reflectionlent2012

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SECOND WEEK OF LENT

THIRD WEEK OF LENT

“Then Peter spoke and said to Jesus, ‘Master, it is good that we are here; let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” Mark 9: 5

“Get these things out of here. Don’t turn my Father’s House into a market!” John 2:16

REFLECTIONS FOR LENT 2012

FIRST WEEK OF LENT “The

time has come; the kingdom of God is at hand. Change your ways and believe the Good News.” Mark 1:15

In the gospel reading for the first Sunday of Lent Jesus calls us to transformation and faith in order to be a part of the kingdom of heaven. Change of heart and faith are two very important components of our salvation. Jesus’ message is simple and should lead to life changing decisions for everyone who hears and believes in it. Repentance shows the willingness of the sinner to turn away from sin. Belief simply accepts what God says to be the truth. It embraces the good news of the Gospel and receives the salvation that comes by faith. Belief is not a onetime event, but it is an ongoing state in which our hearts are changed. The message hidden in this gospel reading is a message of hope and of urgency. Jesus came to those who needed help and made a choice to follow Him. So, while His message was one of hope and promise, it was also a message of confrontation. He called upon those who heard Him to make a conscious decision to follow Him.

Mountains occupy a special place in our own lives as well. Every now and then we are blessed with a mountain top experience. We ought to enjoy them for all they are worth! On Mount Hermon Jesus changes his appearance! His face changes, His garments change, He is “transfigured”. The glory that was concealed within Him was revealed on that mountain. The dark mountain was instantly bathed a light brighter than the sun and Peter, James and John were given a glimpse of the glory all of God’s children will see one day. Peter may have been suggesting that they just stay on the mountain, enjoying this amazing moment. However, Jesus led them down the mountain top and in addition requested that they will not share their extraordinary experience with anyone.

The temple was understood as the dwelling place of God among his people. Jesus’ dramatic cleansing of the temple was seen by his disciples as a prophetic sign of God’s action Jesus’ cleansing of the temple is also a prophetic sign of what he wants to do with each of us. He ever seeks to cleanse us of sin and make us living temples of his Holy Spirit. The Jews did not understand that the temple Jesus referred to was his own body. The “tent of his body” had to be destroyed to open the way to the presence of God for us. Through his death and resurrection, Jesus not only reconciles us with God, but he fills us with his Holy Spirit and make us temples of the living God. God's word enlightens our minds and purifies our hearts that we may offer God fitting worship and enjoy his presence both now and forever. Do you burn with zeal for the Lord’s house?

Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters 319 Waukegan Rd., Northfield, IL 60093 Phone: 847-441-0126, ext. 704 sspsovm@aol.com - www.ssps-usa.org www.worldssps.org


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