used for the next two weeks in Lent for the RCIA process.
The
First Reading and the Gospel today show us the absolute forgiveness
of God. In this Season of Lent, as we count our transgressions,
we certainly understand the need for God's forgiveness.
The
Gospel is about the Prodigal Son. This familiar story not only
delivers the message of forgiveness, but reminds us not to be
selfish. When we think about it, both sons were greedy. Both
were selfish. The first son wanted a share of his Father's estate
to go and live on his own. He spent it foolishly and his greed
brought him to rock bottom. The other son was also greedy. In
his mind, he deserved the party that was thrown for his "no
good" brother who had returned. The father assured
him that he loved both brothers.
When
we stop and think of it, there is no no need for greed. Especially,
if we place our trust in the Lord. The road to greed and selfishness
only leads to darkness. That is why Christian Stewards take the
opposite road and give without expecting anything in return.
The father in the Gospel story is the ultimate Steward. He gave
without expecting anything from his sons.
When
we give to another, do we expect repayment? Do we demand financial
justice, even if it means that our relationships will be harmed?
Are money and things more important than our friendships? How would
the father in this Prodigal Son story answer these questions?
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Fifth
Sunday of Lent- Year C
(March 28, 2004)
1st Reading - Is 43:16-21
2nd Reading - Phil 3:8-14
Gospel - Jn 8:1-11
Please note: These readings come from the C cycle
(Gospel of Luke). Other readings, from the A cycle (Gospel of Matthew)
will also be used for the next two weeks in Lent for the RCIA process.
The
readings today are about a God who will go out of his way to
protect his own. Isaiah reminds us about the people who were
redeemed from slavery offered a place with flowing rivers and
new life.
Jesus, our redeemer, shows us in the Gospel, just how far he is willing to
go to forgive a sinner. Not only would he forgive her, but he would defend
her. He would restore her dignity.
As
Christian Stewards and members of the Body of Christ, we have been
given the power to lead people from slavery to sin and invite them
to new life. We are called to help God's people restore their dignity
and to heal their wounded souls. What better way to defend a person
from the harms of this world than to invite him or her to be reconciled
with the Redeemer.
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