SOCL, Lent5B24
- Admin
- Mar 15, 2024
- 2 min read
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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