The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, March 4, 2001
The First Sunday of Lent
Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Deuteronomy 26:4-10
Psalm 91:1-2,10-15
Romans 10:8-13
Luke 6:39-45
Full text: http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/index.htm
A Reflection on Today's Scripture:
"Because he clings to me, I will deliver him." (Psalm 91: 14)
Over the past five decades a godless, virulent liberalism has
overtaken our nation through government, secular institutions and
even some churches. These, in alliance with the mass media,
(entertainment, news, arts) have pandered to human selfishness,
self-will and self-indulgence, thus creating a society rife with
greed, violence, dishonesty, irresponsibility, sexual license and a
myriad of other morally and ethically debased behaviors.
More so than in previous generations, we refuse to see that we cannot
create a just and peaceful society. Unlike the Israelites of old who
did learn (temporarily) from the repeated ruin they brought upon
themselves whenever they strayed from God, we pridefully remain blind
both to God and to a society which in some aspects resembles a dung
heap.
The same mechanism is operating today as in Adam's time; Satan's evil
influence pervades this world. In today's Gospel even Jesus' humanity
was subjected to the devil's temptations. Our Lord was told to
counter His Father's will, betray His divine nature by using His
power to achieve worldly satisfactions, appease physical desires,
gain power and win fame through spectacular feats. In essence, these
are the basic drives that lead us to sin against God and one another.
Jesus, who is God's living Word, denied the baser human wants, for He
could not act contrary to His higher nature. We who are created in
His divine image can, like Him, conquer Satan's power over us by
denying ourselves and keeping true to God's Word.
Christ, Redeemer,
by the power of your grace,
teach us self-denial,
empty us of all selfishness
that we may be filled with Your life. Amen.
- Marie L. Bocko, ocds ([EMAIL PROTECTED])
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