Third Sunday of Lent

Year of Saint Joseph

In other years: Saints Perpetua and Felicity, Martyrs (-203)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 30 The Manner of Reproving Boys

Mass: Ex 20:1-17; Resp Ps 19; 1 Cor 1:22-25; Jn 2:13-25 or Ex 17:3-7; Resp Ps 95; Rm 5:1-2, 5-8; Jn 4:5-42

Lord, you have the words of everlasting life.

JOSEPH, PROTECTOR OF HOLY CHURCH,

PRAY FOR US.

Welcome to the Third Sunday of Lent with plenty of readings to reflect upon. Our prayers continue for Pope Francis and the people of Iraq during the Holy Father's Apostolic Visit to Iraq. We also pray for those preparing to enter the Church at Easter who today receive the First Scrutiny. "May they persevere in the faith of the Church and in living a holy life" (Magnificat, Prayer of the Faithful). United with them, may we too be faithful to the Church and respond wholeheartedly to the universal call to holiness.

On another busy Sunday for some, it is good to be reminded of God's command to keep holy the sabbath day (Ex 20:8). Even the Lord God who "in six days made the heavens and the earth, the sea and all that is in them" (Ex 20:11) rested on the seventh day. All said though, it is often that whatever we are busy with can be a way to serve the Lord Our God and our neighbor. So whether we are "burdened  with much serving" like Martha (Lk 10:40), or sitting at the feet of Jesus and listening to Him like Mary (Lk 10:39), we can keep it in perspective "so that in all things God may be glorified" (1 Pet 4:11/RB 57:9). After all, "the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us" (Rm 5:5). And if you find it difficult to keep things in perspective, never forget that "the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength" (1 Cor 1:25). 😊 Praise God from Whom all blessings flow.

To us, also, your servants,

who, though sinners,

hope in your abundant mercies,

graciously grant some share 

and fellowship with your holy Apostles and Martyrs:

... Felicity, Perpetua, Agatha, Lucy, Agnes, Cecilia, Anastasia and all your Saints;

admit us, we beseech you,

into their company,

not weighing our merits,

but granting us your pardon,

through Christ our Lord.

[Eucharistic Prayer I, (Roman Canon)]

Today's photo: Camellia at our front entrance. 

© Gertrude Feick 2021