In the Old Testament reading for this Third Sunday of Lent (Cycle C), we hear God tell Moses (and us!) to remember the name of the Lord through all generations. Today’s Gospel reminds us that we do not know when we may be called back home, that now is the acceptable time to examine our choices and priorities, to repent, to turn to the Lord, and to bear good fruit. Return to God! Lent is a season of reconciliation: repentance and conversion; Lent is about charity (alms) and prayer. In God’s great kindness and mercy we are continuously offered salvation. What Wondrous Love this is!
On Sunday at the RCIA 9:30am Mass we will use the readings from Cycle A. The RCIA will be at the 9:30am Mass (Scrutiny #1); next weekend (Scrutiny #2) and the following weekend at the 11:30am Mass (Scrutiny #3). This gives more of our Community an opportunity to participate in the conversion process for the Elect, and to be part of the prayer of exorcism, in preparation for the Easter Vigil Sacraments. Whichever Mass you attend (9:30 or 11:30am as is your habit), you will have the opportunity to pray for them and with them. (You might also read both the Cycle A and Cycle C readings the next three weekends anyway…)
The Responsorial Psalm for Cycle A (Psalm 95) is good for any time of the year; and especially appropriate now, too: “If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.” We know that change and conversion is about being open in order to see a different perspective—this is part of the conversion process in Lent or out. This process of conversion is not just for our Elect; it is for all of us. The Cycle C Psalm (which we will stick with today) is: “The Lord is kind and merciful.” This psalm is a great reminder of all God’s gifts and grace—a reminder for us to have an attitude of gratitude in all things.
Lent gives us a wonderful opportunity to step back and evaluate our place, and to spend time in prayer and worship. Now may be the acceptable time for us to begin this conversion process—or to continue it. Lent is a time to cultivate the ground of our souls, to be rooted in God’s way, bearing good fruit here and later. We need to tend to the tree of our souls in order to bear that good fruit for the Kingdom—even if it means having to step in a little manure along the way! Here is another true saying: God works through all things for good. I offer here another breath prayer practice for Lent: “God, Father, kind and merciful Gardener of my soul—grant me the grace of all spiritual fruit.” Keep praying! Keep breathing!
Keep singing!
Elizabeth Dyc
On Sunday at the RCIA 9:30am Mass we will use the readings from Cycle A. The RCIA will be at the 9:30am Mass (Scrutiny #1); next weekend (Scrutiny #2) and the following weekend at the 11:30am Mass (Scrutiny #3). This gives more of our Community an opportunity to participate in the conversion process for the Elect, and to be part of the prayer of exorcism, in preparation for the Easter Vigil Sacraments. Whichever Mass you attend (9:30 or 11:30am as is your habit), you will have the opportunity to pray for them and with them. (You might also read both the Cycle A and Cycle C readings the next three weekends anyway…)
The Responsorial Psalm for Cycle A (Psalm 95) is good for any time of the year; and especially appropriate now, too: “If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.” We know that change and conversion is about being open in order to see a different perspective—this is part of the conversion process in Lent or out. This process of conversion is not just for our Elect; it is for all of us. The Cycle C Psalm (which we will stick with today) is: “The Lord is kind and merciful.” This psalm is a great reminder of all God’s gifts and grace—a reminder for us to have an attitude of gratitude in all things.
Lent gives us a wonderful opportunity to step back and evaluate our place, and to spend time in prayer and worship. Now may be the acceptable time for us to begin this conversion process—or to continue it. Lent is a time to cultivate the ground of our souls, to be rooted in God’s way, bearing good fruit here and later. We need to tend to the tree of our souls in order to bear that good fruit for the Kingdom—even if it means having to step in a little manure along the way! Here is another true saying: God works through all things for good. I offer here another breath prayer practice for Lent: “God, Father, kind and merciful Gardener of my soul—grant me the grace of all spiritual fruit.” Keep praying! Keep breathing!
Keep singing!
Elizabeth Dyc
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