Monday, March 25, 2013

Daily Lenten Thoughts - 03/25/2013

Daily Thoughts: We find ourselves beginning this most Holy of Weeks. Our readings today remind us the good of this week and the bad. We are reminded of the compassion and love of Jesus. We are reminded of the caring and friendship of Martha, Mary and Lazarus. We are reminded of the impact that Jesus had on peoples' lives. We are reminded how Judas lost his focus and turned away from Jesus.

These early days of Holy Week set the scene, the characters and the focus for the Triduum. They give us the background of the story that will lead us to Calvary and the empty tomb. They remind us of how easy it is to get lost in the trappings of the world. They remind us how easy it is be distracted by the things of the world and to not recognize the presence of God. They remind us of how hard it is to be faithful people.

The scene today also reminds of the fact the Jesus is willing to accept extravagance when it is done in love. Jesus appreciates the extravagance of Mary's true love because Jesus and the Father are always about offering true love, the true love of the Cross which we will celebrate later this week.

What extravagant gesture of love can we offer someone this week? How can we make God's presence known and felt in our world this week? Remember God never turns away from a humble and contrite heart. Let us not be like Judas, someone who cannot grasp the love and support of God, rather let us be like Martha, Mary and Lazarus people who are friends of God!

Daily Holy Week Prayer: Loving God, help us to enter more deeply into this journey of Holy Week. May we always have the faith of true friendship with you. May our actions express this friendship and thus make your presence known to all that we meet. Touch us with your extravagant love so in our moments of doubt and struggle we will not turn way, but turn towards you trusting in your compassionate love. Give us hearts which are humble and open to forgiveness. Give us spirits alive with your love. Amen!

Runner's Thought: As we run during this Holy Week let us remember that each run can help us embark on a pilgrimage of the ordinary which often leads us to the extraordinary and sacred!

Happy Monday of Holy Week everyone! I hope your week is starting of well. We are in the midst of a snow storm here in Marlboro, NJ hopefully it will not be too bad and our mission service tonight will not be too affected! The morning service went well and there is a good spirit here as we enter this most Holy of Weeks!

Sorry friends that I did not post yesterday but I have limited access to the internet so it is going to be hit or miss the first three days this week. I hope you will all have a Blessed Holy Week, one filled with many graces. For those who will begin Passover tomorrow may your week also be rich with blessings. My prayers are with all of you today and throughout this week. Peace in Christ's Passion...Fr. Paul

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