Mass Reading & Meditation for Sunday, 15 March 2015
4th Sunday of Lent
We are his handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for thegood works that God has prepared. (Ephesians 2:10)
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have your own personal tailor who could create a whole wardrobe for you? There would be the right outfit for everything you need or want to do. Each one would look so good that you would feel great wearing it. You could just imagine yourself walking down the street with an air of confidence and self-assurance: you know you look good!
Well, according to St. Paul, God has fashioned not our outer appearance but our inner lives. And the clothing he provides for this tailored interior is a unique set of “good works” that are perfectly suited to the gifts and talents, the insights and personalities he has given us.
So open up your spiritual closet, and try on what’s there. You’ll probably feel very comfortable stepping into some of those good works that seem to match your preparation and talent. Others, however, may feel like a stretch. You may be tempted to think someone else could perform them better. But as you step into them, you’ll discover abilities you never knew you had—just as a woman discovers that an A-line dress really does look good on her!
For example, perhaps you’ve always hoped the garment of parenthood was in your closet. But when the time comes, you discover that the good work God has designed for you is foster parenting—welcoming unwanted children into your home for a short time until they can find their forever homes. Or maybe you envisioned yourself as a catechist in your parish, but God offers you a different garment: a home-based ministry where you can spend your time caring for an ailing elderly parent.
Be of good cheer! Your Creator and Designer will patiently work with you until there’s a perfect fit between you and the garment of service he lays on your shoulders.
“Creator Lord, thank you that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Give me the courage to grow into your good plan.” Amen!
19 Then they burned down the house of God, broke down the wall of Yerushalayim, put to flames all its palaces and destroyed everything in it of worth. 20 Those who had escaped the sword he carried off to Bavel, and they became slaves to him and his sons until the reign of the kingdom of Persia. 21 Thus was fulfilled the word of Adonai spoken by Yirmeyahu, “until the land has been paid her Shabbats” — for as long as it lay desolate, it kept Shabbat, until seventy years had passed.
22 Now in the first year of Koresh king of Persia, so that the word of Adonai spoken by Yirmeyahu might be fulfilled, Adonai activated the spirit of Koresh king of Persia to proclaim throughout his entire kingdom, and put in writing as well: 23 “Here is what Koresh king of Persia says: Adonai, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms on earth, and he has charged me to build him a house in Yerushalayim, in Y’hudah. Whoever there is among you of all his people, may Adonai his God be with him! He may go up . . . .”
Psalms 137:1 By the rivers of Bavel we sat down and wept
as we remembered Tziyon.
2 We had hung up our lyres
on the willows that were there,
3 when those who had taken us captive
asked us to sing them a song;
our tormentors demanded joy from us —
“Sing us one of the songs from Tziyon!”
4 How can we sing a song about Adonai
here on foreign soil?
5 If I forget you, Yerushalayim,
may my right hand wither away!
6 May my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth
if I fail to remember you,
if I fail to count Yerushalayim
the greatest of all my joys.
Ephesians 2:4 But God is so rich in mercy and loves us with such intense love 5 that, even when we were dead because of our acts of disobedience, he brought us to life along with the Messiah — it is by grace that you have been delivered. 6 That is, God raised us up with the Messiah Yeshua and seated us with him in heaven, 7 in order to exhibit in the ages to come how infinitely rich is his grace, how great is his kindness toward us who are united with the Messiah Yeshua. 8 For you have been delivered by grace through trusting, and even this is not your accomplishment but God’s gift. 9 You were not delivered by your own actions; therefore no one should boast. 10 For we are of God’s making, created in union with the Messiah Yeshua for a life of good actions already prepared by God for us to do.
John 3:14 Just as Moshe lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up; 15 so that everyone who trusts in him may have eternal life.
16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only and unique Son, so that everyone who trusts in him may have eternal life, instead of being utterly destroyed. 17 For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but rather so that through him, the world might be saved. 18 Those who trust in him are not judged; those who do not trust have been judged already, in that they have not trusted in the one who is God’s only and unique Son.
19 “Now this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, but people loved the darkness rather than the light. Why? Because their actions were wicked. 20 For everyone who does evil things hates the light and avoids it, so that his actions won’t be exposed. 21 But everyone who does what is true comes to the light, so that all may see that his actions are accomplished through God.”]
1. In the first reading, we first hear how the "infidelity," "abominations," and “polluting the Lord’s temple,” introduced there by God's own people, resulted in the destruction of Jerusalem and its temple. Also, in the first reading, a pagan, gentile king of Persia, Cyrus, is inspired by the Lord to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem even after his people had the ignored the warnings from God and despised his word. These Scriptures can serve to remind us that there are areas in our lives that God may be asking us to change in order to live a life more pleasing to him? How would you describe those areas in your life? Do you believe that the Cross of Christ and the Holy Spirit dwelling in you have the power to change and transform you in accordance with God’s will for your life? Why or why not?
2. In the Responsorial Psalm, the psalmist speaks for the Israelites exiled in Babylon: “If I forget you, Jerusalem, may my right hand be forgotten! May my tongue cleave to my palate if I remember you not, if I place not Jerusalem ahead of my joy.” Why do you think the city of Jerusalem, and the temple within it, were so important to God’s people? As you reflect on these Scriptures, how strong is your conviction that God will be faithful to the promises he has made to his Church, the Body of Christ, in spite of any scandals and sins, and the persecutions and attacks against it? What steps can you take to prayand intercede more often for the Church and its leaders?
3. The second reading opens with these words: “Brothers and sisters: God, who is rich in mercy, because of the great love he had for us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, brought us to life with Christ—by grace you have been saved.” What do these words tell you about the attributes of God and his “great love” for you?
4. Also in the second reading, St. Paul states that God "raised us up with him, and seated us with him in the heavens in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.” In what way is your life an example to others of God’s “immeasurable riches of his grace in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus”? In what ways are your Lenten observances helping to make your life an even greater witness of Christ to others?
5. John 3:16 which is part of the Gospel reading (and frequently appears at sporting events) beautifully and succinctly encapsulates the entire Bible: "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life." During Lent, how can you deepen your gratefulness for the price God had to pay to forgive you of your sins and bring you to eternal life?
6. The meditation is a reflection on these final words from the second reading: “For we are his handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for the good works that God has prepared in advance, that we should live in them” (Ephesians 2:10). The meditation reminds us that God has “a unique set of ‘good works’ that are perfectly suited to the gifts and talents, the insights and personalities he has given us.” It also reminds us to “Be of good cheer! Your Creator and Designer will patiently work with you until there’s a perfect fit between you and the garment of service he lays on your shoulders.” How have you experienced the truth of these words in your life? In what ways may his plan for your life be calling you to even more service for him?
7. Take some time now to pray and ask the Lord for the grace and courage to say yes to his plan for your life and “the good works that God has prepared in advance.” Use the prayer at the end of the meditation as the starting point.“Creator Lord, thank you that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Give me the courage to grow into your good plan.” Amen!
____________________________
We are his handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for thegood works that God has prepared. (Ephesians 2:10)
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have your own personal tailor who could create a whole wardrobe for you? There would be the right outfit for everything you need or want to do. Each one would look so good that you would feel great wearing it. You could just imagine yourself walking down the street with an air of confidence and self-assurance: you know you look good!
Well, according to St. Paul, God has fashioned not our outer appearance but our inner lives. And the clothing he provides for this tailored interior is a unique set of “good works” that are perfectly suited to the gifts and talents, the insights and personalities he has given us.
So open up your spiritual closet, and try on what’s there. You’ll probably feel very comfortable stepping into some of those good works that seem to match your preparation and talent. Others, however, may feel like a stretch. You may be tempted to think someone else could perform them better. But as you step into them, you’ll discover abilities you never knew you had—just as a woman discovers that an A-line dress really does look good on her!
For example, perhaps you’ve always hoped the garment of parenthood was in your closet. But when the time comes, you discover that the good work God has designed for you is foster parenting—welcoming unwanted children into your home for a short time until they can find their forever homes. Or maybe you envisioned yourself as a catechist in your parish, but God offers you a different garment: a home-based ministry where you can spend your time caring for an ailing elderly parent.
Be of good cheer! Your Creator and Designer will patiently work with you until there’s a perfect fit between you and the garment of service he lays on your shoulders.
“Creator Lord, thank you that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Give me the courage to grow into your good plan.” Amen!
2 Chronicles 36:14 In addition, the chief cohanim and the people grew increasingly unfaithful, following all the abominable practices of the other nations; and they polluted the house of Adonai, which he had consecrated in Yerushalayim. 15 Time after time, and frequently, Adonai, the God of their ancestors, sent word to them through his messengers; because he had compassion on his people and on the place where he lived. 16 But they ridiculed God’s messengers, treating his words with contempt and scoffing at his prophets, until the anger of Adonai rose up against his people to the extent that there was no longer any remedy.
19 Then they burned down the house of God, broke down the wall of Yerushalayim, put to flames all its palaces and destroyed everything in it of worth. 20 Those who had escaped the sword he carried off to Bavel, and they became slaves to him and his sons until the reign of the kingdom of Persia. 21 Thus was fulfilled the word of Adonai spoken by Yirmeyahu, “until the land has been paid her Shabbats” — for as long as it lay desolate, it kept Shabbat, until seventy years had passed.
22 Now in the first year of Koresh king of Persia, so that the word of Adonai spoken by Yirmeyahu might be fulfilled, Adonai activated the spirit of Koresh king of Persia to proclaim throughout his entire kingdom, and put in writing as well: 23 “Here is what Koresh king of Persia says: Adonai, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms on earth, and he has charged me to build him a house in Yerushalayim, in Y’hudah. Whoever there is among you of all his people, may Adonai his God be with him! He may go up . . . .”
Psalms 137:1 By the rivers of Bavel we sat down and wept
as we remembered Tziyon.
2 We had hung up our lyres
on the willows that were there,
3 when those who had taken us captive
asked us to sing them a song;
our tormentors demanded joy from us —
“Sing us one of the songs from Tziyon!”
4 How can we sing a song about Adonai
here on foreign soil?
5 If I forget you, Yerushalayim,
may my right hand wither away!
6 May my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth
if I fail to remember you,
if I fail to count Yerushalayim
the greatest of all my joys.
John 3:14 Just as Moshe lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up; 15 so that everyone who trusts in him may have eternal life.
16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only and unique Son, so that everyone who trusts in him may have eternal life, instead of being utterly destroyed. 17 For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but rather so that through him, the world might be saved. 18 Those who trust in him are not judged; those who do not trust have been judged already, in that they have not trusted in the one who is God’s only and unique Son.
19 “Now this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, but people loved the darkness rather than the light. Why? Because their actions were wicked. 20 For everyone who does evil things hates the light and avoids it, so that his actions won’t be exposed. 21 But everyone who does what is true comes to the light, so that all may see that his actions are accomplished through God.”
Questions for Reflection or Group Discussion:[2 Chronicles 36:14 In addition, the chief cohanim and the people grew increasingly unfaithful, following all the abominable practices of the other nations; and they polluted the house of Adonai, which he had consecrated in Yerushalayim. 15 Time after time, and frequently, Adonai, the God of their ancestors, sent word to them through his messengers; because he had compassion on his people and on the place where he lived. 16 But they ridiculed God’s messengers, treating his words with contempt and scoffing at his prophets, until the anger of Adonai rose up against his people to the extent that there was no longer any remedy.19 Then they burned down the house of God, broke down the wall of Yerushalayim, put to flames all its palaces and destroyed everything in it of worth. 20 Those who had escaped the sword he carried off to Bavel, and they became slaves to him and his sons until the reign of the kingdom of Persia. 21 Thus was fulfilled the word of Adonai spoken by Yirmeyahu, “until the land has been paid her Shabbats” — for as long as it lay desolate, it kept Shabbat, until seventy years had passed.
22 Now in the first year of Koresh king of Persia, so that the word of Adonai spoken by Yirmeyahu might be fulfilled, Adonai activated the spirit of Koresh king of Persia to proclaim throughout his entire kingdom, and put in writing as well: 23 “Here is what Koresh king of Persia says: Adonai, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms on earth, and he has charged me to build him a house in Yerushalayim, in Y’hudah. Whoever there is among you of all his people, may Adonai his God be with him! He may go up . . . .”
Psalms 137:1 By the rivers of Bavel we sat down and wept
as we remembered Tziyon.
2 We had hung up our lyres
on the willows that were there,
3 when those who had taken us captive
asked us to sing them a song;
our tormentors demanded joy from us —
“Sing us one of the songs from Tziyon!”
4 How can we sing a song about Adonai
here on foreign soil?
5 If I forget you, Yerushalayim,
may my right hand wither away!
6 May my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth
if I fail to remember you,
if I fail to count Yerushalayim
the greatest of all my joys.
Ephesians 2:4 But God is so rich in mercy and loves us with such intense love 5 that, even when we were dead because of our acts of disobedience, he brought us to life along with the Messiah — it is by grace that you have been delivered. 6 That is, God raised us up with the Messiah Yeshua and seated us with him in heaven, 7 in order to exhibit in the ages to come how infinitely rich is his grace, how great is his kindness toward us who are united with the Messiah Yeshua. 8 For you have been delivered by grace through trusting, and even this is not your accomplishment but God’s gift. 9 You were not delivered by your own actions; therefore no one should boast. 10 For we are of God’s making, created in union with the Messiah Yeshua for a life of good actions already prepared by God for us to do.
John 3:14 Just as Moshe lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up; 15 so that everyone who trusts in him may have eternal life.
16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only and unique Son, so that everyone who trusts in him may have eternal life, instead of being utterly destroyed. 17 For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but rather so that through him, the world might be saved. 18 Those who trust in him are not judged; those who do not trust have been judged already, in that they have not trusted in the one who is God’s only and unique Son.
19 “Now this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, but people loved the darkness rather than the light. Why? Because their actions were wicked. 20 For everyone who does evil things hates the light and avoids it, so that his actions won’t be exposed. 21 But everyone who does what is true comes to the light, so that all may see that his actions are accomplished through God.”]
1. In the first reading, we first hear how the "infidelity," "abominations," and “polluting the Lord’s temple,” introduced there by God's own people, resulted in the destruction of Jerusalem and its temple. Also, in the first reading, a pagan, gentile king of Persia, Cyrus, is inspired by the Lord to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem even after his people had the ignored the warnings from God and despised his word. These Scriptures can serve to remind us that there are areas in our lives that God may be asking us to change in order to live a life more pleasing to him? How would you describe those areas in your life? Do you believe that the Cross of Christ and the Holy Spirit dwelling in you have the power to change and transform you in accordance with God’s will for your life? Why or why not?
2. In the Responsorial Psalm, the psalmist speaks for the Israelites exiled in Babylon: “If I forget you, Jerusalem, may my right hand be forgotten! May my tongue cleave to my palate if I remember you not, if I place not Jerusalem ahead of my joy.” Why do you think the city of Jerusalem, and the temple within it, were so important to God’s people? As you reflect on these Scriptures, how strong is your conviction that God will be faithful to the promises he has made to his Church, the Body of Christ, in spite of any scandals and sins, and the persecutions and attacks against it? What steps can you take to prayand intercede more often for the Church and its leaders?
3. The second reading opens with these words: “Brothers and sisters: God, who is rich in mercy, because of the great love he had for us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, brought us to life with Christ—by grace you have been saved.” What do these words tell you about the attributes of God and his “great love” for you?
4. Also in the second reading, St. Paul states that God "raised us up with him, and seated us with him in the heavens in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.” In what way is your life an example to others of God’s “immeasurable riches of his grace in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus”? In what ways are your Lenten observances helping to make your life an even greater witness of Christ to others?
5. John 3:16 which is part of the Gospel reading (and frequently appears at sporting events) beautifully and succinctly encapsulates the entire Bible: "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life." During Lent, how can you deepen your gratefulness for the price God had to pay to forgive you of your sins and bring you to eternal life?
6. The meditation is a reflection on these final words from the second reading: “For we are his handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for the good works that God has prepared in advance, that we should live in them” (Ephesians 2:10). The meditation reminds us that God has “a unique set of ‘good works’ that are perfectly suited to the gifts and talents, the insights and personalities he has given us.” It also reminds us to “Be of good cheer! Your Creator and Designer will patiently work with you until there’s a perfect fit between you and the garment of service he lays on your shoulders.” How have you experienced the truth of these words in your life? In what ways may his plan for your life be calling you to even more service for him?
7. Take some time now to pray and ask the Lord for the grace and courage to say yes to his plan for your life and “the good works that God has prepared in advance.” Use the prayer at the end of the meditation as the starting point.“Creator Lord, thank you that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Give me the courage to grow into your good plan.” Amen!
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