Drawn to Jesus
Lent's fifth Sunday
Announcements for March 20, 2021:
OLMC Lenten Almsgiving Project: We have two weeks left on our campaign to liberate our neighbors from crushing debt and despair -- Check it out here.
This Monday night is the last evening for the Welcome Home to Healing initiative.
Check out our announcements online.
Please be in touch with me if you need anything at all, or if you'd like to share any questions or concerns.
Dear Saints,
March Madness has struck again. Whether it's early round upsets in the NCAA Tournament or solemnities falling on Fridays in Lent (thanks, Saint Joseph!), yesterday had something for everyone.
While we're on universal appeal, this weekend's Gospel passage has Jesus present, in profoundly moving prose, God's intention to save all peoples. Of his impending crucifixion Jesus says, "And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself."
Prompted by that image, and as we enter Passiontide this Sunday (check out my article in this week's bulletin), let's focus on the Cross.
I mentioned last weekend that our contemplation of Jesus' Crucifixion needs to hold together at least two points: the brutality of our sinfulness and the greatness of God's love. Both of these aspects of Christ's cross draw us to him:
Recognizing the effect of our sinfulness we cast off our prideful, false, and selfish selves, and come to Jesus as we are: broken people in need of the healing and strengthening love only God can give.
Seeing in Jesus' suffering the depth of God's love in action we cannot resist his goodness, we cannot fail to trust him.
As we hear Jesus' words - And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself - and contemplate his Cross this weekend let's allow ourselves to be drawn to him: to love him, trust him, and follow him at all times and in every possible way.
I love you, my friends, and I look forward to seeing you soon.
Christ's Peace,
Father Daniel
δοῦλος Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ
PS Have we made progress this Lent against the enemy of our human nature (the world, the flesh, and the devil)? Let me know what you make of this old catechetical image.
Preparing for Mass?
Check out this weekend's readings:
Fifth Sunday of Lent
Christ Crucified
Diego Velázquez, ca.1632