March 6 - Fourth Sunday of Lent

Seeking, Forgiving and Celebrating

Today's Readings

As we move past the half-way point in our Lenten journey today we contemplate the process of conversion and repentance. This seems to be summoned up in the parable of the prodigal son and the merciful father. 

In describing this, Jesus begins with the illusion of freedom. The abandonment of the father’s house; the extreme misery in which the son finds himself after squandering his fortune; his deep humiliation at finding himself obliged to feed swine, and still worse, at wanting to eat the husks the pigs ate. We see the son reflect on all he has lost; his repentance and decision to declare himself guilty before his father, and the journey back. 

In his mercy, we see the father’s joy and generous welcome. We see the beginning of the process of conversion. The beautiful robe, ring and banquet are symbols of the new life of those who return to God and the Church! Only the heart of Jesus who knows the depths of the Father’s love could reveal to us the mercy of the Father in such a simple yet beautiful way.

This Sunday is called Laetare Sunday. It comes from the opening prayer of the old Latin Mass “Laetare” or “Rejoice” Jerusalem! The readings today reflect a mood of joy or rejoicing. The first reading from the Book of Joshua celebrates the fact that God always provides for His people who seek reconciliation and trust in Him. 

Nick O’Hearn
Co-Chair Holy Name Cathedral Faith Formation Commission
RCIA Team Member
Usher

One Word at a Time - Admonish

March 5 - Saturday of the Third Week of Lent

I Desire Mercy not Sacrifice

Today's Readings

In today's reading I am reminded of our Holy Year of Mercy during this Jubilee year.

We can ask ourselves where as sinners do we begin to learn of God’s mercy. If we meditate on this reading and research the scriptures, can we reach some clarity. 

In my experience of meditating on the reading I arrived in the following scripture. In Matthew 9:13 “Go and learn the meaning of the words, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”

It begins by acknowledging myself as a sinner, of looking inward and finding our faults. This is reinforced in Hosea 6: 1-6 by examining one’s heart do we begin to learn to walk humbly with God. The reading hinges on having a contrite heart.

When we attend mass who are we being? Am I the Pharisee or the tax collector?

If we humble ourselves, we can begin to know the Lord. His mercy will come to us like Spring rain. 

In this season of Mercy, let us recall the Penitent Thief and remember to ask for forgiveness and extend forgiveness unto others.

Reflection by: J.G.G.

March 4 - Friday of the Third Week of Lent

The Greatest Commandment

Today's Readings

In today’s first reading Hos 14:2-10, we hear of God’s love for us. God will help us thrive when we turn to him asking forgiveness and recognizing his greatness. God’s generous love is expressed in several images about the beauty and majesty of nature. 

In section 66 of Laudato Si, his encyclical on the environment, Pope Francis writes of "three fundamental and closely intertwined relationships: with God, with our neighbour and with the earth itself."  In section 70, Pope Francis notes the importance of ”cultivat[ing]… a proper relationship with my neighbour.” Doing so is significant because in our interrelated nature, what any one of us does impacts all of us. 

In the Gospel, we again hear of love. Jesus speaks of the  greatest commandment: love of God and love of one's neighbors. The latter is known as the "Golden Rule." Jesus confirms that sincere regard for God and others, rather than rituals, matter. When we are guided by the spirit of the law rather than the letter of the law, we are authentic and motivated by what matters.

In preparing this reflection, I found mention of a “silver rule” which at first glance seems very like the Golden Rule. There is an important distinction however; the silver rule simply proposes doing no harm, responding in a concern for reciprocity. The Golden Rule asks that we demonstrate love without expecting it in return.

How is it difficult to recognize others when there is so much to be attentive to?

Laura L. Ross

Lector mandated as a Eucharistic Minister of Holy Communion, altar server, & member of the Faith Formation Commission

March 3 - Thursday of the Third Week of Lent

Let the Lord enter.

Today's Readings

When the Holy Spirit enters our hearts we have God on our side. We can combat evil and live a better life.

The readings today make us think about the guidance of our Lord in our daily lives and the strength of our Lord to help us overcome evil.

We either follow Christ or oppose him. Christ is shown to be the stronger man who can combat the devil and win.

Think. Is there a time in your daily routine where the Holy Spirit is speaking to you?

Do you open your mind and heart to those inklings?

Has there been a time when the voice of God has guided you through a hard decision? 

What are the temptations of the devil in our modern lives? How can prayer open our hearts to Christ’s help and guidance?

Reflection by Kim K.
Minister of Care

March 2 - Wednesday of the Third Week of Lent

Today's Readings

There are times we might misinterpret our relationship to Jesus as one that puts us above the law, or makes us exempt from it, because we are a part of a new order, a life promised to us through Jesus Christ. Jesus reminds us in today’s gospel that he “has come not to abolish the law but to fulfill.” Instead of doing away with the law, Jesus comes to us as the perfect fulfillment of the Ten Commandments. He submits to the law, just as we are called to submit to it. 

March 2 is the feast day of St. Agnes of Bohemia. Born into a royal family, St. Agnes opted out of the luxurious lifestyle to instead serve God through caring for the sick and poor. Similar to Jesus in the gospel, Agnes chose a life of service, even though she was born into worldly glory. 

Are there areas of your life that have room for service to others? Can you imagine what it must have felt like for Jesus and St. Agnes to dedicate their lives to service when they had the opportunity to choose otherwise?

Annie Syrowski
Is a Faith Formation Commission member and Minister of Care

March 1 - Tuesday of the Third Week of Lent

Making Forgiveness Count 

Today's Readings

If we were to forgive seven times that might mean to forgive daily. But we are asked to forgive seven times seventy-seven times. We are not to keep count of the number of times we forgive.

The numbers we are to be attentive to are the number of ways we may be kind to others. There are seven corporal works of mercy and seven spiritual works of mercy. Forgiveness is one of the latter.

The Archdiocese of Chicago has a page devoted to mercy. 

A list of resources on the works of mercy is found here. 

When you feel an inclination to help someone - even in a little way - don't dismiss your thought as negligible. Even a "hello" or a smile may make a significant amount of difference to someone. Practicing doing these might make it easier to grow accustomed to helping others in greater ways. 

Are there times you wished you would have said or done something kind?

Perhaps you were too hurried or hesitated for one reason or another.

Later you might have found you regretted what you didn't say or do.

While you didn't help then, you can now. When the opportunity presents itself to you, go ahead and do what occurs to you

Laura L. Ross
Lector mandated as a Eucharistic Minister of Holy Communion, altar server, & member of the Faith Formation Commission