Gospel Reflections for March 11 2018
Why did this happen!
When things do not turn out as planned and you’re deeply disappointed you might cry out, “Why did this happen! Whose fault is this?”
The first reading recalls the sad story about six hundred years before Christ when the Israelite nation was conquered and sent as slaves to the far off Kingdom of Babylon, in what is now modern Iraq.
During that exile they thought long and hard about why this defeat had happened. They asked, “If we are the Chosen People …how could this happen?” Had God abandoned us? They gradually realized that their desire for power threatened more powerful nations like nearby Babylon and so the Israelites brought on their own defeat. Their fate was the result of their own arrogance and pride. Lesson learned!
They changed because they opened their eyes to see themselves as they actually were. That took courage, honesty, and humility, all good virtues to discover anew in this season of Lent.
Years later, a new King granted their freedom. They could go home! That was a happy day for homesick Israelites to finally return.
In the Gospel Jesus affirms that “God so loved the world that He gave His only Son for our salvation.” Despite our sinfulness, God offer His example of love. God loves us because that is simply what He does. His love is not based on our goodness, but only on His unconditional love for us.
That love gives you the courage to see yourself clearly, honestly, and humbly. We rarely feel that depth of love from other people but we certainly have it from Our Lord. Only that unconditional love of Our Lord encourages total honest appraisal of ourselves.
We might just find out that some of our problems are our own fault, or the result of our own actions. That honest self-appraisal did wonders for the Israelites, and can for you as well. You can begin the slow process of changing behaviors that maybe are causing you harm, and come finally home to the place God wants you to be.
These final weeks of Lent are your time to reflect about your own path. Come to a University Series session, say the rosary, read scripture, or stop and pray more often …and spiritually return home to where God is ready to welcome you.
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
Thank you Father Dave for a wonderful reflection. Looking inward can be so hard but I know that’s where I can find answers to grow closer to God. I have not looked into the University Series yet but I am very interested. God bless you.
I hope you will be able to attend a University Series session soon. I think you will find them helpful.
Fr. Dave,
This is a beautiful, beautiful reflection for us for lent.
Thank you
God Bless
Jane
You are welcome!
Your reflection was both encouraging and a reminder to to fall back in old ways.
I read both messages, one for Scrutiny and this weeks message and they both had the same theme. It shows that those in the dark must come to the light. They think they are seeing but are not.We are in the Alpha program at St. Rose and it is encouraging us as Catholic Christians to help others come to the light. When the Priest says at the end of Mass to go out and serve the Lord it doeswn’t mean to hide in our room but to take the message from Sundays Mass and spread the good news.
This message tomorrow also tells me to look inside myself to be sure there is no darkness that offends God and work out my salvation with fear and trembling as the Bible says.
Thanks again for the great message.
You are welcome! We are starting the Alpha program as well.
We never get tired of hearing of God’s unconditional love for us. Thank you Fr. Dave!
Do we feel that our Lord doesn’t like us if He doesn’t answer our prayers right
away?Do we want them answered in our way,or are we open to what God wants for us?
How about if He never answers our prayers, do we blame Him and give up?
It is a comforting thought to know that He is standing by to help us. We only have to ask!.
Well said!
This reflection is especially poignant for me at the moment. One week ago, I was involved a minor vehicle accident. The car that struck me, suddenly made an illegal right turn into me with no signal. When I felt the impact, I was filled with shock and trepidation. Looking into my rear view mirror, I saw the vehicle was behind me. I gestured for the driver to pull over into the adjacent Mobil parking lot. She waved back at me in apparent assent. However, when I slowly pulled over into the parking lot, she was gone. I felt upset and betrayed. I am a very careful, driver, and yet, I was unable to anticipate this accident. I took a police report for the sake of principle, knowing I would not really have any recourse in locating and bringing the driver to justice. During the week as I was digesting the event that transpired, I recalled what the sisters at Good Shepherd Catholic School used to say about our trials and tribulations: “Offer it up to God.” I resolved to do just that.
I am so sorry this happened to you, but very grateful you were not injured. I am also glad you remembered the great lesson from the Sisters!
Thank you, Fr. Dave. By the way, Rick and I thoroughly enjoyed your class last night on Adam and Eve.
I am glad you enjoyed it. I certainly had a good time giving it, and glad there was a good turnout as well.