29 Mar
Wed
5th Week of Lent
Dan. 3:14-20,24-25,28
(R. Ps.) Dan. 3:52-56
Jn. 8:31-42
(Ps. Wk. I)
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Since the 4th week of Lent, we have heard passages from the Gospel of John which trace the growing conflict between Jesus and those who opposed Him. The level of intensity is increasing as we approach the end of Lent and the beginning of Holy Week, when the consequences of that conflict will be played out. Today, we are placed on the sidelines and listen again to another debate between Jesus and a group who, initially attracted and willing to "believe" Him, nevertheless fail to honestly "believe in" Him. Jesus is more than just a spiritual teacher, and true "freedom" requires something more than simple adherence to a teaching - it requires being in a relationship with Jesus.

In John's Gospel, when Jesus speaks of "truth," He is not referring to some philosophical propositions - He is referring to Himself, for He is "the Way, the Truth, and the Light." It is as we enter more and more into the life of Jesus and let Jesus enter our lives, or as St Paul describes it, as we "put on Christ" (Gal. 3:27), it is only then that we become, through our relationship with Christ, "sons and daughters of God," members of God's household. It is only then that we can experience the meaning of genuine freedom. As we approach Holy Week, we pray to grow in greater intimacy with the Lord and the courage to stay with Him and follow Him all the way to the end of His journey that won us our freedom.


Lord, let Your truth always be heard in my life.



DAILY OFFERING
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
INTENTION
We pray for those who have suffered harm from members of the Church; may they find within the Church herself a concrete response to their pain and suffering.
Elaboration

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