Sunday Readings & Reflections
-
-
-
Reflection for Sunday, March 16
-
Letting go of the world's power over usPaul loves to encourage his distant flock in Philippi. In Sunday's second reading, Paul shares a beautiful insight into WHY we conform our lives to Christ, a why that leads to freedom.
Paul begins by telling the sad story of those who seek earthly glory and physical gratification. He explains, “Their God is their stomach, their glory in their shame… And their minds are occupied with earthly things.” Instead of using the goods of the world for God, some have turned the things of this world into their god. This is the essence of idolatry.
Paul encourages his flock to “push back” against this life of putting the world before God. As Christians, we belong to something far greater. He explains, ”our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we also await a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” Paul goes on to explain the implications of this for our eternal situation: “He [Christ] will change our lowly body to conform with his glorified body by the power that enables him also to bring all things into subjection to himself.”
By avoiding the idolatrous attractions of the world, we are given an eternal promise, which Paul spells out: a new life in Christ that enjoys the same transformation Christ revealed when he rose from the dead.
As Lent continues, and we give up things and do penance in small ways, Paul helps us remember that the purpose behind this is to let go of the power that the world can have on us, and step into the freedom of Christ. Fasting, prayer and almsgiving are not burdens, but rather ways to free our hearts from the attachment the world can have on us. This is great encouragement as we travel through Lent.
by Dr. David Glasow
Director of Evangelization
Readings for Mar 16
-
-
Reflection for Sunday, March 9
-
A gift we cannot give to ourselvesIt might seem that Sunday's second reading from Romans has nothing to do with Lent, but that would be completely wrong! it has everything to do with the journey of Lent. Here’s why.
Romans is an extended argument about how all people, regardless of being circumcised or not, are now welcomed into Christ’s kingdom. Paul shows that it makes perfect sense from WITHIN the Jewish Scriptures, not just because of Christian views now.
In this section, he quotes Deuteronomy 30:12-14, where Moses tells thee people not to look for God in the heavens. God is right there in their hearts and mouths (i.e. lips). Paul takes this two-fold image of presence and develops it, helping us see that Jesus, now resurrected and in heaven, is present to all people; in their hearts and on their lips. Jesus waits to be called upon to come and shower his gifts upon us.
Lent is a journey from our old selves, awaiting salvation, into a new life in Christ. We all have our spiritual ups and downs. Paul is encouraging us to call upon God for his loving help during this time of 40 days of pilgrimage. It is not about losing weight or detoxing from TV. Lent is about calling upon God’s help to give us something we cannot give ourselves.
God bestows supernatural faith. We open the door and freely accept it, but it is a gift. We cannot give it to ourselves. Lent is a time to set aside the distractions of this life a bit and focus on the only one who can save us. Paul tells us we can have that confidence as he explains, “For every one who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Have a powerful Lent!by Dr. David Glasow
Director of Evangelization
-
