6 MarchFourth Sunday of Lent
“He said to him, ‘My son, you are here with me always; everything I have is yours. But now we must celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found’” (Lk 15:31-32).
Communion Connection –
In this parable of the Prodigal Son, Jesus puts the spotlight on divine Love. He illustrates the fact that God who is Love takes the first step without considering whether the person deserves it or not, but with the desire that the person be open to establishing an authentic relationship of communion. As one can imagine, the greatest obstacle to God who is Love is precisely the life of those who accumulate actions and deeds while God wants their hearts.- Word of Life
Additional Catholic Resources:
- Audio Homily by Fr. Robert Barron: http://www.wordonfire.org/resources/homily/the-prodigal-son/994/
13 MarchFifth Sunday of Lent
“But when they continued asking him, he straightened up and said to them, ‘Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her’. Again he bent down and wrote on the ground. And in response, they went away one by one, beginning with the elders. So he was left alone with the woman before him” (Jn 8:7-9).
Communion Connection –
Jesus’ attitude toward one who has done wrong is that of mercy. He teaches that we, too, should have compassion toward everyone, resisting those impulses that drive us to condemn others without mercy. Rather than harboring traces of judgment or resentment in our hearts, we have the choice to see every person as “new” in every moment. If our hearts are filled with love and compassion toward all, rather than judgment and condemnation, we will help others to begin new lives, to find the courage to start anew.- Word of Life
Additional Catholic Resources:
- Audio Homily by Fr. Robert Barron: http://www.wordonfire.org/resources/homily/every-saint-had-a-past-every-sinner-has-a-future/995/
20 MarchPalm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord
“After withdrawing about a stone’s throw from them and kneeling, he prayed, saying, ‘Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me; still, not my will but yours be done” (Lk 22:41-42).
Communion Connection –
Ever teacher – ever friend. The Master models for His closest disciples the proper response to the direst of circumstances: to turn and seek God’s will, not to succumb to one’s own. Just as He had done throughout His time of living and travelling with them, Jesus shows His followers that prayer is always the recourse - the only recourse. Yet, He does so as He cherishes their love and support. He had just acknowledged to them, “It is you who have stood by me in my trials” (Lk 22:28). He now wants them with Him again, as He undergoes this agony.
Additional Catholic Resources:
-Audio Homily by Fr. Robert Barron: http://www.wordonfire.org/resources/homily/which-king-whose-kingdom/878/
27 MarchEaster Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord
“And it happened that while he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he vanished from their sight”(Lk 24:30-31).
Communion Connection –
The conversation is congenial, the atmosphere is relaxed. The minds of the disciples are focused on the present moment through all of the elements of table fellowship. Jesus frequently revealed His person and His mission during the sharing of a meal. We, too, can allow our eyes to be opened by Jesus as we join one another around the table. Be ready to recognize Him.
Additional Catholic Resources:
-Audio Homily by Fr. Robert Barron http: http://www.wordonfire.org/resources/homily/the-impossibly-good-news-of-easter/879/