Saint Charles Catholic Church - Lenten reflection - Week 4 скачать в хорошем качестве

Saint Charles Catholic Church - Lenten reflection - Week 4

As we begin week 4 of this lent, we journey through the Gospel of John, chapter 12, verses 20 to 33. It’s a deep and symbolic story layered with spiritual and theological insights. It starts with some Gentiles, non-Jews, who want to see Jesus. This shows us that Jesus’s message reaches beyond just one community; it’s universal. Jesus then teaches us with metaphors and spiritual truths. He talks about a grain of wheat that must die to produce much fruit. This is a powerful image of death and resurrection, and it highlights the Christian teaching that we gain life through losing it. Jesus also shares his anticipation of his own death. His soul is troubled, but he knows that his death is the reason he’s here. This affirms the importance of his crucifixion. Then, a voice from heaven comes to affirm Jesus’s mission and glorify God’s name. The crowd hears it and reacts in different ways, showing us the diverse interpretations of Jesus’s message. The passage ends with Jesus predicting his death, which he sees as a way to draw all people to himself. This emphasises the universal scope of Jesus’s mission. This passage invites us to reflect on life and death, the cost of discipleship, and the universal scope of Jesus’s mission. It’s a passage that can be read over and over, with new insights each time. Now, let’s think about this in the context of Lent, a time of reflection, repentance, and renewal. This passage reminds us of the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus made for humanity. What sacrifices are we willing to make for our families, just as Jesus sacrificed his life for us? True friendship often requires sacrifice; are we ready to be there for a friend in need? Can we use Jesus’s teachings on love and forgiveness to reach out to those struggling with broken marriages? And can we reach out to family members we have hurt or who have hurt us? To honour Christ from now until Easter, what sacrifice can we make that brings us closer to Him? And how can we strive to be Christ to those in need around us? As we journey through Lent, let’s challenge ourselves to become more involved in our parish community. Let’s serve the church, help the poor, and encourage others to return to Mass. Remember, every small act of love and service is a reflection of Christ’s love for us. Let’s use this Lenten season to grow closer to God and to one another. May this Lent be a time of spiritual renewal and deepened faith for us all. And let’s end with a challenge: find a way to serve in your parish community. Whether it’s helping the poor, serving the church, or encouraging others to return to Mass, let’s live out our faith in tangible ways. Visit the Parish website here: https://saintcharles.co.za Welcome to St. Charles Borromeo Roman Catholic Parish, Victory Park, Johannesburg, South Africa, a parish served by the Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI). We were founded in 1947 and are happily alongside one of Johannesburg’s most established and successful Catholic schools, De La Salle Holy Cross College, along with a nearby Catholic centre of tertiary excellence, St. Augustine’s University. #Biblical #Bible #HolyMass #FrTony #SaintCharles #VictoryPark #CatholicChurch