March 31 - Tough Times

Tuesday of Holy Week

Today's Readings

•  Isaiah 49.1-6
• Psalm 71
• John 13.21-33, 36-38

Today's Reflection

Jesus is described today as “deeply troubled,” which seems like quite an understatement.  Already facing imminent torture and death, he now must also deal with the fact that two of his closest friends will soon betray him, and the rest will run away and abandon him.  Having friends to lean on makes it a little easier to get through life’s hard times; losing that support is heart-breaking.  Here’s a man who was loved and admired by so many people, yet needed a total stranger to help carry his cross.  I hope that I can be a good friend to those I love when the “going gets tough”.

Kelly G.

March 30 - Ordinary Generosity

Monday of Holy Week

Today's Readings

• Isaiah 42.1-7
• Psalm 27
• John 12.1-11

Today's Reflection

Today’s gospel contains a quote that is often misinterpreted as Jesus dismissing efforts to help the poor.  In fact, he is referencing Deuteronomy:

“…do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother.  Rather be openhanded and freely lend him whatever he needs… Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.  There will always be poor people in the land.  Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land.”  (Deut 15:7-11)

Jesus is reinforcing God’s commandment that we generously care for the poor, but he presents it as nothing unusual, just an everyday responsibility.  He contrasts that with the special (and temporary) occasion of his presence among them, which justifies Mary’s extravagance.

Kelly G.

 

March 29 - The Colt Tethered

Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion

Today's Readings

• Mark 11.1-10 or John 12.12-16
• Isaiah 50.4-7
• Psalm 22
• Philippians 2.6-11
• Mark 14.1-15.47

Today's Reflection 

The"colt tethered" is unbound for service to God

"The Master has need of it and will send it back here at once.”

When our Master is ready we will be untied and return to him at once.

Today, the Master has need of you and me. Our service and worship is a valuable testimony. Share your faith everyday. Talk about what Jesus is doing in your life today.

Truly this man was the Son of God! At the name of Jesus every knee should bend and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Follow him?
Betray him?
Surely it is not I?

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Who forsakes who?

“Abba, Father, all things are possible to you.
Take this cup away from me,
but not what I will but what you will.”

Scott W.

March 28 - On the Journey

Saturday of the Fifth Week of Lent

Today's Readings

• Ezekiel 37.31-38
• Jeremiah 31.10, 11-12, 13
• John 11.45-56

Today's Reflection

Swathed in your loving kindness, O God, keep us as the apple of your eye; cloak us under the shadow of your wings as we follow your son on his loving journey.

Anna H.

March 27 - Persecution

Friday of the Fifth Week of Lent

Today's Readings

• Jeremiah 20.10-13
• Psalm 18
• John 10.31-42

Today's Reflection

How many of us have, at one time or another, been persecuted, denounced, accused of something we did not do? Today’s readings remind us that no matter how bad things get, God is always there.  We can turn to God and find comfort in our most challenging times.

Kelly. G

March 26 - Who do you say that I am?

Thursday of the Fifth Week of Lent

Today's Readings

• Genesis 17.3-9
• Psalm 105
• John 8.51-59
  

Today's Reflection

In the Gospels for this part of late Lent, Jesus says things that upset the leaders of the Jews. The things he says in today’s Gospel seem shocking in their effrontery: he knows God as they do not, despite their learning; Abraham, who lived two thousand years earlier, was acquainted with him; and he says “I am” in a way reserved to God. Are we ready to have Jesus’ words seriously challenge us? 

Paul S

March 25 - Pondering

Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord

Today's Readings:

• Isaiah 7.10-14; 8.10
• Psalm 40
• Hebrews 10.4-10
• Luke 1.26-38

Today's Reflection

I have always been puzzled at Ahaz’s answer, “I will not ask!  I will not tempt the Lord.”  when the Lord himself tells Ahaz to ask for a sign.  Clearly, Ahaz does not have those “ears open to obedience” that we find in the Psalm.  Though Mary was greatly troubled at and pondered the angel’s greeting, she listened and listened deeply to the angel’s message and was able to reply in trust, “May it be done to me according to your word.”  I ask today for the grace to ponder, listening deeply to the Word of God in my heart so that I may always answer as Mary did, “May it be done…according to your word”.   

MC