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SOCL, PalmB24

  • Writer: Admin
    Admin
  • Mar 22, 2024
  • 2 min read

Updated: Jun 8, 2024


ree

Sunday March 24, 2024


Then Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last



See


There is a core similarity between the four accounts of the death of Jesus in the New Testament. However, they differ in sequence and in details, allowing various understandings of the cross to unfold. Because the death of Jesus was and is such a deeply mysterious and indeed perplexing event, different dimensions are explored and laid bare by different New Testament writers. None is more stark than Mark’s Gospel: all who knew Jesus have failed him; his only “helper” is a complete outsider, Simon, the unknown passer-by. The only acknowledgment comes from the unnamed Gentile soldier, accidentally present.



Listen





Reflect


(Mark 14:1-15:47)


-The injustice and brutality of the Passion of Jesus make it a difficult story to read as good news. Yet in the midst of that cruelty the courageous, faithful and self-sacrificing love that Jesus shows for us shines through. Recall moments when the account of the passion has moved you in a special way. How have you experienced blessing through it?


-Human love can also be painful. When have you experienced the courage, fidelity and self-sacrifice of others in their love of you? When have you shown that kind of love to others as a parent, a spouse, or a friend or in some other relationship?


-We read the Passion story in the light of resurrection. What seemed a humiliating and shameful failure for Jesus was not the end of the story. Perhaps with hindsight you can look back on something that seemed like a tragedy at the time but out of that tragedy new life and new possibilities followed for you.


-For each of us there arise situations in which we feel things are outside our control and we are utterly helpless and powerless. We are not alone in this experience. In his Passion, Jesus is one with us in this human helplessness. When have you found that the presence of another helped you through a crisis? When have you been able to help another with your presence?



Pray


O God of eternal glory, you anointed Jesus your servant to bear our sins, to encourage the weary, to raise up and restore the fallen. Keep before our eyes the splendour of the paschal mystery of Christ, and, by our sharing in the passion and resurrection, seal our lives with the victorious sign of his obedience and exaltation. We ask this through Christ, our liberator from sin, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, holy and mighty God for ever and ever. Amen.



Act


-Embrace Diversity: Appreciate different perspectives and backgrounds to enrich your understanding.

-Show Compassion to Outsiders: Extend kindness to those marginalized or overlooked in society.

-Acknowledge Acts of Kindness: Express gratitude for small acts of kindness and those who positively impact your life.


References

-United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (2024ab, March 24). Palm Sunday of the Lord’s passion. USCCB. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032424.cfm

-Sunday readings. (n.d.-s). Hearers of the Word. https://www.tarsus.ie/SundayReadings/


 
 
 

The Word today, Lent5B24

  • Writer: Admin
    Admin
  • Mar 15, 2024
  • 3 min read

ree

March 18 - March 23, 2024



Daniel 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62 This dramatic reading follows on extremely well from yesterday’s Gospel about the woman caught in adultery. Many dimensions could help us, but perhaps the courage and intelligence of Daniel could be underlined.


John 8:12-20 The theme of judgement unites the two readings—by which standards do we judge? In the discussion with the Pharisees, the Fourth Gospel offers us a deep and still challenging understanding of Jesus. Who was he? Who is he?


St Joseph, husband of the BVM 2


Samuel 7:4-5, 12-14, 16 God’s fidelity through time is expressed in his commitment to the family of David, of which Jesus will be born.


Romans 4:13,16-18,22 Abraham trusted against all the odds — as did his later descendant Joseph.


Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24 Joseph of the Gospels reminds us of Joseph of Genesis, who dreamed and who saved his family.



Daniel 3:14-20, 24-25, 28 In this dramatic illustration, faithfulness to the one true God is a deadly risk— and yet God shows himself to be faithful to all who are faithful to him.


John 8:31-42 In early Christian reflection, Abraham was in everyone’s mind—notably in Paul’s but also as we see in John’s gospel. The big question being answered is, who is Jesus?


St Enda, abbot


Genesis 17:3-7 The reading today picks out an emblematic story about Abraham, as a preparation for the Gospel, where Abraham is mentioned again. He was the original man of faith, our father in faith, as Hebrews puts it, who put his trust in God and in a way God puts his trust in Abraham.


John 8:51-59 In the Fourth Gospel, there are seven I AM sentences, usually qualified by some image or affirmation such as the good shepherd. The I AM in today’s reading is without qualification, an absolute claim to identity with God. While clearly “theological, it may have a grounding in history: Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” Jesus said, “I am.” (Mark 14:61–62)


Jeremiah 20:10-13 Right up to today, good people are made to suffer when they tell the truth and say it like it is. This was true also in the past: Jeremiah suffered greatly for his convictions and prophecies, in the same way as Jesus would, much later.


John 10:31-42 As often in John’s gospel, we are overhearing later disputes about the identity of Jesus and the arguments for and against. Only in the light of the resurrection did the early Christian really grasp who Jesus was and who the risen Jesus is today.


St Turibius of Mongrovejo, bishop


Ezekiel 37:21-28 This short reading was written a time of national disaster and disgrace. As we listen, we might keep in mind what picture of God comes out of this picture? Can it help me or us today?


John 11:45-56 Today, our reading takes us to the consequences of the story of Lazarus. John’s Gospel is looking back after many year’s of prayer and reflection. The evangelist see that the cause of Jesus’ death was really who he was — the Messiah and the Son of God. Ironically, Caiaphas speaks the a deep truth, even if he doesn’t know what he is really saying: it is better for one man to die for the people.


References

-United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (2024z, March 17). Fifth Sunday of Lent. USCCB. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031724-YearB.cfm

-Sunday readings. (n.d.-s). Hearers of the Word. https://www.tarsus.ie/SundayReadings/


 
 
 

SOCL, Lent5B24

  • Writer: Admin
    Admin
  • Mar 15, 2024
  • 2 min read

ree

Sunday March 17, 2024


The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified



See


It has sometimes been remarked, in lighter vein, that none of us gets out of here alive. Death is part of the human condition and we are aware of death and feel the threat of ultimate absurdity. How shall we confront it? Denial—often lived in frenetic distraction—is no help. Christian faith, in contrast with all other faiths, has a distinctive claim: in Jesus’ death, God reached out to us in tender and vulnerable love, becoming our companion on the way. Both John 12 and Hebrews 5 affirm that. It is astonishing to the point of being almost incredible.



Listen





Reflect


(John 12:20-33)


-Jesus seems to sense that a crisis point has arrived, and he agonises over saying ‘yes’ to what lies before him. He opts to stay faithful to the mission given him by God. Can you recall decisions over which you agonised? What was that like for you? What was it like when you made a decision that you dreaded, or were anxious about, but believed it was the right one for you?


-The parable of the grain of wheat reminds us of a truth that any parent can testify to, namely that it is in dying to ourselves that we can give life to others. We will never be of benefit to others if we remain wrapped up in ourselves. In what ways has your dying to yourself brought life to another? How has the generous giving of another brought life to you?


-Sometimes our emotions rebel at the thought of what lies ahead and we feel like praying to Father, save me from this hour. Then a realisation may come for you as a parent, a teacher, a spouse, a friend: No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. Recall times when you have accepted pain or hassle and been a source of life to others for doing do.


-The story presents the death of Jesus as the moment of his glorification by God. It is the moment when the love of Jesus for us is shown in its greatest depth in his gift of himself, a gift he was able to make because God enabled him to do it. We are also glorified when the grace of God enables us to give generously of ourselves. When have you experienced this in yourself or in another?



Pray


Great and loving God, we are surrounded by mystery—the mystery of ourselves, of death, of creation, of you. You are our companion on the way and we place our hand confidently in your outstretched hand.



Act


-Practice Reflection: Set aside time daily for mindful reflection on life's meaning and mortality.

-Show Compassion: Embrace God's love by showing kindness and empathy to others.

-Live with Purpose: Align your actions with your values to lead a meaningful life.


References

-United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (2024z, March 17). Fifth Sunday of Lent. USCCB. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031724-YearB.cfm

-Sunday readings. (n.d.-s). Hearers of the Word. https://www.tarsus.ie/SundayReadings/


 
 
 
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