Reflections on the Daily Readings 28th March 2022
Monday 28th March
Lenten Weekday
Tiny miracles
“Do you believe in miracles?” was a famous statement made by a sportscaster who was announcing an Olympic hockey game between the United States and Soviet teams in 1980—the underdog Americans won. Catholics believe in miracles, of course—but there has to be something more than mere unlikeliness to qualify. The church defines miracles as a “sign or wonder such as a healing, or control of nature, which can only be attributed to divine power.” While we might not understand how or why miracles happen—or don’t, even when we desperately ask—we can be assured that the God of the universe is constantly involved in our little lives out of boundless love. What’s a greater miracle than that?
Today's readings: Isaiah 65:17-21; John 4:43-54 (244).
“Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will not believe.”
Tuesday 29th March
Lenten Weekday
A day for the Knights
The Knights of Columbus organization for Catholic men turns 140 years old today. The organization originally got its U.S. start as a mutual aid society for poor immigrant families, particularly those that lost their main source of income whenever fathers died on the job. To this day, “whether at home or abroad, charity is our Order’s first principle and the basis for all we do as brother Knights," says Supreme Knight Carl Anderson. The Knights run the National Shrine of Saint John Paul II in Washington, D.C. Visit the shrine virtually, via its 38- minute “A Gift of Love” Virtual Exhibit Tour.
Today's readings: Ezekiel 47:1-9, 12; John 5:1-16
“Jesus said to him, ‘Rise, take up your mat, and walk.’”
Wednesday 30th March
Lenten Weekday
Let it be a hopeful Lent
Our faith is one of hope. Often we concentrate on the sacrifices and commitments we make during Lent: abstaining from certain treats, attending daily Mass, giving alms generously. But we do this in the hope that Easter will come and Jesus will rise from the dead. Reflect on the spirit of hope that is at the root of your Lenten observance. Here are some words of inspiration from Pope Francis: "No matter where God has planted you, hope. Always hope. Believe in the existence of the most noble and beautiful truths and trust that God, through the Holy Spirit, is ushering everything toward the good, toward Christ’s embrace."
Today's readings: Isaiah 49:8-15; John 5:17-30
“The hour is coming in which all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and will come out, those who have done good deeds to the resurrection of life.”
Thursday 31st March
Lenten Weekday
Rigor has a reason
We are now four weeks into Lent, at which point, disciplines of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving might not deliver much pious glow. The church developed the tradition of 40 days of Lent based on the 40 days Jesus was tempted in the desert prior to his public ministry. A six-week season of prayer, penance, and almsgiving is meant to instill in us awareness, humility, and love, but most of all, the realization of our utter dependence on God. As Saint Teresa of Ávila says, "Whoever has God lacks nothing. God alone suffices." Take a few moments to reflect on the ways God has sustained you.
Today's readings: Exodus 32:7-14; John 5:31-47
“How can you believe, when you accept praise from one another and do not seek the praise that comes from the only God?”
Friday 1st April
Lenten Weekday
Make the uncommon choice for the common good
The “common good” is central to being Catholic. Defined at Vatican II, the common good is the “sum of those conditions of social life which allow social groups and their individual members relatively thorough and ready access to their own fulfillment” (Gaudium et Spes 26). It requires appreciation for the relational nature of human beings and an absolute respect for the dignity of all persons, including but never limited to our own self. It also means ruffling a feather or two as we stare rampant individualism in the face. The common good is always evolving, but our motivation in its pursuit never changes love of neighbour as ourselves. Where will such love take you next?
Today's readings: Wisdom 2:1a, 12-22; John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30
“Let us beset the just one, because he is obnoxious to us; he sets himself against our doings, Reproaches us for transgressions of the law.”
Saturday 2nd April
Memorial Of Francis Of Paola
Small wonder
Francis of Paola lived in a cave but he could see well beyond his confines. His vision for a community of “Minim” (“the least”) inspired countless followers to join him in a life of service to the poor and forgotten. Talk about countercultural living! Such radical service requires a whole different set of priorities. For Francis it was a desire for holiness achieved through humility. Each of us can take some steps to “minimize” the excesses we might indulge in and join Francis in serving others in some small way. It’s the least we can do!
Today's readings: Jeremiah 11:18-20; John 7:40-53
“‘Never before has anyone spoken like this man.’”
