These reflections are a result of more than 40 years of ministry as a Roman Catholic priest. Most of these years I spent in the Diocese of Charlotte which covers Western North Carolina. Now I am retired, and live in Medellín, Colombia where I continue to serve as a priest in the Archdiocese of Medellín.
Jesus said to his disciples: “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." (Mt 20:17-28)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/022824.cfm
It’s not about power, nor seats of honor, it’s about service. It’s all about service—just as Jesus taught us.
Make justice your aim: redress the wronged, hear the orphan's plea, defend the widow. (Is 1:10, 16-20)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/022724.cfm
When we hear the words “Sodom and Gomorrah,” we don’t normally think of social justice. But according to the Prophet Isaiah the sins of Sodom and Gomorrah are exactly about justice, and the prophet gives the remedy: redressing the wronged, hearing the orphan’s cry and defending widows. Perhaps preachers need to pay attention. Today's picture is from the 1922 silent film, Sodom and Gomorrah.
Jesus said to his disciples: "Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven.” (Lk 6:36-38)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/022624.cfm
English is a bit defective in one sense: we can no longer distinguish between “you” singular and “you” plural. Greek, the original language of the New Testament as well as Spanish and most modern languages don’t have that problem. As a consequence we English speakers usually misinterpret passages, thinking that Jesus is speaking to individuals in isolation. Actually, about 95% of the “you’s” in the New Testament are PLURAL. In order to fix the problem, in the South we use the idiom, "y'all." Jesus and Saint Paul speak Southern.
Then a cloud came, casting a shadow over them; from the cloud came a voice, "This is my beloved Son. Listen to him." (Mk 9:2-10)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/022524.cfm
The Transfiguration proclaims that the Law and the Prophets find their fulfillment in the beloved Son. The problem has always been one of failing to listen to him.
Jesus said to his disciples: "You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you.” (Mt 5:43-48)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/022424.cfm
The Lord certainly knows how to get under our skin. Perhaps what we thought was going to be an easy romp to Easter has turned into the most challenging journey of our lives. And of course the Virgin Mary of Lent reminds us: “Do whatever He tells you!”
