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Oratory of Divine Love Reflection 776: Spiritual Preparation (Acts 2 : 14, 22-23 ; 1 Peter 1 :17-21 ; Luke 24 : 13-35)

 

[Acts]

Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice, and proclaimed: "You who are Jews, indeed all of you staying in Jerusalem. Let this be known to you, and listen to my words. You who are Israelites, hear these words. Jesus the Nazarene was a man commended to you by God with mighty deeds, wonders, and signs,
which God worked through him in your midst, as you yourselves know. This man, delivered up by the set plan and foreknowledge of God, you killed, using lawless men to crucify him. But God raised him up, releasing him from the throes of death, because it was impossible for him to be held by it. For David says of him: I saw the Lord ever before me, with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed. Therefore my heart has been glad and my tongue has exulted; my flesh, too, will dwell in hope, because you will not abandon my soul to the  netherworld, nor will you suffer your holy one to see corruption. You have made known to me the paths of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence.

"My brothers, one can confidently say to you about the patriarch David that he died and was buried, and his tomb is in our midst to this day. But since he was a prophet and knew that God had sworn an oath to him that he would set one of his descendants upon his throne, he foresaw and spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that neither was he abandoned to the netherworld nor did his flesh see corruption. God raised this Jesus; of this we are all witnesses. Exalted at the right hand of God, he received the promise of the Holy Spirit from the Father and poured him forth, as you see and hear."
 

 

[1 Peter]

Beloved: If you invoke as Father him who judges impartially according to each one's works, conduct yourselves with reverence during the time of your sojourning, realizing that you were ransomed from your futile conduct, handed on by your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold but with the precious blood of Christ as of a spotless unblemished lamb. He was known before the foundation of the world but revealed in the final time for you, who through him believe in God who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.

 

[Luke]

That very day, the first day of the week, two of Jesus' disciples were going to a village seven miles from Jerusalem called Emmaus, and they were conversing about all the things that had occurred. And it happened that while they were conversing and debating, Jesus himself drew near and walked with them, but their eyes were prevented from recognizing him. He asked them, "What are you discussing as you walk along?" They stopped, looking downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, said to him in reply, "Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know of the things that have taken place there in these days?" And he replied to them, "What sort of things?" They said to him, "The things that happened to Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, how our chief priests and rulers both handed him over to a sentence of death and crucified him. But we were hoping that he would be the one to redeem Israel; and besides all this, it is now the third day since this took place. Some women from our group, however, have astounded us: they were at the tomb early in the morning and did not find his body; they came back and reported that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who announced that he was alive. Then some of those with us went to the tomb and found things just as the women had described, but him they did not see." And he said to them, "Oh, how foolish you are! How slow of heart to believe all that the prophets spoke! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?" Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them what referred to him in all the Scriptures. As they approached the village to which they were going, he gave the impression that he was going on farther. But they urged him, "Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over." So he went in to stay with them. And it happened that, while he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he vanished from their sight. Then they said to each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and opened the Scriptures to us?" So they set out at once and returned to Jerusalem where they found gathered together the eleven and those with them who were saying, "The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!" Then the two recounted what had taken place on the way and how he was made known to them in the breaking of bread.

 

Reflection

Fellow pilgrims, we are urged to converse and dialogue with human companions on the journey regarding our faith and life’s journey (Lk 24:13-35). This requires openness and trust, whereby the parties must listen without bias or judgment, and be ready to consider and accept new insights and different conclusions; thus, removing fear and acknowledging the presence of the Holy Spirit who blows wherever it wills (Jn 3:8). These helpful conversations can be with a catechist, parents, friends, spiritual director, or church groups. But we must not forget that such well-intended insights might still be limited or at times fall short in satisfying our needs, due to our finite and limited knowledge. So, we are also reminded to seek divine insight by conversing with God (prayer). As seen with the two heading to Emmaus, they were both disillusioned and could not help each other; un l they also discussed the challenges and difficulties in their faith journey with the Risen Lord.

 

So, instead of always trying to sort everything out by ourselves, or only with our human helpers, which at times end in sadness, depression and discouragement, as seen with the two men prior to their conversation with Jesus (Lk 24:17), we can turn to the Lord himself to enlighten us. And this is where the scriptures help us; for the call to discuss our life and faith journey with Jesus is not only a call to prayer but also a call to read the scriptures, since the Bible is the Word of God. Even Jesus while conversing with the men: “…beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself” (Lk 24:27). The scriptures open our eyes to the true meaning of our situation and to the Lord’s presence around us, which removes fear and sadness, and fills our hearts and minds with joy and peace (Lk 24:32).

 

Now, at times of crisis, pains, trials and deaths, noticing the Lord’s presence around us might not be so easy. As with the two disciples (Lk 24:13-35), a lot may have happened or may still be taking place that could prevent us from recognizing the Lord’s presence, when it matters most. At such times, the scriptures will help us be open and trusting towards God and to grow a deeper and closer relationship with the Lord who will help us see our issues and situations for what they are and help us recall God’s promises and power to make all things new and possible (Lk 1:37). It will exhort us to recognize the Lord’s power over our times and situations of discouragements and trials as we witness to our faith amidst difficulties. Thus, in our life as Easter people, the reality of our Lord’s suffering and death cannot be overlooked, but at the same me, the richer reality of His resurrection and presence must be constantly recalled, for that is the source of Christian faith (1 Cor 15:14).

 

Now, the readings also call us to respond to the joys bestowed on us by the Risen Lord through our witness as the Easter people. This means that we should also be good spiritual companions to others who turn to us for spiritual companionship on their faith journey, But we must first believe, so that as Jesus ransomed us by shedding his blood on the cross to bring us back to the new life of the children of God, we would walk the same path in bringing life to others and to our world, as the apostles did (Act 2:14). Thus, Peter exhorted: “…conduct yourselves with reverence during the me of your sojourn, realizing…that you were redeemed…with the precious blood of Christ…” (1 Pt 1:17-19). He had this help as also did the two disciples who were not only encouraged and emboldened by the word of God Jesus shared but also by the care he showed with the Eucharistic meal, which energized them to return that night to Jerusalem to witness about the Lord. We too will gain heart-felt joy, assurance of God’s presence and intense strength to witness boldly to our faith, if we are open to all the means of encounter with the Lord.  Peace!

 

Fr. Francis Chukwuma

 

Prayer: Psalm 130 “Out of the depths I cry to Thee, O Lord; Lord, hear my voice! Let Thine ears be attentive to my voice in supplication: If Thou, O Lord, mark iniquities, Lord, who can stand? But with Thee is forgiveness, that Thou mayst be revered. I trust in the Lord; my soul trusts in His word. My soul waits for the Lord, more than sentinels wait for the dawn. More than sentinels wait for the dawn, let Israel wait for the Lord; For with the Lord is kindness, and with Him is plenteous redemption; And He will redeem Israel from all their iniquities.”

 

Quote from a Saint:  “Pain and suffering have come into your life, but remember pain, sorrow, suffering are but the kiss of Jesus — a sign that you have come so close to Him that He can kiss you.”

St. Teresa of Calcutta

 

Questions for reflection:

1. When you converse with others do you “listen without bias or judgment, and [are] ready to consider and accept new insights and different conclusions”?

2. How do you allow the Holy Spirit to influence your spiritual discussions?

3. Which people do you have spiritual conversations with?

4. Are you a joyful Easter person? What fuels the joy in your heart?

5. Are you a good spiritual companion to those who turn to you for companionship on their faith journey?

6. Do you regularly engage in conversation with the Lord? Do you regularly practice mental prayer?

7. Do you regularly engage in the reading, study and reflection of scripture? Do you allow “The scriptures open (y)our eyes to the true meaning of our situation and to the Lord’s presence around us, which removes fear and sadness, and fills (y)our heart(s) and mind(s) with joy and peace.”?

8. Engaging in healthy lifestyle practices can prepare our bodies for future crisis situations. Similarly, our spiritual preparations prepare our souls to weather the storms that will come. How much time do you spend building up your soul?

9. Our you “open to all the means of encounter with the Lord”?

 

-Benjamin & Kristen Rinaldo, CfP

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Oratory of Divine Love Reflection 775: Divine Mercy (Acts 2 : 42-47 ; 1 Peter 1 :3-9 ; John 20 : 19-31)

 

[Acts]

They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of bread and to the prayers. Awe came upon everyone, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their property and possessions and divide them among all according to each one’s need. Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple area and to breaking bread in their homes. They ate their meals with exultation and sincerity of heart, praising God and enjoying favor with all the people. And every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.

 

[1 Peter]

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who in his great mercy gave us a new birth to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you who by the power of God are safeguarded through faith, to a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the final time. In this you rejoice, although now for a little while you may have to suffer through various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold that is perishable even though tested by fire, may prove to be for praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Although you have not seen him you love him; even though you do not see him now yet believe in him, you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, as you attain the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

 

[John]

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.” Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nailmarks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” Now a week later his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.” Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” Now, Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. But these are written that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that through this belief you may have life in his name.

 

 

Now, as the Easter Octave ends this 2nd Sunday of Easter, we continue to celebrate the regular Eastertide until Pentecost. The readings continue to express the fact of the resurrection, stressing that Jesus rose from the dead and breathed new life on us to make us a new creation and people destined to follow his lead into the eternal life of Heaven (Jn 20:22-23). Now, although Thomas initially doubted that Jesus had risen, he later manifested the

Easter spirit by acknowledging Jesus as his Lord and God (Jn 20:24-28), as also manifested by the early Christians who believed and continued Jesus’ redeeming work by being a faithful, communal, praying and happy church, as seen in the 1st reading (Acts 2:42). As Easter people, and as people of faith who did not see but believe (Jn 20:29), we are born to new life, new hope and new inheritance through our Baptism, and we are the new assembly who must continue to witness to the promises of the resurrection in spite the trials and sufferings that come with it (1 Pet 1:3-7). This is the life that merits us that blessedness and eternal life of Heaven.

 

So, as Jesus breathed new life into creation through his death and resurrection, and the apostles breathed new life into the first Christian community through their selfless service, preaching and sacrificial sharing, how can we as believers continue to breathe new life into our world, into our community, into our family, into our parish, into the place we work, into our relationship, etc., especially recalling the picture painted of the early Christian community: “All the believers were together… They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need” (Acts 2:44-45). Many have donated their money, their time, and their talents in various manners, to help the survival of our human family. And these are quite laudable, necessary and basic in our world today.

 

However, we are still called to activities that may not be so obvious but are ways of uplifting and encouraging others. This was seen with the early Christian community, who were identified not only as those sharing their resources together but also as a praying and worshiping community: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer…and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God…” (Acts 2:42,46-47). Here, we must then emphasize fellowship as a Christian community and as a human family. This means joining in parish devotions like our Sung Evening Prayer this Sunday. Also,

we emphasize living out of the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy as ways of breathing new life into others.

 

Now, this call to works of mercy is in line with the message of the Divine Mercy Sunday, as noted by Pope St. John Paul II, who declared that this is when we commemorate the mystery of God’s Divine Mercy that manifested in Christ shedding of his blood for our salvation, as it was communicated to St. Faustina. Jesus gave his life for all humanity, thus manifesting God’s love to each human being, thereby reminding us that the love of God is inseparable from the love of one’s fellows. However, “…It is not easy to love with a deep love, which lies in the authentic gift of self. This love can only be learned by penetrating the mystery of God’s love. Looking at him, being one with his fatherly heart, we are able to look with new eyes at our brothers and sisters,

with an attitude of unselfishness and solidarity, of generosity and forgiveness. All this is mercy!” (Homily, John Paul II, 30 April 2000, nn.4,5). Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet to recall God’s great and deep mercy he manifests towards us always; to thank Him, and to ask for the grace to also be merciful ourselves. Peace!

 

Fr. Francis Chukwuma

 

Prayer: “Eternal God, in whom mercy is endless and the treasury of compassion — inexhaustible, look kindly upon us and increase Your mercy in us, that in difficult moments we might not despair nor become despondent, but with great confidence submit ourselves to Your holy will, which is Love and Mercy itself. Amen.”

 

Quote from a Saint:  “On one occasion, Jesus gave me to know that when I pray for intentions which people are wont to entrust to me, He is always ready to grant His graces, but souls do not always want to accept them: My Heart overflows with great mercy for souls, and especially for poor sinners … it is for them that the Blood and Water flowed from my Heart as from a fount overflowing with mercy (Diary, 367). ” - Saint Faustina Kowalska

 

Questions for reflection:

1. Do you or have you ever struggled with doubts like Thomas did?

2. Do you “continue to breathe new life into our world, into our community, into our family, into our parish, into the place we work, into our relationship, etc.”?

3. Do you engage in the less than obvious act of “uplifting and encouraging others”?

4. Do you engage in fellowship with your fellow parishioners? How active are you in your parish outside of attending Mass?

5. If your parish does not offer opportunities for fellowship could you get something started?

6. What kind of Works of Mercy are you involved in?

7. Do you participate in Divine Mercy Sunday events at your Parish?

8. Have you ever read Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska : “Divine Mercy in My Soul”? If not, why not start this week?

-Benjamin & Kristen Rinaldo, CfP

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Oratory of Divine Love Reflection 774: Easter Joy (1 Corinthians 3 : Acts 10 : 34a, 37-43)

 

[1 Corinthians]

Brothers and sisters: If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Think of what is above, not of what is on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ your life appears, then you too will appear with him in glory.

 

[Acts]

Peter proceeded to speak and said: “You know what has happened all over Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached, how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power. He went about doing good and healing all those oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. We are witnesses of all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree. This man God raised on the third day and granted that he be visible, not to all the people, but to us, the witnesses chosen by God in advance, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commissioned us to preach to the people and testify that he is the one appointed by God as judge of the living and the dead. To him all the prophets bear witness, that everyone who believes in him will receive forgiveness of sins through his name.”

 

 

After six weeks of penance, prayers and special devotions of Lent, we now come to the joyous celebration of the Easter mysteries. The words Pascha, Pasch or Paschal are derivatives from the root of the Hebrew word ‘Pesach’ meaning a ‘passing by’ or a ‘passing through’. This is rendered Passover in English. In Jesus’ time, Passover was celebrated essentially with the sacrificing of lambs in the temple and the eating of a sacred meal at home, with recounting of God’s saving deeds. Now, it was during this greatest of all Jewish feasts that the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus took place.

 

Now, the two events are profoundly associated together, for in the Jewish tradition, the Israelites in Egypt were miraculously saved from slavery when the Angel of death struck the firstborn of the Egyptians but spared or Passover the chosen people. In the same vein, the Christian tradition tells us that Christ the savior of the world set us free by his blood, death and resurrection. Thus, the Hebrews celebrated their liberation from slavery while Christians celebrate their liberation from sin, shame, and death. This liberation wrought by Christ has made us dignified children of God and co-heirs with Christ. Thus, rising from the Holy Week rituals and liturgies we have arrived at the joyful celebration of Easter, which is the greatest of all Christian feasts.

 

So, at Easter we celebrate the culmination of the paschal mystery, the mystery of our salvation, as summed up in the Easter Hymn (Exsultet), and in the Paschal Candle that signify that Christ Our Light has risen to disperse the darkness that had enveloped the world. This is made clearer with the many readings read at the vigil tracing the history of our salvation to Christ’s resurrection; and we resume the singing of Alleluia and Gloria, which we had refrained from since Lent began. All this signify the joy of Easter, the joy of having been reconciled with the Father through the death and resurrection of Christ because, our Christianity has meaning only because Christ rose from the death (1Cor 15:12-25). Thus, during the vigil Mass, and during the Easter Sunday Masses, we all renew our baptismal promises and are sprinkled with baptismal water, since it was through our baptism that we 1st became incorporated into the family of God and thus identifies with Christ.

 

This calls for joy, new songs, and new life of heavenly glory in Christ with whom our life is hidden in God (Col 3:1-4). We are called to give thanks to the Lord who is good to us, for his mercy and love endures forever (Psalm 118:1). We are called to celebrate with our families and friends. We rejoice and celebrate for ‘the Lord is truly risen’. We rejoice and celebrate for this is the day the Lord has made for us to rejoice and be glad (Psalm 118:24). We rejoice and celebrate for Christ has conquered sin and death through His resurrection, which gives us the hope of our individual resurrection (Acts 10:43). We rejoice and celebrate for we know that he will set us free also from the fear, pain, and death. We are also called to spread this deep seated joy, hope and new life of Easter that comes from the heart by reaching out to others. Christ is our hope and God who raised Jesus from death will raise us up to be the glorious co-heirs with Jesus the first born from the dead. Alleluia! Amen! HAPPY EASTER!

 

Fr. Francis Chukwuma

 

Prayer: “Alleluia! Christ is risen! The Lord is risen indeed! Alleluia!”

 

Quote from a Saint:  “Easter is a season of profound transformation, a time when the old gives way to the new and the broken is made whole. It is a reminder that God's power is made perfect in weakness, and that His grace is sufficient for all our needs.” - Saint Faustina Kowalska

 

Questions for reflection:

1. How well do you keep up your Lenten sacrifices and practices?

2. What does your transition from Lent to Easter look like? Is it abrupt, where you cease all that you have been doing, or do you keep some of your new practices that have bore spiritual fruit?

3. Lent gives us a chance to “test drive” different forms of prayer, spiritual readings, etc. Are there parts of your spiritual life that you have cultivated from the practices of previous Lents?

4. What does your Easter joy look like?

5. How do you celebrate Easter? Does it only last for one day-- Easter Sunday? Do you continue to celebrate for just the Octave or do you keep celebrating in some ways for all the 50 days of Easter?

6. Do you bring Easter joy with you out into your community?

7. Does your life reflect the light that Christ brought into the world like the paschal candle at Easter Vigil?

 

-Benjamin & Kristen Rinaldo, CfP

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Oratory of Divine Love Reflection 773: Our Lord’s Passion and Our Suffering (Matthew 21: 1-11 & Matthew 27 : 11-54)

 

[Matthew 21]

When Jesus and the disciples drew near Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, "Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find an ass tethered, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them here to me. And if anyone should say anything to you, reply, 'The master has need of them.' Then he will send them at once." This happened so that what had been spoken through the prophet might be fulfilled: Say to daughter Zion, "Behold, your king comes to you, meek and riding on an ass, and on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden." The disciples went and did as Jesus had ordered them. They brought the ass and the colt and laid their cloaks over them, and he sat upon them. The very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and strewed them on the road. The crowds preceding him and those following kept crying out and saying: "Hosanna to the Son of David; blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord; hosanna in the highest." And when he entered Jerusalem the whole city was shaken and asked, "Who is this?" And the crowds replied, "This is Jesus the prophet, from Nazareth in Galilee."

 

[Matthew 27]

Jesus stood before the governor, Pontius Pilate, who questioned him, "Are you the king of the Jews?" Jesus said, "You say so." And when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he made no answer. Then Pilate said to him, "Do you not hear how many things they are testifying against you?" But he did not answer him one word, so that the governor was greatly amazed.

Now on the occasion of the feast the governor was accustomed to release to the crowd one prisoner whom they wished. And at that time they had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. So when they had assembled, Pilate said to them, "Which one do you want me to release to you, Barabbas, or Jesus called Christ?" For he knew that it was out of envy that they had handed him over. While he was still seated on the bench, his wife sent him a message, "Have nothing to do with that righteous man. I suffered much in a dream today because of him."
The chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas but to destroy Jesus. The governor said to them in reply, "Which of the two do you want me to release to you?" They answered, "Barabbas!"
Pilate said to them, "Then what shall I do with Jesus called Christ?" They all said, "Let him be crucified!"
But he said, "Why? What evil has he done?" They only shouted the louder, "Let him be crucified!" When Pilate saw that he was not succeeding at all, but that a riot was breaking out instead, he took water and washed his hands in the sight of the crowd, saying, "I am innocent of this man's blood. Look to it yourselves." And the whole people said in reply, "His blood be upon us and upon our children." Then he released Barabbas to them, but after he had Jesus scourged, he handed him over to be crucified.

Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus inside the praetorium and gathered the whole cohort around him. They stripped off his clothes and threw a scarlet military cloak about him. Weaving a crown out of thorns, they placed it on his head, and a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!" They spat upon him and took the reed and kept striking him on the head. And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the cloak, dressed him in his own clothes, and led him off to crucify him.

As they were going out, they met a Cyrenian named Simon; this man they pressed into service to carry his cross. And when they came to a place called Golgotha — which means Place of the Skull —, they gave Jesus wine to drink mixed with gall. But when he had tasted it, he refused to drink. After they had crucified him, they divided his garments by casting lots; then they sat down and kept watch over him there. And they placed over his head the written charge against him: This is Jesus, the King of the Jews. Two revolutionaries were crucified with him, one on his right and the other on his left. Those passing by reviled him, shaking their heads and saying,
"You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself, if you are the Son of God,
and come down from the cross!" Likewise the chief priests with the scribes and elders mocked him and said,
"He saved others; he cannot save himself. So he is the king of Israel! Let him come down from the cross now, and we will believe in him. He trusted in God; let him deliver him now if he wants him. For he said, 'I am the Son of God.'" The revolutionaries who were crucified with him also kept abusing him in the same way.

From noon onward, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. And about three o'clock Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?" which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" Some of the bystanders who heard it said, "This one is calling for Elijah." Immediately one of them ran to get a sponge; he soaked it in wine, and putting it on a reed, gave it to him to drink. But the rest said,
'Wait, let us see if Elijah comes to save him." But Jesus cried out again in a loud voice, and gave up his spirit.

And behold, the veil of the sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth quaked, rocks were split, tombs were opened, and the bodies of many saints who had fallen asleep were raised. And coming forth from their tombs after his resurrection, they entered the holy city and appeared to many. The centurion and the men with him who were keeping watch over Jesus feared greatly when they saw the earthquake and all that was happening, and they said, "Truly, this was the Son of God!"

 

 

Now, this Palm Sunday, we enter the Holy week, the most solemn week of the Church’s liturgical cycle. In the 2nd Vatican liturgy, Palm Sunday is also known as Passion Sunday, since in Holy Week, Passion of Christ is read in full twice - on Palm Sunday and on Good Friday. In the liturgies of Holy Week, God’s saving action through Christ’s passion and resurrection is celebrated in a special way. Its effects are made present to the believing community, thus recalling that the historical evolution of Lent has its root and emphasis on baptism and the renewal of our baptismal commitment, personal conversion, penance, and living the suffering and death of Jesus the Christ. Holy Week is the climax of these activities. 

 

The Passion of Christ is the traditional designation for the last events of Jesus’ life. It refers to his suffering, torture, and death; as recorded in the gospels, especially as we read at the liturgies of the Holy Week that recall ceremonies and liturgies preserved from earlier liturgical rites dating back to the early Christian communities. These rites provide commemoration of and participation in the events of the last days of Jesus’ life, and a chance to relive the paschal mystery by which Christ reconciled the world to his Father. So, Holy week can be seen as the week of our salvation, showcasing Jesus who not only cared for his creation but took flesh to

deeply feel the pains of disordered humanity and selflessly died to bring salvation and eternal life to his beloved humanity.

 

Now, it was during the annual Jewish Passover feast that Jesus passed through suffering and death into new life. This was a divine act that saved all of humanity and creation from final damnation or death. Usually on Palm Sunday, Palms to be used in the next Ash Wednesday are blessed at a suitable site and carried in procession into the church, depicting Christ’s triumphant entry from Bethany into Jerusalem as the Messiah and the Savior of the world (Matt. 21:1-11). This Holy Week, let us reflect on the passion of Christ, which St. Paul spoke of (Phil 2:6-11). Why did Christ have to suffer? Was it foolhardy for him to uphold the truth even to the detriment

of his life? Was he not an innocent man crucified for the sins of others and for the truths he revealed? Why would the crowd praise him for his miracles and preaching initially and then turn coat to seek his crucifixion and death? Did his passion signify the victory of evil over him or over his followers? Did his victorious and glorious resurrection not surpass all the sufferings he endured? And, since in the passion narrative he states that he is the way, the truth, and the life (Jn 14:6), can we see or consider Jesus’ pattern of suffering when we face sufferings, or face reproaches and betrayals from people we have shown love; since victory and glory over evil and sickness of body and soul come with a patient perseverance and faithful cooperation with the grace of God at crises and challenges of life? This Sunday we read part of the 3rd Suffering Servant’s Song thus: “…The Lord God is my help, therefore I am not disgraced; I have set my face like flint, knowing that I shall not be put to shame” (Isa 50:4-7). Here, Isaiah spoke of himself, of Jesus, and of any follower of the Lord who endures betrayal, carries a cross, preaches sacrificial love, stands for the truth, and trusts totally on the help of the Sovereign Lord in the face of the servant’s tasks. As He has promised to save us, at our crisis times let us chant with the crowd: Hosanna filium David…, which actually means ‘Save us son of David…’, so that He can come and save us from our moral perils. Peace!

 

Fr. Francis Chukwuma

 

Prayer: “Behold me, my beloved Jesus, weighed down under the burden of my trials and sufferings,

I cast myself at Your feet, that You may renew my strength and my courage, while I rest here in Your Presence. Permit me to lay down my cross in Your Sacred Heart, for only Your infinite goodness can sustain me; only Your love can help me bear my cross; only Your powerful hand can lighten its weight. O Divine King, Jesus, whose heart is so compassionate to the afflicted, I wish to live in You; suffer and die in You. During my life be to me my model and my support; At the hour of my death, be my hope and my refuge. Amen.”

 

Quote from a Saint:  “We cannot obtain grace unless we suffer afflictions.” --St. Rose of Lima

 

Questions for reflection:

1. What do you do during Holy Week that is unique to this special time in the Church year?

2. Reflect on the following questions and consider them throughout the week:

   1. Why did Christ have to suffer?

   2. Was it foolhardy for him to uphold the truth even to the detriment of his life? Was he not an innocent man crucified for the sins of others and for the truths he revealed?

   3. Why would the crowd praise him for his miracles and preaching initially and then turn coat to seek his crucifixion and death? Did his passion signify the victory of evil over him or over his followers?

   4. Did his victorious and glorious resurrection not surpass all the sufferings he endured?

3. Do you ever consider Jesus’ pattern of suffering when you face your own sufferings?

4. How well do you “face sufferings, or face reproaches and betrayals from people we have shown love”?

5. Is praying the Stations of the Cross a regular part of your spiritual practices? If not, have you ever considered praying it outside of Lent as a way of remembering Christ’s Passion?

6. Have you watched movie The Passion of the Christ as a way to meditate and upon our Lord’s Passion?

-Benjamin & Kristen Rinaldo, CfP

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Oratory of Divine Love Reflection 772: Contemplate Your Mortality : (Ezekiel 37 : 12-14 ; Romans 8 : 8-11 ; John 11 : 3-7, 17, 20-27, 33b-45)

 

[Ezekiel]

Thus says the Lord GOD: O my people, I will open your graves and have you rise from them, and bring you back to the land of Israel. Then you shall know that I am the LORD, when I open your graves and have you rise from them, O my people! I will put my spirit in you that you may live, and I will settle you upon your land; thus you shall know that I am the LORD. I have promised, and I will do it, says the LORD.

 

[Romans]

Brothers and sisters: Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. But you are not in the flesh; on the contrary, you are in the spirit, if only the Spirit of God dwells in you. Whoever does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the spirit is alive because of righteousness. If the Spirit of the one who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, the one who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also, through his Spirit dwelling in you.

 

[John]

The sisters of Lazarus sent word to Jesus, saying, “Master, the one you love is ill.” When Jesus heard this he said, “This illness is not to end in death, but is for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when he heard that he was ill, he remained for two days in the place where he was. Then after this he said to his disciples, "Let us go back to Judea.” When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went to meet him; but Mary sat at home. Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise.” Martha said, “I know he will rise, in the resurrection on the last day.” Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” She said to him, “Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world.” He became perturbed and deeply troubled, and said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Sir, come and see.” And Jesus wept. So the Jews said, “See how he loved him.” But some of them said, “Could not the one who opened the eyes of the blind man have done something so that this man would not have died?” So Jesus, perturbed again, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay across it. Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the dead man’s sister, said to him, “Lord, by now there will be a stench; he has been dead for four days.” Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believe you will see the glory of God?” So they took away the stone. And Jesus raised his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you for hearing me. I know that you always hear me; but because of the crowd here I have said this, that they may believe that you sent me.” And when he had said this, He cried out in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, tied hand and foot with burial bands, and his face was wrapped in a cloth. So Jesus said to them, “Untie him and let him go.” Now many of the Jews who had come to Mary and seen what he had done began to believe in him.

 

 

Fellow pilgrims, as we journey on this Lent, the readings encourage our hope and strengthen our resolve to bring our Lenten exercises to victory through our faith and trust in Jesus as he asked of Martha (Jn 11:21-27; 39-40). As the raising of Lazarus from the dead (Jn 11:1-45), pointed to the belief in the resurrection of the dead, Jesus’ death reminds us of our mortality, and then encourages us with the fact of the resurrection that will come to those who belong to Christ through baptism, and who follow the same path Jesus followed in daily carrying their cross, denying and dying to self (Lk 9:23). For them, the darkness of death is reversed by the Spirit of the Lord who is the resurrection and life (Jn 11:25-26), and they will be raised to eternal life. Ezekiel highlighted this in the 1st reading as he talks of Israelites’ restoration to life; for as a group they had been like dead bones after they returned from exile (Ezk 37:1-14).

 

Now with the 7th sign read this Sunday, as John terms Jesus’ miracles, the discussion there showed that it was also a sign of Jesus’ identity and destiny that calls us to believe in him, as all the other signs in John (cf. Jn 2:11; 20:31). As such, the raising of Lazarus from the dead is a definitive and decisive sign Jesus gave about the salvific life that comes to man from the love of God; for it prefigured his ultimate victorious resurrection after giving God glory through his cross and death.

 

Remember, Jesus waited for 4 days before going to wake Lazarus as a way to show that there is always an appointed and appropriate time God answers our requests, to his glory and for our best benefit. As He has promised through the prophets, He continues to answer our intercessions for ourselves and others, to deliver us from the oppressions of pain and sickness, from the captivity of selfishness and sin, and to heal and liberate us at His appointed time, as we cooperate with an active Christian living (2 Cor 6:1-2), based in a convinced belief in God as Martha did (Jn 11:27). Thus, St Paul exhorted us with the challenge of not living as the flesh dictates if we belong to Christ. For St Paul, the flesh referred to the human nature stained by sin, which is subject to death; whereas the spirit referred to the human nature divinized by the resurrection of Christ. So, for believers, although they live in the world, the spirit gives them power to live free from sin, so that He who raised Jesus from the dead will give life to their mortal bodies (Rom 8:8-11).

 

Thus, a Christian can suffer or make sacrifices for the sake of another or for the common good, knowing that this ultimately gives glory to God and restores one to life. It is the same with fasting, where one seeks to subdue the flesh, as to control one’s natural desires and sinful ways of life and pursue a new life of the spirit in accord with God’s will, thereby giving glory to God while awaiting the resurrection. This sufferings, self-disciplines and fasting are important for the Church, thus she covers the crosses and statues this weekend, so that the faithful are led to fast from some beautiful and sacred images, in order to arouse their anticipation, enhance their curiosity and provoke certain sober contemplation of the joy and glory that will come with the triumph on the cross at Easter. The USCCB says that the covering of the crosses and statues is a sort of fasting from the sacred images, until it culminates in a profound sense of veneration of the cross on Good Friday and to a renewed sense of awe at the paschal mystery on Easter. Also, veiling the cross refers to the period towards the end of Jesus’ life, when he was hiding from the Scribes, Elders and Chief priest who were out to entrap, capture, and kill him, as we read about in the coming days before Easter. Peace!

 

Fr. Francis Chukwuma

 

Prayer: “Act of Faith: O my God, I firmly believe that you are one God in three divine Persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. I believe that your divine Son became man and died for our sins and that he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe these and all the truths which the Holy Catholic Church teaches because you have revealed them who are eternal truth and wisdom, who can neither deceive nor be deceived. In this faith I intend to live and die. Amen.”

 

Quote from a Saint:  “Without mortifying the taste, it is impossible to preserve innocence, since it was by the indulgence of his appetite that Adam fell.”--Saint Catherine of Siena

 

Questions for reflection:

1. How often do you contemplate your mortality, not in a morbid manner, but in a way that motivates you to embrace or re-embrace your cross and walk with the Lord?

2. Would witnessing a resurrection help build up your faith or would you be skeptical about it?

3. Do you have “a convinced belief in God as Martha did”? If not, do you actively look for ways to build up your faith?

4. Do you frequently make an Act of Faith through prayer?

5. Is there a struggle in your life between living in the flesh or the spirit?

6. Do you fast regularly as part of your spiritual practices? Do you follow the prescribed fasts that the Church gives us?

7. How willing are you to suffer for growth in your spiritual life? Do you willingly or begrudgingly embrace it when it comes?

8. Does your parish veil statues to help its members fast from beauty?

9. Do you or have you attended the veneration of the cross?

 

-Benjamin & Kristen Rinaldo, CfP

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Oratory of Divine Love Reflection 771: Fasting : (1 Samuel 16 :  6-7, 10-13a ; Ephesians 5 : 8-14 & ; John 9 : 1, 6-9, 13-17, 34-38)

 

[Samuel]

The LORD said to Samuel: “Fill your horn with oil, and be on your way. I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem, for I have chosen my king from among his sons.” As Jesse and his sons came to the sacrifice, 
Samuel looked at Eliab and thought, “Surely the LORD’s anointed is here before him.” But the LORD said to Samuel:  “Do not judge from his appearance or from his lofty stature, because I have rejected him. Not as man sees does God see,  because man sees the appearance but the LORD looks into the heart.” In the same way Jesse presented seven sons before Samuel, but Samuel said to Jesse,  “The LORD has not chosen any one of these.” Then Samuel asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?” Jesse replied, “There is still the youngest, who is tending the sheep.” Samuel said to Jesse, “Send for him; we will not begin the sacrificial banquet until he arrives here.” Jesse sent and had the young man brought to them. He was ruddy, a youth handsome to behold and making a splendid appearance. The LORD said, “There—anoint him, for this is the one!” Then Samuel, with the horn of oil in hand, anointed David in the presence of his brothers; and from that day on, the spirit of the LORD rushed upon David.

 

[Ephesians]

Brothers and sisters: You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light, 
for light produces every kind of goodness and righteousness and truth. Try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the fruitless works of darkness; rather expose them, for it is shameful even to mention 
the things done by them in secret; but everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for everything that becomes visible is light. Therefore, it says: “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.”

 

[John]

As Jesus passed by he saw a man blind from birth. He spat on the ground and made clay with the saliva,
and smeared the clay on his eyes, and said to him, “Go wash in the Pool of Siloam” — which means Sent —.
So he went and washed, and came back able to see. His neighbors and those who had seen him earlier as a beggar said, “Isn’t this the one who used to sit and beg?” Some said, “It is,” but others said, “No, he just looks like him.” He said, “I am.” They brought the one who was once blind to the Pharisees. Now Jesus had made clay and opened his eyes on a sabbath. So then the Pharisees also asked him how he was able to see.
He said to them, “He put clay on my eyes, and I washed, and now I can see.”

So some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, because he does not keep the sabbath.” But others said, “How can a sinful man do such signs?” And there was a division among them. So they said to the blind man again, “What do you have to say about him, since he opened your eyes?” He said, “He is a prophet.”

They answered and said to him, “You were born totally in sin, and are you trying to teach us?” Then they threw him out. When Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, he found him and said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” He answered and said, “Who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?” Jesus said to him, “You have seen him, and the one speaking with you is he.” He said, “I do believe, Lord,” and he worshiped him.

 

 

Now, this Laetare Sunday liturgy reminds us of the joys of the Lenten season, in spite of its penitential nature. The Latin word Laetare’ means ‘rejoice’; and it is from the opening word of the Introit (Is 66:10-11). So, the Sunday is called Laetare because of the note of joy that is integral to the suffering accompanying the Lenten and Easter mysteries, which subsists in all Christian sufferings, as also implied in Jesus’ encounter with the man born blind (Jn 9:1-41).

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This story is interesting especially in its reference to unexplained human suffering; as it asked whether it was the man or the parents that sinned (Jn 9:2-3). The issue of suffering expressed in the readings also pointed to the reason we consciously take up some sacrifices as mortification and self-denial, as our Lenten exercise (Jn 9:3). Suffering is a mystery and cannot be fully understood. However Christian suffering is redemptive since it is joined to the salvific suffering of Jesus and thus our sufferings become efficacious and for the glory of God. And this is also the effect of each of those 3 arms of the Lenten discipline. Take for instance the effect of the discipline of fasting.

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We know that fasting does not always mean fasting from food. It could be fasting from internet surfing, fasting from much talking, fasting from constant quarrel, etc. But it is instructive that the first area of Jesus temptation was on food (Matt 4:3). So, fasting from food has a prominent place in the order of fasting for that reason. Now, St Peter Chrysologus, after stating that prayer, fasting, and mercy are a unit, he noted that fasting is the soul of prayer while mercy is the life of fasting, and then he said: “…Let us seek by fasting what we have lost by our contempt. Let us immolate our souls by fasting, because we can offer nothing better to God...Offer your soul to God; offer the oblation of fasting. Do this to make your soul a pure victim, a holy sacrifice, a living victim, which remains yours while it is given to God. The man who fails to offer this gift to God will have no excuse, for he who will give himself is unable to suffer want. But to make those gifts acceptable, follow them up with mercy. Fasting does not germinate unless watered by mercy...The man who is fasting…if he does not sprinkle his plants with streams of mercy, he does not gather his harvest...” (Sermon 43). With this kind of insight, we can appreciate the seasonal call to fast seen in the scriptures (See for instance Joel 1:14 and Isaiah 58:3-9); for fasting as well as the other spiritual exercises of Lent has immense salvific benefits, as sufferings and oblations offered to God.

With gospel also, as the Samaritan woman gradually progressed in knowing Jesus (Jn 4:5-42), the man born blind also grew gradual in his spiritual insight; growing from the vague perception of the savior as the man called Jesus (Jn 9:11) to the proclamation of Jesus as a prophet and finally as the Lord whom we worship (Jn 9:35-38). Now, this tells us that to truly progress spiritually we must work to identify and remove the illusions that cloud our visions, so that we can have a clear vision of what is truly good and beautiful in the sight of God as David was (1 Sam 16:10-13). So, like the man born blind and like Samuel in the 1st reading (1 Sam 16:6-7),

our spiritual eyes will gradually come to be opened to see as God sees, when we begin to live as children of light, avoiding sins and darkness, and allowing Christ to shine on us (Eph 5:8- 14). And this puts into perspective the 2nd Scrutiny for our Elect. We are gradually healed through the sacraments. Peace!

 

Fr. Francis Chukwuma

 

Prayer: “Dear Lord, In times of trial and challenge, grant us the strength to persevere and the endurance to face each day with courage. May Your unwavering support uplift our spirits and guide us through our struggles. Help us to find resilience in our hearts and to trust in Your divine plan. We seek Your grace to carry us forward. Amen.”

 

Quote from a Saint:  “Fasting cleanses the soul, raises the mind, subjects one’s flesh to the spirit, renders the heart contrite and humble, scatters the clouds of concupiscence, quenches the fire of lust, and kindles the true light of chastity. Enter again into yourself.”--Saint Augustine

 

Questions for reflection:

1. What joys do you experience during the Lenten season?

2. What are some of the sacrifices that you have given up for Lent in the past? Were any more efficacious than others?

3. Have you ever thought of your Lenten sacrifices as being mortifications and self-denial?

4. Do you frequently participate in a food-based fast during lent?

5. Have you ever considered that prayer, fasting, and mercy are a unit?

6. Have you ever considered that you could offer “your soul a pure victim, a holy sacrifice, a living victim, which remains yours while it is given to God.”

7. Has your spiritual vision improved over time allowing you to better see Jesus?

-Benjamin & Kristen Rinaldo, CfP