Refections
An Unquenchable Longing
All of us can experience moments of great joy
because in His goodness, God allows us to taste on earth
the joys of the world to come.
However, moments of joy, no matter how wonderful,
will never satisfy the human heart.
What we long for is a permanent state of happiness.
But that is unattainable here.
So what must we do? Like desert travelers,
we must go forward from one oasis to another,
with the conviction that God has a homeland
prepared for us at the end of our journey.
This conviction will make it possible for us
to travel onwards with an ace in our heart
and an unquenchable longing in our soul.
The Second Sunday of Lent
The Second Sunday of Lent points out clearly to the victory of the risen Lord. The glory of the transfigured Jesus is a prefiguration of the glory of the resurrection. The biblical context of the transfiguration scene makes it clear that the doorway to that glory is suffering and death. There is also a baptismal message: as Jesus was declared to be the beloved Son of the Father,we have also become the sons and daughters of God in our baptism. Jesus' white and bright clothes remind us of our baptismal garment.Abraham is the greatest example for every baptized : to hear the call of God, to let go, to get on the way to the promised land, having faith in God and trusting His guidance - these are the qualities of a truly Christian life. Such a way will include necessary hardships and trials but the future glory should strengthen us to cope with these.
12 Ways to have a Holier Lent
1. Refill at Mass weekly. Mass is the “filling station” where
we refill our spiritual tank every week.
2. Make a nightly examination of conscience to ensure that
you stay on track.
3. Go to Confession.
4. Buddy up. Find a good friend with whom to share your
Lenten journey
5. Read the Good Book. The Bible is God’s love letter to us.
Pick a book and read a chapter each day.
6. Spend time in spontaneous prayer.
7. Make a visit to the Blessed Sacrament
8. Travel light. Give something up to which you are
attached and offer the resulting discomfort as penance.
9. Make the fast count. Take up something in place of the
thing you have given up.
10. Visit with the homebound and sick,especially the elderly
who are forgotten.
11. Perform a Corporal work of mercy. Spread mercy to
those in need at least once a week.
The seven corporal
works of mercy are :
** Feed the hungry;
** Give drink to the
thirsty;
** Clothe the naked;
** Shelter the homeless;
** Visit the
sick;
** Visit the imprisoned;
** Bury the dead.
12. Perform a Spiritual work of mercy.
These are:
** Instruct
the ignorant;
** Counsel the doubtful;
** Admonish the sinner;
** Comfort the sorrowful;
** Forgive injuries;
** Bear wrongs
patiently;
** Pray for the living and the dead.
Try to do one of
these every day.
Messianic Genealogy Chart of Jesus Christ - Click here for image!