The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to seek the truth revealed by the Spirit about messages and actions in our community that are opposed to the truth of the Love we experience and are called to practice in God.
The reading from the Book of Daniel describes the Fiery Furnace.
* [3:24–90] These verses are additions to the Aramaic text of Daniel, translated from the Greek form of the book. They were probably first composed in Hebrew or Aramaic, but are no longer extant in the original language. The Roman Catholic Church has always regarded them as part of the canonical Scriptures.1
The response is the Prayer of Azariah from the Book of Daniel.
In the Gospel of John, the dialogue is about Jesus and Abraham.
[8:31–59] Jesus’ origin (“before Abraham”) and destiny are developed; the truth will free them from sin (Jn 8:34) and death (Jn 8:51).2
Sr. Candice Tucci, OSF, shares that they do not understand that Jesus is sent by the Father, the God of Abraham, Moses, Elijah and all the prophets. If they believed, they would love him and not wish him harm. There seems to be a gap in their understanding. What are they not getting?
Lent offers us the opportunity to look at the gaps in our lives and in the world that need to be filled with mercy, compassion, forgiveness, and love of God. People are still killed because of religious beliefs, cultural and racial differences.3
Don Schwager quotes “The upright of heart”, by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.
"Do you know who the upright of heart are? They are those who wish what God wishes. Therefore, do not try to twist God's will to you own but correct your will to that of God. The will of God is a rule of conduct. By it you have the means of being converted and of correcting your evil ways." (excerpt from Commentary on Psalm 93,18)4
The Word Among Us Meditation on John 8:31-42 comments that we can find many of Jesus’ teachings challenging as well. But we also know that remaining in Jesus’ word means more than saying we believe in it. It means embracing that word and putting it into practice in our lives, even when it’s difficult. That’s the only way we truly grow as disciples of the Lord.
We won’t always see such obvious effects of remaining in God’s word—at least not in this life. But everything will become abundantly clear when we get to heaven. We simply can’t anticipate how much God will multiply our efforts to stay true to him and his word. As his truth takes root in us, it becomes more powerful and eternally life-giving than all the challenges we may face on earth. “Father, deepen my trust in your word so that I may be a witness of faith.”5
Friar Jude Winkler (https://soundcloud.com/user-863663632 ) has been experiencing technical problems with his reflections.
Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, wrote a poem in response to the collective suffering of the people of Ukraine.
How can we not feel shock or rage at what is happening
to the people of Ukraine—
As we watch their suffering unfold in real time
from an unfair distance?
Who of us does not feel inept or powerless
before such manifest evil? In this, at least, we are united.
Our partisan divisions now appear small and trivial.
Remember what we teach: both evil and goodness are,
first of all, social phenomena.
The Body of Christ is crucified and resurrected
at the same time. May we stand faithfully
Inside both these mysteries (contemplation).
In loving solidarity, we each bear what is ours to carry,
the unjust weight of crucifixion,
in expectant hope for God’s transformation.
May we be led to do what we can on any level (action)
to create resurrection!
The people of Ukraine have much to teach the world.6
The truth that sets us free is the foundation to build relationships that demonstrate Jesus Love to those we encounter on our journey together.
References
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