“Create a clean heart in me, O God” Psalm 51
Readings
Book of the Prophet Jeremiah 31:31-34
Letter to the Hebrews 5:7-9
Gospel According to John 12:20-33
Reflection
by Sister Jane Hibbard, SNJM
We are rounding the bend toward the last days of Lent on the way to Holy Week.
In the first reading from Jeremiah, our gracious God makes a great promise to those of us who are seeking God intently. "YOU WILL KNOW ME and I will remember your sin no more." Think about that! Let it seep into every pour of your being. Spend some time alone with God, asking what that means in your life. Do you really believe that? Sometimes we hang on to guilt and remorse long after God has forgiven us and it clouds our knowing.
In the Gospel we are invited to follow Jesus all the time in every way. That means joy and bliss as well as grief and sorrow and every emotion on the roll-a-coaster of life. Each day has ups and downs, disappointments and joys. Stay with the Lord. When you lose your balance stop, take a deep breath and invite the Spirit to renew your intention to be with Jesus in all ways.
Jesus is preparing for His walk toward Jerusalem. He is troubled. But the Father confirms that this is the hour we have been waiting for, the journey to the cross.
These are precious weeks in our spiritual journey. Take some extra time to be with Jesus in all the places, experiencing the blessings of Holy Thursday, the terror of Good Friday and the overwhelming joy of Easter. The promise is truth: "everyone who believes in me will not die forever, but will be with me in eternal life." Onward!
From the Rule of St. Benedict
“Clothed then with faith and the performance of good works,
let us set out on this way, with the Gospel for our guide,
that we may deserve to see him who has called us to his kingdom.” (1 Thess 2:12) Prologue 21
Gospel Acclamation
“Whoever serves me must follow me, says the Lord
And where I am, there also will my servant be.” John 12:26