Palm Sunday - B (March 28, 2021)

 

The Cross

The Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Mark

(Mark 14:1–15:47)

 

Mark begins his Gospel with a direct opening, “The Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.”

 

The introduction now reaches its climax. 

 

Jesus was betrayed by one of his disciples.  The other disciples have deserted him.  Now, on the cross, he is “mocked” by his opponents, “He saved others, he cannot save himself.”  Jesus himself cries out to the Father, ““My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

 

Not the miracles.  Not his preaching.  Now is the moment when Jesus’ identity is fully known.  The centurion professes, “Truly this man was the Son of God!”

 

By his cross, the Son of God reveals the fullness of God’s love.  He brings to us God’s salvation.  By his cross, the only Son of God makes all people sons and daughters of God. 

5th Sunday of Lent - B (March 21, 2021)

 

The Hour

John 12: 20-33

 

The first time that “the hour” of Jesus was mentioned was at the wedding at Cana.  In that response to his mother, which can sound off-putting, Jesus said, “My hour has not yet come.”

 

Ten chapters later, Jesus now tells us, “The hour has come.”  Moreover, in today’s passage, Jesus mentions it three times.

 

“The hour” refers to the purpose of Jesus coming into the world.  “The hour” is for God’s glory.  “The hour” is when the Savior is “lifted up” on the cross to “draw everyone” to Him so that all might be saved.

 

We now begin the last full week of Lent.  May we turn our eyes to the crucified Savior who saves us in his hour.  

Image source: www.qumran2.net

 

4th Sunday of Lent - (March 14, 2021)

 

Created by the Loving God 

John 3: 14-21

“God so loved the world.”

and

“God sent his Son into the world” so “that the world might be saved through him.”

 

These words, spoken by the Son of God who “was lifted up” on the cross to save the world, must again assure us of God’s love.

 

Thanks to God’s love, the world is good. All humanity and each human person is good, having been created by God, saved by the Son of God, and continues to be made sacred by the Holy Spirit.

 

May we not allow sufferings, evils, and even death cause us to doubt God’s love and the goodness of God in ourselves, in humanity, and in all that God has created.

 

Image source: www.agnusday.org

 

3rd Sunday of Lent - B (March 7, 2021)

 

The Temple of God

John 2: 13-25

 

Jesus reveals that he is now the Temple where we encounter God.

In Jesus’ words and his Body and Blood we are united with God and God’s divine life.

 

We also encounter God in the community and each member of the Church, since we are God’s holy temples (1 Corinthians 3: 16).

 

The Season of Lent prepares us to renew and celebrate the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist) that incorporate us into the Body of Christ.  One of the reflections or examinations we can ask ourselves is how am I living as a temple of God?  In other words, in the way I live, in my attitudes, words, and actions, do people encounter the loving and life-giving God?

Image source: www.agnusday.org