Lenten Reflection for 3/22
Friday of the Fifth Week of Lent
Daily Prayer
Almighty God, You sent Your Son, fully human and fully divine, to guide us as a gentle example. Make us more worthy to receive Your gifts. Grant that we may always receive Your protection and keep us safe from all harm. Amen
Scripture Readings
Jeremiah 20:10-13; John 10:31-42
(Click for today’s Readings.)
Scripture Quote
John 10:40
He [Jesus] went back across the Jordan
to the place where John first baptized, and there he remained.
Reflection
In Tuesday’s Gospel, the Pharisees did not yet realize that Jesus was declaring Himself to be the Son of God. In today’s Gospel, Jesus does.
They try to stone Him for what they believe to be blasphemy. It is this declaration of blasphemy for which Jesus is crucified one week from today.
Today, though, Jesus once more slips away. Jesus “went back across the Jordan to the place where John first baptized.” What a place of significance! It was here that John baptized Jesus in order than Jesus fulfill all righteousness. It was here that Jesus’ public ministry began.
We see a bit of Jesus’ humanity in this act of seclusion. Like all of us when we are hurt or humiliated, we retreat to our Inner Room. There we pray and think and prepare ourselves for what comes next. Jesus is preparing himself for his final, agonizing week.
Reflection Questions
Do I show myself to be a true son or daughter of God?
Can I help others who are seeking to find Jesus and God His Father?
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.