Theologians' Corner - The Gospel proclaimed this Sunday offers a framework neither of denial nor despair. Like Martha and Mary, the church is summoned to bring its grief, protest and questions directly before Christ.
I have noticed that the readings we hear on Ash Wednesday send mixed messages about the observance of the holy season of Lent. This year, I invite you to join me in following both Joel's and Jesus' admonitions.
A good reflection for our Lenten journey would be to take a few critical social justice teachings from recent papal encyclicals and pause to see how they speak to us today in light of the political choices we must make.
This Lent, we can act with curiosity, rather than leading with assumptions. We might be surprised to find out what led a person to choose their Lenten practice. We can encourage them and perhaps seek encouragement.
As I reflected on Easter, I realized that the death of Christ would be in vain if we did not practice what he taught us by his exemplary living. His actions during Holy Week demonstrate how we should live with each other.
Horizons - At Jamaica Mustard Seed, the residents and their caregivers can laugh, dance and sing with the hope of God's love. And we, on our Good Friday journey through Jerusalem, can find joy as well.
Sr. Marlene Quispe Tenorio reflects on the inner journey and the experience of encountering the divine presence in everyday life. It's a journey of freedom that profoundly changes her life and impacts the lives of those she encounters. "This Lenten season has been incredibly moving for me," she shares, "as I truly feel like a child of God, liberated and free."
