Reflection for Sunday March 26, 2023
|
Sunday Gospel: Jn 11:1-45
“I am the resurrection and the life”. These words spoken by Jesus in this week’s Gospel are one of the Seven “I am” statements found throughout the Gospel of John. Each of these statements reveal a different aspect of Jesus. Jesus speaks these words as he comforts Martha whose brother Lazarus has just died. Jesus also speaks these words to us. Throughout the Gospels there is a theme of abundant, overwhelming life. Often, we may think of life in heaven as the reward of pursuing God and following Christ, eternal life. It seems clear that Jesus wants to also give us abundant life now. He is the life! The best life we could ever have is one in which we are following Jesus. I think about many people my age who are pursuing life or trying to maximize life. They may see religion as a threat to their freedom. Christ came to set us free, free from sin but also free for a life lived to the full in the love of God, in friendship with Jesus, and in service to others. What is keeping you back from giving your whole life to Jesus and living life to the fullest with Him? |
Reflection for Sunday March 5, 2023 By Martha Sunday Gospel: Mt 17:1-9
“Rise, and do not be afraid.” Those are Jesus’ words after the apostles have prostrated themselves in fear upon hearing God's voice. What does Christ mean, when He asks them to cast away their cloaks of fear? The entire duration of the event of the Transfiguration, the apostles have held a position of the utmost reverence, and rightly so. Jesus, whom they know so personally, whom they see as a brother and a friend, has become as white as light, and has joined the ranks of Moses and Elijah, two of the wisest prophets history has to hold. They must be given the worship that is only due to someone so holy. Baffled with how to reverence them properly, the apostles offer to build tents, but they are only met with the voice of God, “This is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him.” Listen to what Jesus tells you. And what does Jesus tell the apostles? Nothing more than to rise, and not to fear. Jesus is inviting the apostles to know Him, and the Father and Spirit through Him, more personally. While Jesus is so holy and deserves all praise and glory, the things that made Him holy are born out of His undying love for each one of us. He wouldn’t have sacrificed His life on the cross if He didn’t want the redemption of every single person who walked this earth. He cares for us more than any other could, He wants nothing more than for us to succeed and be at peace. Jesus can be seen as the very best friend any person could have- someone who wants nothing but the best for the other. At the mountain of the Transfiguration, Jesus invites the apostles not only to revere Him, but to entrust their hearts to Him too. This week's reflection is by Martha, Martin Saints Classical School class of 2023. |
Reflection for Sunday March 12, 2023 by LizSunday Gospel: Jn 4:5-42
This passage covers Jesus journeying into Sychar, a town in Samaria. He meets a woman who is at the well and then asks her for a drink. She is bewildered that he, a Jewish man, is asking her, a Samaritan woman, for a drink. He then says something only a prophet could know, and this astonishes her more. The disciples come back to find Jesus speaking to this woman and encourages him to eat while she heads back in the village believing he is a prophet, or even The Christ. In this passage , Jesus speaks of this unknown “living water” that once you drink of it, you will never thirst again. The woman in this passage represents us in a way. A person who has sinned in the past and is seeking out a materialistic way that can mend our problems. This is why she asks where she can find this water, believing it is physical. But Jesus is offering water that is far beyond our understanding. That once we unite with God, there is nothing we shall want, or desire. This week's reflection is by Liz, MSJA class of 2026 |
Reflection for Sunday March 19, 2023 by SebastianSunday Gospel: Jn 9:1-41
In today’s Gospel, a blind man is cured by Jesus and questioned by the Jewish authority. Back then, we saw what was considered “the lowest of low” to believe in the faith of God. Someone who struggled to live had faith in God and found satisfaction in his life. We can be like the blind man. Even though we experience God’s mysteries, we must stay true to our faith-even if people question and doubt it. In school, I do my best to stay true to my Catholic education. Even though others might tempt me to get by “the easy way” or do unethical things that are against the school system, I still find a way to stay true to myself, and to God. My challenge for everybody is to stay true to your morals and your beliefs. Never let anybody tempt you from being someone you aren’t. This week's reflection is by Sebastian, Roman Catholic High School Class of 2023. |