Gospel for March 26 2023 – John 11:1-45
Gospel Reflections for March 26 2023
Your Lenten School of Love
“Our son wants to get married; do you have any advice? I simply asked one question. “Does he like to think for himself? They said, “Why yes!” “Then the Gospels of Lent will reveal life events to him that can become his very own “School of Love.”
FIRST SUNDAY: Jesus is tempted in the desert. Each is a temptation for selfishness; to have power and wealth just for me. Every sin is some form of selfishness. If he wants to have a lasting marriage he must resist selfishness, and learn to love by seeing life through his spouse’s eyes.
SECOND SUNDAY: Jesus is transfigured on the mountaintop. For a brief moment, Jesus reveals His love in a glorious burst of light that makes the apostles very happy. Love transforms us wonderfully. It is contagious too and makes the world a better place …one relationship at a time. Births, Weddings, and Anniversaries are all public transforming events of great joy that inspire all who attend the ceremonies. They can lead everyone to God.
THIRD SUNDAY: The woman at the well. She had been married five times and is now a social outcast; lonely, bitter, and resentful. Jesus melts her hardness with understanding, forgiveness, and mercy. To be known and cared for, but also gently challenged to grow by a wise and loving partner is deeply satisfying. We find God in moving from a bitter past to a hopeful future.
FOURTH SUNDAY: The healing of the man born blind. We stumble when we close our eyes. Healthy families feel free to see what is actually going on, carefully listen to each other’s hopes, fears, and needs, and speak about them honestly and respectfully. Jesus heals because it is better to see, than not see, speak, rather than not speak, and listen, rather than not hear.
FIFTH SUNDAY: Lazarus is raised from the dead. The most compelling lesson of all is facing our own mortality. Lazarus was raised but he would die again. No one lives forever, and since we do not have all the time in the world we must use our time well. Facing our death or a loved one’s passing can help us ponder …why am I here at all, in this place, and at this time?
Temptations, celebrations, forgiveness, opening our eyes, and facing our own mortality are life events that lead us on the path to God …and lasting happiness. Lent is the School of Love!
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
Your School of Love is wonderful. So very True in every respect. The lessons learned in Scripture are never out of date or importance. I realize each time they come around during the Liturgical Year they teach me anew the secrets of a happy fulfilling life.
Thinking of others and doing for them is a great way to live and get along. We are Blessed in the Faith we practice to adhere to what they teach.
Thanks for reminding us each week of the importance of taking them to Heart.
I think seeing the Mass as the school of love is powerful.
Love your School of Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!! Dick and i will attend your School of Love forever!!!Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee you our precious Father Dave!!!
Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, franca and Dick
Thank you!
Fr. has taken some unrelated Gospels, extracted their meaning and constructed a simple yet powerful school of love!iii
Thank you!
☘️ What a very special little school of love. I really like the illustration you placed there!
You are very welcome!