feasting on the word
"If you meditate on the Scriptures it will appear to you in its brilliant splendor." ―St. Pio of Pietrelcina
|
Fourth Sunday of Lent (C) Joshua 5:9A, 10-12 | Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7 | 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 | Luke 15:1-3, 11-32  "Home"—just hearing the word brings a flood of emotions. It’s where we feel safe, welcomed, and at peace. It’s where laughter fills the air, delicious meals are shared, and the best sleep is had. More than just a place, home is a feeling of love, joy, and comfort. This sense of "coming home" is at the heart of the readings for the Fourth Sunday of Lent, also known as Laetare (Rejoice) Sunday. It’s a reminder that no matter how far we may have wandered, there is always a place for us to return—a place of grace, renewal, and belonging.
0 Comments
Third Sunday of Lent (C) Exodus 3:1-8a, 13-15 | Psalm 103: 1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8, 11 | 1 Corinthians 10:1-6, 10-12 | Luke 13:1-9  There are two ways we can look at suffering. It can make us feel angry and bitter, or it can help us feel closer to God. The readings for the Third Sunday of Lent teach us to think more deeply about suffering and death.
First Sunday of Lent (C) Deuteronomy 26:4-10 | Psalm 91:1-2, 10-11, 12-13, 14-15 | Romans 10:8-13 | Luke 4:1-13  As we begin our Lenten journey, this Sunday’s Gospel reminds us to have the same confidence Jesus had when facing temptation—trusting that God's word is enough. We can rely on Him to provide for our needs, to protect us, and to remain faithful to His promises. And above all, we worship God because He alone has power over us and the world.
Ash Wednesday (C) Joel 2:12-18 | Psalm 51:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14, 17 | 2 Corinthians 5:20—6:2 | Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18  Today is Ash Wednesday, marking the start of our 40-day journey of preparation for the Lord’s Resurrection. During this season, we set aside the singing of Glory to God in the Highest and “bury” the Alleluia. Floral decorations are put away, and we now use violet, the color of penance. Soon, we’ll be walking around with dark smudges on our foreheads—ashes blessed and mixed with either holy oil or water, then traced in the shape of a cross. As the minister imposes the ashes, they will say either, “Remember, man, that you are dust, and unto dust you shall return” (Gen 3:19) or “Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel” (Mark 1:15). No matter which words are spoken, the message is clear: "Alalahanin mo, mamamatay ka rin!" (Remember, you will die.) It’s a stark reminder of our mortality and our calling to live meaningfully. Life is short, so we must live it well. Since ancient times, people have used ashes as a sign of fasting, prayer, repentance, and remorse. This practice was common in early Judaism, as seen in 2 Samuel 13:19, Esther 4:1-3, Job 42:6, and Jeremiah 6:26. In the Church, ashes are sacramentals—outward signs of our brokenness and our willingness to turn back to God. By receiving them, we acknowledge our need for conversion and renewal
Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time (C) Sirach 27:4-7 | Psalm 92:2-3, 13-14, 15-16 | 1 Corinthians 15:54-58 | Luke 6:39-45  On this last Sunday of Ordinary Time before the grace-filled season of Lent, the Scriptures provide us with essential guidance for shaping our spiritual practices during this sacred period: Speak with wisdom to inspire and uplift others, rejoice in Christ's triumph over sin and death, and engage in self-reflection before addressing the faults of others.
|
About JeffJeff Jacinto, PhD, DHum |
RSS Feed