A Closer Look Inside!
On the third Sunday of Lent, the first reading from the book of Exodus and
the Gospel of St. John prompts us to reflect deeply on our relationship with God
and the significance of this Lenten Season. The first reading from the book of
Exodus reminds us of the profound truth that our God is a “jealous God.” This
powerful statement challenges us to consider the depth and sincerity of our
devotion to the Almighty God. It calls us to reassess where we place God in our
lives. Do we prioritize our spiritual connection with Him above all else? As we
meditate on this divine jealousy, let us examine our hearts and actions, and align
them with God’s will and nurture a profound relationship with Him.
As your parish priest, I invite parents to recognize the importance of
nurturing your children’s spiritual well-being. In a world filled with distractions and
worldly pursuits, it is crucial for families to gather together in worship on
Sundays, honoring the commandment to keep the Sabbath day holy. By instilling
a reverence for God and His teachings in the hearts of our children, we lay a
solid foundation for their spiritual growth, guiding them toward a life centered on
faith and love.
In the Gospel reading St. John tells us, with a vivid depiction of Jesus
cleansing the Temple, that our bodies are not merely vessels for earthly desires
and pursuits but that they are sacred abodes of the Holy Spirit. Just as Jesus
purified the physical temple, we are called during this Lenten Season to cleanse
our spiritual “temples”. During this sacred time, we are invited to engage in a
period of self-examination, identifying the areas of our lives that require
purification and renewal. It is a time to prepare ourselves to partake in Holy
Communion with hearts cleansed by repentance and minds focused on the
significance of this Sacrament. Through Confession and reconciliation, we seek
to free ourselves of sins and weaknesses, paving the way for a deeper and more
meaningful encounter with Christ in the Eucharist.
As we journey through the Lenten season, let us commit ourselves to placing
God at the center of our lives. By regularly participating in Sunday Mass and the
humble practice of Confession, we can purify our inner “temples” and make them
worthy dwelling places for the Holy Spirit. May this Lenten journey be a time of
transformation and spiritual growth, where we shed the distractions and burdens
that weigh us down and embrace the grace of God’s love and mercy. Let us walk
on this path of renewal and redemption with faith and courage, trusting in the
promise of Christ’s resurrection and the gift of eternal life that awaits us.