LENTEN MESSAGE OF POPE FRANCIS BASED ON FOR THE PASSION WEEK

History does not end with our mistakes, our violence and injustice, or the sin that crucifies Love; but the future opened up by the Father’s  mercy

How have I experienced the mercy of God?


LENTEN MESSAGE FOR TODAY FROM POPE FRANCIS

Having received forgiveness ourselves, we can offer it through our willingness to enter into attentive dialogue with others and to give comfort to those experiencing sorrow and pain.

Do I forgive others?


TODAY'S WORD

By


Fr. Aloysius Santiago sdb
Rector and Parish Priest
Don Bosco Shrine
Lingarajapuram, Bangalore

“Be stouthearted, and wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:14


TODAY'S REFLECTION

We are at the beginning of Holy Week. 


According to today’s gospel reading, at the beginning of the last week of Jesus’ life, which was to end so brutally, he experienced the hospitality and the loving care of friends. 


Jesus had brought light and joy into the darkness and sadness of this family by raising Lazarus from the dead. 


Now they wanted to express their gratitude to him by hosting a meal for him. 


One member of the family, Mary, went further, performing an act of extravagant generosity that displayed sensitivity and tenderness towards Jesus. 


Jesus interpreted Mary’s action as an anointing in preparation for his coming death. 


She was strengthening him for the journey ahead. 


At this meal, over against Mary’s generous act stood Judas who would betray Jesus to death and who objected to Mary’s deed as a waste of money. 


Judas is portrayed as a hypocrite, complaining about a waste of money while helping himself to money from the common fund that was to serve the needs of Jesus and the group of disciples. 


We are invited to identify with Mary in today’s gospel reading. 


Like her, we have been greatly blessed by the Lord. He died and rose from the dead so that we may have life to the full. 


He came among us full of grace and truth and from his fullness we have all received. 


Mary encourages us to give back to the Lord from all he has given to us. 


FIRST READING

The Lord comes to us in what the first reading calls the crushed reeds and wavering flames of our day, those who are longing for the kind of tender and sensitive love that Mary showed to Jesus. 

As Jesus says in the gospel reading, ‘you have the poor with you always’.


RESOLUTION

Let's  resolve to serve the Lord in all who are vulnerable and in need, just as Mary served the vulnerable and needy Jesus on this occasion. 


PRAYER

Jesus, I am weak, but You are strong. Keep me near You and near Your cross.


HAVE A BLESSED MONDAY.

MAY THE LORD ACCOMPANY AND STRENGTHEN YOU DURING THE HOLY DAYS OF THE WEEK AHEAD.