5th Sunday of Lent (c)
Season of Lent.
Sunday 13th March: 5th Sunday of Lent (c).
The first reading is from the Prophet Isaiah. He Prophet assures the Jews, exiled in Babylon, that there will be a new Exodus. This message of hope should inspire us also.
In the second reading, St. Paul reminds us that he has willingly sacrificed everything for the privilege of knowing Christ. We should try to follow his example.
In the Gospel, Jesus refuses to condemn a woman caught in adultery. He treats her with justice and compassion.
Monday 14th March: Monday in 5th week of Lent.
We have the famous story from the Book of Daniel, of how the wickedness of the two old men was exposed. Through simple wisdom, Daniel was able to save Susanna who had refused to compromise her virtue.
In the Gospel, Jesus is confronted with the woman who had committed adultery. Although he condemns the sin, he ensures that the sinner is not judged but pardoned.
Tuesday 15th March: Tuesday in 5th week of Lent.
We are again reminded of what the crucifixion will do for us. Those who looked on the bronze serpent on its standard in the Old Testament story were saved from poison. Therefore, those who look on Jesus, who will be lifted up, will be saved. That is why we should use the sign of the cross with respect and reflection.
Wednesday 16th March: Wednesday in the 5th week of Lent.
Certain Jews refused to worship the statue made by Nebuchadnezzar and were thrown into the fiery furnace. They survived and demonstrated the great power of the God they believed in.
Jesus was very maddening for the Pharisees even although he is only with them a very short time. It is through him, however, that the fountains of living water what would bring redemption and new life would flow.
Thursday 17th March: Feast of St. Patrick.
The Apostle of Ireland, as he is sometimes called, was born in Britain (either Wales or Scotland) around the year 385. At the age of sixteen, he was captured by pirates and sold into slavery in Ireland where he was assigned as a shepherd to care for the flock. He became a catholic and later escaped to spend some time in France as a disciple of St. Germain of Auxerre. He was ordained a priest, then a Bishop and sent back to Ireland arriving there in 432. He preached and brought many of the tribal chiefs to Catholicism and was successful in adapting the Gospel to Irish culture. He convoked a Synod and handed over government of the church to other Bishops It is believed he died on this date in 461 and was buried in Stanford Lough where he had built his first church. Although venerated in Ireland from an early date it was only in 1632 he was listed in the Roman calendar.
Friday 18th March: Friday in the 5th week of Lent.
The people want to bring the prophet down. He takes his strength from knowing the Lord God is on his side.
Jesus is being threatened by stone throwing Jews. He reminds them he is not blaspheming but only doing the work of his Father. This makes the Jews even angrier.
Saturday 19th March: Solemnity of St. Joseph, spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The feast of St. Joseph did not become widespread until the fourteenth or fifteenth century, the first mass in his honour being celebrated in Rome in 1505. The genealogy of St. Joseph is found in St. Matthew’s Gospel and in St. Luke’s. We also know form the Gospels that he was a carpenter and that it was very likely that Jesus learned the trade from him. Joseph and Mary were poor, as evidenced by the fact that, at Mary’s purification in the Temple, they offered a pair of turtledoves. The tribute paid to him in Scripture is that he was a just man. On several crucial occasions, such as Our Lady’s pregnancy, the flight into Egypt, the return to Palestine, Joseph was instructed by an angel. Pope Pius IX proclaimed St. Joseph patron of the universal Church.
O Christ Jesus, when all is darkness
And we feel our weakness and helplessness
Give us Your presence,
Your love and Your strength.
Help us to have perfect trust
In Your protecting love
And strengthening power
So that nothing may frighten or worry us
For, living close to You, we shall see Your hand,
Your purpose, Your will through all things.
Amen.
(St. Ignatius)
