Lenten Reflection for 3/14
Thursday of the Fourth Week of Lent
Daily Prayer
Eternal God, You commanded us to listen to Your beloved Son. Direct our actions according to Your will, just as Your Son did. By our works of love and compassion may we be counted among the blessed in Your Kingdom. Amen
Scripture Readings
Exodus 32:7-14; John 5:31-47
(Click for today’s Readings.)
Scripture Quote
John 5:36b
[Jesus said:]
“The works that the Father gave me to accomplish,
these works that I perform testify on my behalf
that the Father has sent me.”
Reflection
In every Gospel, but especially in this passage in the Gospel of John, Jesus attests His ministry is “God-given,” that it is given to Him from God. It is important to realize that Jesus did not act on His own accord or His own desires. Instead, like His mother Mary who said at the Annunciation, which we celebrate soon, “May it be done to me according to Your word,” Jesus embraced His Father’s will.
We who call ourselves Christians have a responsibility to model our priorities, interests, and intentions on Jesus’ example. Our everyday obligations keep us busy and conflict with this. But what governs how we respond? Jesus’ example during this reflective season is to let God’s will shape our priorities.
Reflection Questions
When God speaks to me today, will I be attentive to His voice?
The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, who call upon Mary daily in prayer, do the work of our Father and care for the spiritual and physical needs of poor and abandoned in the most difficult missions in the US and world. Will you support us today in your prayers and gifts?
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.