Lenten Reflection for 3/17

Friday of the Third Week of Lent

Daily Prayer

O God and Father, who is the creator and ruler of all things, grant that we may honor You with all our mind and love everyone in truth of heart.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.


Scripture Readings

Hosea 14:2-10; Mark 12:28-34
(Click for today’s Readings.)

Scripture Quote

Mark 12:34

And when Jesus saw that [the scribe] answered with understanding,
he said to him,
“You are not far from the Kingdom of God.”


Reflection

The message of loving God and loving our neighbor is repeated often in Scripture. That message is taken further today. Jesus and the scribe agree that a person’s righteousness is determined by one’s commitment to following God’s will. Jesus’ final remark to the scribe—and to us—is reassuring. If we embrace this commitment, we are not far from the kingdom of God. The difficulty, however, is putting this following this commitment in practice. It is hard to love those who offend us, bully us, hurt us. Lent is a good time to see if we really are committed to the two basic commandments and then work to put it into practice each day.”

Reflection Questions

  • What are some ways that I can be especially faithful to the Gospel today?
  • How can I make my love grow this day as I approach the great Paschal Mystery?

Excerpts from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, DC. Used with permission. All rights reserved. No portion of this text may be reproduced by any means without permission in writing from the copyright owner.