Lenten message of Pope Francis based on Fratelli Tutti No.121
It is unacceptable that some have fewer rights by virtue of being women
TODAY'S WORD
By
Fr. Aloysius Santiago sdb
Rector and Parish Priest
Don Bosco Shrine
Lingarajapuram, Bangalore
Deuteronomy: 4:6 "You must observe the laws diligently, for this will show your wisdom and discernment to the peoples, who, when they hear all these statutes, will say, “Surely this great nation is a wise and discerning people!”
TODAY'S REFLECTION
Jesus was often critical of the religious tradition to which he belonged.
He had heated arguments with the religious leaders of his own tradition.
Yet, he did not reject his own Jewish religious tradition, even though it was not perfect.
In this morning’s gospel reading he declares that he has come not to abolish the Jewish law or the teaching of the Jewish prophets, but to bring them all to completion.
He wanted to renew his own religious tradition rather than cast it aside or walk away from it.
He came to prune what needed pruning in his religious tradition and to bring what was good there to completion.
That remains the work of the risen Lord in the church today.
In spite of its failings, the Lord does not reject the church, just as he did not reject his disciples who failed him.
Rather, he works to renew the church, to prune away what needs pruning and to bring what is good there to completion.
He does that work in and through all of us, the members of his body.
The Lord today invites us to examine and probe into areas of our life that needs a real "tightening" and "intensification"
QUESTIONS TO PONDER
Has my prayer life become relaxed and casual...
Can I "tighten" it up, to grow in deeper communion with the Lord?
Has my participation in the Holy Eucharist become too monotonous and more "ritualistic"...
Can I "intensify" my preparation and participation in this most sacred act of the world?
Has my reading of the Word of God taken a backseat or lost its significance in my daily life...
Can I "tighten" it up, in order to draw strength from the mighty sword of God's Word?
Has my relationship with my fellow people and the needy ones, devoid charity and kindness...
Can I "intensify" with a truer interest in their concerns and making a difference in their lives?
Let us seek to have and live...
A life that is sinless...
A faith that is fearless...
An enthusiasm that is limitless...
A joy that is deceitless
And a hope that is endless!
RESOLUTION
Let's resolve to be willing instruments of the Lord’s renewing work in his church and the world.
Have a great day
WE BEGIN THE NOVENA TO ST. JOSEPH IN PREPARATION FOR THE SOLEMNITY OF ST. JOSEPH, LET'S PRAY FOR ALL OUR FARMERS THAT THROUGH THE INTERCESSION OF ST. JOSEPH, THE DRACONIAN LAWS MAY BE REPEALED AND THE FARMERS DEMANDS MAY BE RESPECTED