Thursday, 2/23: Our Lenten tradition of publishing daily reflections written by parishioners continues.
Today's reflection was written by Brian Jardine.
After reading today’s gospel, the thought of sacrifice comes to mind. I view sacrifice as giving up something
you want, for something you want more. Jesus demonstrated his willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice.
It is often difficult to grasp fully the idea that Jesus was a mortal like us, but he was. He was a man who experienced the same feelings and emotions we feel daily. He was willingly shunned, ridiculed, and physically harmed but accepted his destiny for all of humanity’s sake.
In this gospel reading Jesus extends the opportunity to all of us. He states, “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” He does this knowing our sacrifice to God is the best way to reach salvation.
Our first reading also affords the opportunity to reach heaven. Moses said to his people: “Today I have set before you life and prosperity, death and doom.” The main theme circles back to sacrifice. If we place God and heaven above all else, we should have no problem making the right decisions. Life is quite simple if there is no choice we put above God.
Ash Wednesday, 2/22: Our Lenten tradition of publishing daily reflections written by parishioners continues. Today's reflection was written by Cathy Kochis.
In the Gospel reading today Jesus instructs his disciples...
When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet;
When you pray, go to your inner room;
When you fast, do not look gloomy.
Of course, I have simplified the Lord’s words and if you would allow me to take it a step further, I could imagine Jesus summing up this lesson by telling his disciples... Just be humble in all that you do.
The definition of humbleness – the quality or state of being modest and lacking in pride or arrogance.
Most certainly, our Blessed Mother possessed this quality. That is not to say she was not a strong woman. You can be humble and strong together. Mary had a keen self-awareness of who she was and what her role was in God’s plan and she carried herself with a quiet strength resulting from her faith in God. She humbly accepted her role, not allowing pride or arrogance or her own self-interests to get in the way.
There is something so freeing that comes with choosing to be humble. To not feel the need to compete with other people. To not worry what other people think of you. To not waste your energy trying to prove yourself.
We all have our crosses to bear at one time or another throughout our life. But life is very simple really. When you wake up, ask the Lord to be with you during your day, do your best to make good choices as they come your way, and thank him at the end of the day for getting you through. And do it all very quietly.
Saint Eulalia Parish Mission Statement
We are an evangelizing Catholic community living and spreading the Gospel values of faith, hope, and love.