Lenten Reflections Day 28

First reading: isaiah 49:8-15
Psalm 145:8-9, 13-14, 17-18
Gospel: John 5:17-30

We are reminded of God's mercy and abounding love

He never forgets us in our darkest moments

We find life in Jesus.

God sent his only son that all who believe inherit eternal life

This is the greatest gift of God to us

This lenten season continues to be a constant reminder of God's love for all of us and his desire for us to seek his mercy and trust in his love for us

Lenten Reflections Day 27

First reading: Ezekiel 47:1-9; 12
Psalm 46:2-3; 5-6; 8-9
Gospel: John 5:1-16


The Psalms reminds us not to fear why? It is because God is our refuge and strength. God himself is with us no matter what happens.

In the Gospel, Jesus tells a blind man on the sabbath to pick up his pallet and walk.

This is one of the many miracles that Jesus did. I am reminded that we are the most important thing to God. It is not about following rules or regulations that God loves us. God loves because that is who he is; We were created to be loved by our creator.

God calls us, he wants us to recognize him. Just as he revealed himself to the man he healed. Look on your life and see areas that God has healed and recognize Jesus as the healer.

With God's mercy comes a warning. He has cleansed us from our sin, by his grace let us ask that we do not return to those sins less we fall victim to the worse effects that sin can bring, which is to separate us from the one who came to take away the sins of the world.  

Prayer: Lord for the times we have failed, have mercy on us
Lord for the times we have let sin take precedence in our lives; have mercy on us
Give us the grace to be able to walk away from sin and not be drawn to its web that leaves us tangled, used and confused

Reflections on Matthew 5:43-44

"You have heard that it was said, `You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.'  44But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 

Recently, I felt betrayed by someone that I trusted. We had formed closed ties and I held certain expectations about this person. The thing about me is that I trust people and their words. You may ask why? Well it is because I have always felt that how I treat others is how they should treat me. Also, when I give someone my word I often keep it. So for me, though it shouldn't, it still comes as a surprise when someone I trust breaks that trust.

So despite relying on this certain person, in a split second things changed. What was once in equilibrium seemed out of balance. I felt betrayed and hurt. There was also a feeling of disappointment and soon I recognised that my emotions started to hold bitterness towards that person. My reaction was to isolate that person from my life. Why? Well i'm human and incidents like this makes you wonder if you have any real friends or if there is anyone you would ever trust. It starts to hold true that sometimes strangers are better than friends, atheists are better than christians? I made the decision to remove myself from that individual and take certain action that would perhaps show that I really was angry by their actions.

In reading this scripture, I gained clarity on what loving your enemies was. This person was not an enemy but sometimes friendships can turn sour and strong ties broken. It made me reflect on the situation and by God speaking through his word, I no longer harboured feelings of anger and resentment. Instead, I offered up a prayer for that friend letting him know that I forgive that person. I asked God to help them find themselves, to help them find healing and peace that only he can give. Surprisingly this gave me a sense of peace and assurance of God's forgiveness for my own wrongs and mistakes. As difficult a step that was, my burden suddenly seemed lighter. One less load to carry, I could return to focus on the things in my life that mattered. I know now that despite how difficult it was, I realised before God, I had just redeemed myself.

Lenten Reflections Day 9 & 10

Day 9:

First reading: Esther 12: 14-16, 23-25
Psalm 138: 1-3, 7-8
Gospel Matthew 7: 7-12

In Esther, it is said that she was seized with "deathly anxiety". This immediately paints a picture in my head that anxiety is a condition so serious that it can even lead to death. A lot of us worry about something or many things. They can range from irrational fears such as fear of spiders, to genuine concerns such as fear of losing our jobs or lack thereof, we can also be anxious about our relationships and the future.

What we find is that these anxieties can lead to restlessness. We experience sleepless nights, loss of appetite, increased heart rates etc. It even leads to our trying various methods of self-medication such as food, drugs and alcohol to help us cope. The bible says of Esther that in her deathly anxiety she fled to the Lord.

In anxious situations, we too like Esther should turn to God in prayer, trusting that he will deliver us from the dangers we face and that we would be able to conquer our fears. This also continues on to the Gospel of Matthew where God emphasises that he will give to those who ask of him. This week, I hold onto this promise of God trusting that he will see that all the goals and plans I have for my life will come to fruition and seeing the manifestation of his goodness in my life, I can be a testimony to others.

Day 10

First reading: Ezekiel 18:21-28
Psalm 130: 1-8
Gospel Matthew 5: 20-26

Reflecting on this reading I looked on my actions today and examined my heart. I had done some things that I was not proud of. I confess that I broke my vow to fast. It has not been easy and I suppose, I gave in to temptation. I had in my head justifications and excuses for why what I did was ok. However my actions impacted the rest of my day. I experienced a sense of inner guilt and feelings like I took God's mercy and grace for granted.

The first reading is a reminder that despite how many times we fail, God desires that we return to him. "But if a wicked man turns away from all his sins which he has committed and keeps all my statues and does what is right and lawful, he shall surely live; he shall not die" Ezekiel 18:21

The psalmist cries out to God "If thou should mark iniquities Lord who could stand, but there is forgiveness with thee that thou may be feared"

In the gospel reading, it further emphasises God's demand for our righteousness especially from us believers. He warns us to guard our hearts and tongues. It is not only important to ask God's forgiveness but also the forgiveness of those we have wronged that we may receive God's mercy

Lenten Reflections Day 7 & 8

Day 8
First reading: Jonah 3: 1-10
Psalm 51
Gospel: Luke 11:29-32

In the psalms it says "Cast me not away from thy presence and take not thy Holy Spirit from me"
Each day I realize that I need the presence of the holy spirit, should he depart from me all i'm left with is a loneliness and emptiness that cannot be filled with anything.

I am constantly reminded of the mercy of God. How he witholds punishment so that we may all come to repentance. 

PRAYER

Lord heal my broken spirit. Repair and Renew me that I may be filled with a new zeal and love for you and your word. Help me with my daily struggles with sin and fill me with the knowledge of your presence with me both now and forever.

Day 7
First reading: Isaiah 55:10-11
Psalm 34
Gospel: Mt. 6:7-15

These are the words of the readings that speak to me.  It helps me to hold on to the promises of God with faith.

When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.

Lent Reflections Day 5 & 6

Day 5

First reading: Deuteronomy 26:4-10
Psalm 91
Second Reading: Romans 10:8-13

Gospel: Luke 4:1-13

In this reading what really speaks to me is Psalm 91. It is a psalm for protection. It speaks to me because I feel that this season I am relying on God more. I recognise my frailty and weaknesses. I was not feeling the best today. Frankly, there were times I felt abandoned and overwhelmed. Reading Psalm 91, reminds me to trust in God. He is my refuge and my safety. In the second reading, it says Anyone who calls on the name of the lord will be saved. 

Day 6

First reading: Deuteronomy 26:4-10
Psalm 19:8-10,15
Gospel: mt.25:31-36;

What does it mean to fear God?

I find that it means treating another fairly, treating one another with love. In this lent we have to learn to be more kind and giving of ourselves not just in terms of material wealth but also with our time and our knowledge to others.

To fear God, means to meditate on his words and to constantly ponder them in our hearts so that we may not stray.

To strive to be like him which is to be holy.

As always God promises blessings to those who keep his commandments  by loving him and our neighbour.

To those who believe in him, he promises eternal life.


Prayer Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight O lord my Redeemer

Lent Reflections Day 3 & 4

Day 3
First reading: Isaiah 58: 1-9
Psalm 51
Gospel: Matthew 9:14-15

Isaiah speaks about the fasting that God demands.
We know that the season of Lent is a period of fasting and abstinence. 

So why are you fasting? In what way will this draw you to God?. In Isaiah God outlines what kind of fasting he requires. It involves sharing what we have with others. It is all about doing good to others in ways that you are able to. With this kind of fasting comes a promise. God will increase his blessings and healing and we can be certain of his mercy.

Personally, why am I fasting.
I chose to fast this lent, from the things that I felt were a hindrance in my faith journey. To gain freedom from the bad habits and addictions that I had developed over the years and to trust that God can help me overcome them.

I am fasting also because, I am asking God to help me in a project this coming month that I feel I need help with and that it is only by his strength in me that things can happen.

By fasting we are choosing to look up to God for our sustenance.

Prayer
Dear Lord, I offer my fast asking to uphold my plans. Trusting that you would take care of them. That my actions are led by your spirit and inspired by your word. I pray for all my those who are holding a fast as well to break away from various addictions, or those who hope to seek you in this time that they may find you.

Day 4
First reading: Isaiah 58: 9-14
Psalm 86: 1-6
Gospel: Luke 5: 27-32;

"I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance" Lk 5: 32

This past week, I am reminded everyday of my daily struggles. What this season is doing is highlighting those areas of  my life that I really need to work on. I am encouraged that God sees it all and he is not here for the righteous but the sinner like me. Every time I fail, God is there helping me to overcome my struggles. Why? Because he is good, gracious and merciful.

When God is calling you to repentance, What must you do?

In the gospel, Jesus call Levi a sinner who leaves everything and follows him. We must also respond to the call and follow him.

Prayer
Dear Lord, I offer my fast asking to give me the courage to be able to leave everything behind and follow you. Help me to show mercy to others the same way you show mercy to me. 

Lent Reflections Day 1 & 2

Written by Elizabeth Etta:

Day 1
First reading: Joel 2:12-18
Second reading: 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2
Psalm 51
Gospel: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

In Joel it says; return to the Lord your God for he is gracious and merciful;  slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

Look at where you are now and think of the things that are holding you back from giving your heart to God completely. What is the sin? At this start of lent, examine your heart and approach his throne of mercy. Repent wholeheartedly and see if your circumstances will not change and God himself will not bless you. Humble yourself before God. If there is someone you have not spoken to in a while. Call them, have a chat let them know you care.

Isn't it good to know that God is sovereign. In Mt 6, he warns us to examine the conditions of hearts. To seek his reward and not that of man. Whatever good deed you do, lift it to God in prayer. Even when you feel unappreciated, or your attempts at good works go unnoticed, God sees the intentions of your heart. Be diligent in the things you do and he himself will reward you.

Prayer: Lord, I offer up my fast today as a sign of my repentance and desire to seek you more wholeheartedly.  Amen


Day 2
First reading: Deuteronomy 30: 15-20
Psalm 1:1-4; 6
Gospel: Luke 9:22-25:

In Deuteronomy it says; "By loving God, heeding his voice and holding fast to him will mean life for you.

Psalm 1:2: The law of the Lord is their Joy. God's law they study day and night.
The lord watches over the way of the just but the way of the wicked leads to ruin

Finally in the gospel, the part that speaks to me is when Jesus says "If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.

The scriptures of today speak of the fact that for anyone who calls himself a Christian must be in tune with the spirit. We must open our hearts and ears to hear what it is God wants from us. Not only that God does not promise that the tasks he has called us to would be easy. Unforgiveness is not easy to let go of, Pride is not easy to let go of, Wealth is not easy to let go of. There are so many things that we are still holding on to. Yet this is another reminder that we must deny ourselves of the things that give us pleasure in order to follow Christ. We are warned already that it would not be easy. Why then should we still follow him? Why should we take on the cross. Dear Friends, the answer is simple, God did it first. The bible says that he loved the world so much that he gave of himself. He came as Jesus, to die on the cross for our sins. An unjust suffering one may call it. It was the only way to defeat death and pay ransome for our sins. It was the ultimate act of love. So think of it this way. Every time, we carry our daily crosses difficult as they may be. By surrendering to the will of God, we are also lifting up others to the love and mercy of God. We are walking in the example of Christ. We are cleansing not just our spirits but those of others as well. Through reading scriptures, we are encouraged to obey the commandments of the Lord that we will be blessed.

Lent is a perfect season to journey with christ and join our suffering with his.
Lent allows us to lift our struggles and burdens to the one who has experienced it all.

Prayer: Lord I offer my fast today as a willingness to carry my cross. Lord I open my heart to let you show me ways in which I am failing and to rely on you to lift me up each time. This way I will trust and depend on you. Lord I offer my fast today that I may grow in humility and strength knowing that this is what you expect of me.

Lenten Reflections - Week 2, Mar 4 Wed

by Kenny Soosai

Readings: Jer 18:18-20, Mt 20:17-2

Gospel: As Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the Twelve disciples aside by themselves, and said to them on the way, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death, and hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and scourged and crucified, and he will be raised on the third day.”

Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee approached Jesus with her sons and did him homage, wishing to ask him for something. He said to her, “What do you wish?” She answered him, “Command that these two sons of mine sit, one at your right and the other at your left, in your kingdom.” Jesus said in reply, “You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the chalice that I am going to drink?” They said to him, “We can.”

He replied, “My chalice you will indeed drink, but to sit at my right and at my left, this is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.” When the ten heard this, they became indignant at the two brothers. But Jesus summoned them and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and the great ones make their authority over them felt.

But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave. Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Reflection: In the Gospel today, we see James and John jostle for a position of power with the ministry of Jesus. The actions of the 2 brothers causes unrest and dissention among the Apostles. Jesus had to hold a meeting to refocus their attention on serving the community. He had earlier predicted His own death and crucifixion but instead of supporting their leader, the brothers were too busy thinking of their own position.

We can see this sometimes in the workplace and even in our modern church communities. There are those who would readily serve themselves first and the team/community later. Some people ‘lord their power’ over people. But as Christians, our true purpose is to serve. The irony is, the true leaders are the ones who loved and were respected by their community. These are the one who lead like Jesus. They don’t ‘need’ a position to lead but when they speak, people will follow.

A Step to Consider: If you are a leader in your community or workplace today, ask yourself what value you are bringing to the lives of your community/team. If you are a follower, how can you help ease the load of your leader. Can you lead with love?

Lenten Reflections - Week 2, Mar 3 Tues

by Kenny Soosai

Readings: Jere 2:1-13, Rom 1:16-25, John 4:43-54

Gospel: After the two days, he left there for Galilee. For Jesus himself testified that a prophet has no honor in his native place. When he came into Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him, since they had seen all he had done in Jerusalem at the feast; for they themselves had gone to the feast.

Then he returned to Cana in Galilee, where he had made the water wine. Now there was a royal official whose son was ill in Capernaum. When he heard that Jesus had arrived in Galilee from Judea, he went to him and asked him to come down and heal his son, who was near death. Jesus said to him, "Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will not believe."

The royal official said to him, "Sir, come down before my child dies." Jesus said to him, "You may go; your son will live." The man believed what Jesus said to him and left. While he was on his way back, his slaves met him and told him that his boy would live.

He asked them when he began to recover. They told him, "The fever left him yesterday, about one in the afternoon." The father realized that just at that time Jesus had said to him, "Your son will live," and he and his whole household came to believe. (Now) this was the second sign Jesus did when he came to Galilee from Judea.

Reflection: As Jesus returns to Cana, he is pursued by an official who needs his help. This official travels about 25km on a dusty road to meet Jesus in a desperate attempt to save his dying son.

Jesus’ response seems harsh as he retorts by saying that the people around him will not believe unless they see a sign. Nonetheless, Jesus heals the official’s son and he does it by just speaking. This is unusual as the prophets were often required to lay their hands or to be at least within earshot of the people they were going to heal.

Here, Jesus heals from a distance and demonstrates that he is no ordinary prophet. The signs that he performs point to the legitimacy of his ministry and to the truth of his teachings.

A Step to Consider: If today you are desperate for help, you can find Jesus today still truly present in the Tabernacle in any Catholic church. The answer you get might be quite unexpected, but whoever believes may receive the same rewards as the official.

Lenten Reflections - Week 2, Mar 2 Mon

by Kenny Soosai

Readings: Jere 1:11-19, Rom 1:1-15, John 4:27-42

Gospel:  At that moment his disciples returned, and were amazed that he was talking with a woman, but still no one said, "What are you looking for?" or "Why are you talking with her?" The woman left her water jar and went into the town and said to the people, "Come see a man who told me everything I have done. Could he possibly be the Messiah?"

They went out of the town and came to him. Meanwhile, the disciples urged him, "Rabbi, eat." But he said to them, "I have food to eat of which you do not know." So the disciples said to one another, "Could someone have brought him something to eat?" Jesus said to them, "My food is to do the will of the one who sent me and to finish his work.

Do you not say, 'In four months the harvest will be here'? I tell you, look up and see the fields ripe for the harvest. The reaper is already receiving his payment and gathering crops for eternal life, so that the sower and reaper can rejoice together.

For here the saying is verified that 'One sows and another reaps.' I sent you to reap what you have not worked for; others have done the work, and you are sharing the fruits of their work." Many of the Samaritans of that town began to believe in him because of the word of the woman who testified, "He told me everything I have done."

When the Samaritans came to him, they invited him to stay with them; and he stayed there two days. Many more began to believe in him because of his word, and they said to the woman, "We no longer believe because of your word; for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is truly the savior of the world."

Reflection: As Jesus’ disciple return, they are amazed to find their teacher talking with a woman. Yet they trusted Jesus and knew by now that he had his reasons for talking to the Samaritan woman, as unconventional as it may seem. The woman in turn leaves her jar behind and starts to evangelize to the rest of the town. Instead of being scorned, the people become curious and come to meet Jesus.

As they approach Jesus, he sees them as a great harvest that God has granted and rejoices. Jesus is no longer affected by hunger and is filled with joy knowing that his message will be accepted here. Age old conflicts are forgotten and old enemies are now friends.

A Step to Consider: Do we have any prejudices against anyone or a group of people? Do we judge others because of their different religious beliefs, a different Christian denomination, cultural background or sexual orientation?

Take time to examine the example that Jesus sets here.

Lenten Reflections - Week 1, Feb 28 Sat

by Kenny Soosai

Readings: Deut 11:18-28, Heb 5:1-10, John 4:1-26

Gospel: Now when Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John (although Jesus himself was not baptizing, just his disciples), he left Judea and returned to Galilee.

He had to pass through Samaria. So he came to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of land that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob's well was there. Jesus, tired from his journey, sat down there at the well. It was about noon. A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, "Give me a drink."

His disciples had gone into the town to buy food. The Samaritan woman said to him, "How can you, a Jew, ask me, a Samaritan woman, for a drink?" (For Jews use nothing in common with Samaritans.) Jesus answered and said to her, "If you knew the gift of God and who is saying to you, 'Give me a drink,' you would have asked him and he would have given you living water." (The woman) said to him, "Sir, you do not even have a bucket and the cistern is deep; where then can you get this living water?

Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us this cistern and drank from it himself with his children and his flocks?" Jesus answered and said to her, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again; but whoever drinks the water I shall give will never thirst; the water I shall give will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."

The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water, so that I may not be thirsty or have to keep coming here to draw water." Jesus said to her, "Go call your husband and come back."

The woman answered and said to him, "I do not have a husband." Jesus answered her, "You are right in saying, 'I do not have a husband.' For you have had five husbands, and the one you have now is not your husband. What you have said is true." The woman said to him, "Sir, I can see that you are a prophet.

Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain; but you people say that the place to worship is in Jerusalem." Jesus said to her, "Believe me, woman, the hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You people worship what you do not understand; we worship what we understand, because salvation is from the Jews.

But the hour is coming, and is now here, when true worshipers will worship the Father in Spirit and truth; and indeed the Father seeks such people to worship him. God is Spirit, and those who worship him must worship in Spirit and truth." The woman said to him, "I know that the Messiah is coming, the one called the Anointed; when he comes, he will tell us everything." Jesus said to her, "I am he, the one who is speaking with you."

Reflection: Jesus was travelling from the South of Israel to the North. He passed through Samaria, a shortcut. Jews will usually avoided Samaria and would go the long way along the river Jordan to get to Judea. The Jews despised the Samaritans even though the two are closely related. Once Israel was one kingdom but split into the Northern and Southern Kingdoms shortly after King Solomon’s death. The Northern Kingdom was called Israel and consisted of 10 tribes while the Southern Kingdom was called Judah (that is where we get the name Jews) and was made up of the tribes of Judah, Benjamin & Levi. The Northern Kingdom was eventually captured by the Assyrians and the 10 tribes of Israel were mostly exiled. In their place, the Assyrians brought in foreign people who intermarried with the locals, effectively wiping out the 10 tribes. So the Jews saw the Samaritans as half-breeds whose customs were mixed with foreign religion. As the Samaritans had their holy mountain on Mount Gerizim where they sacrificed on, the Jews also saw them as competitors to the Temple in Jerusalem.

For Jesus, a Jewish Rabbi to be asking for water from a Samaritan woman in the middle of the afternoon was breaking Jewish protocol on many levels. Women normally collected water in the cool of the morning or the evening and were usually never alone. This women, who came out alone in the afternoon suggests that she is shunned by her own community.

Jesus asks the woman for a drink, inviting her into a conversation. Along the conversation, the roles reverse and the woman asks Jesus for ‘living water’. Jesus then asks her to bring her husband to him and in the process, reveals her adultery.

The woman then recognizes that Jesus is a prophet. As Jesus reveals more spiritual truths to her, the Samaritan woman accepts that Jesus is the Messiah. With one conversation with Jesus in the afternoon and this Samaritan woman who is an adulteress has the spiritual insight to see that He is the Messiah.

Earlier in chapter 2, Jesus also has a conversation with Nicodemus who is a Pharisee and a religious scholar. Even as Jesus reveals spiritual truths to Nicodemus, this so called learned man cannot ‘see’ who is speaking to him and the Pharisees can’t even recognize Jesus as a prophet.

Here we see how the wisdom of God can sometimes escape the ‘learned’ and elevated but can be appreciated by the simple and those we deem unworthy.

A Step to Consider: Have you come to Jesus to listen to his voice this Lent? Or do you already know all there is to know about Lent? Sometimes even when we haven’t fulfilled our Lenten or even Christian obligations, Jesus is still willing and waiting to talk us. If we hear him, He is still willing to offer us ‘living water’ and perhaps even more.