SOCL, Lent3B24

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Mar 1, 2024
2 min read

Sunday March 03, 2024

Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up

See

In the Anglican, Catholic and Orthodox traditions, faith and reason are not in fundamental contradiction. At the same time, there is something radically irreducible and paradoxical in our faith. It was expressed a long time ago by Bishop Robinson, the scandalous particularity of the incarnation. And we may add, of the crucifixion. The Christian vision, for us, is indeed something wonderful. Nevertheless, let’s not forget that for many today, it is in a way too wonderful, too strange and actually unbelievable. That natural resistance can be part of our faith too!

Listen

Exodus 20:1-17; Psalm 19 [18]; 1 Corinthians 1:22-25; John 2:13-25

Psalm 19, Lord, You Have The Words

Reflect

(John 2:13-25)

-We all tend to confine God to received traditions (places, images, words) but we know that “God is greater than our conscience.” (1 John 3:20) How do I experience that “more” of God and keep it before my eyes?

-Jesus himself is the “locus” of God’s presence for us, a presence found in life, through others, in the Word of God and in the sacraments. What have been my own moments of encounter, with him who gives life a new horizon and a decisive direction?

Pray

Holy God, the folly of the cross mocks our human wisdom and the weakness of the crucified puts worldly power to shame. Banish from our hearts every pretence of might and knowledge, that, by the power flowing from Christ’s resurrection, your people may be raised up from the death of sin and fashioned into a living temple of your glory. Grant 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 Paradox: Recognize that life often presents paradoxes, just like the Christian faith. Seek to understand and accept these paradoxes rather than seeing them as obstacles.

-Cultivate Wonder: Practice gratitude and try to see the extraordinary in the ordinary. This can help you deepen your faith and appreciation for life.

-Build Resilience: Understand that moments of doubt and resistance are a natural part of faith. Seek support when needed and remember that these moments can ultimately strengthen your faith.

References

-United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (2024v, March 3). Third Sunday of lent. USCCB. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030324.cfm

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