LAITY RFLECTIONS FOR PASSION SUNDAY YEAR B
1st Reading: Isaiah 50:4-7
RESPONSORIAL PSALM Ps 22:8-9.17-18a.19-20.23-24 (R. 2a)
2nd Reading: Philippians 2:6-11
Gospel Reading: Mark 14: 1- 15:47
"Even though they all fall away, I will not"
Dey play
Peter was so quick to allude that he won't deny Jesus even though the others do. I am sure the others would just be like 'shuooooo Bro Pee'
But we all know he learned that it is not by mouth....after all, he was invoking curse on himself when they approached him. And then, after the Holy Spirit came and gave them all boldness, it was no longer 'me', 'I' for Peter but 'We'.
The lesson for me here is to not be quick to talk. Sometimes, we want to say something to be on the good side of people, or just to prove that we are better. Or maybe we even mean what we say at that time, but circumstances could come and change that.
We must always rely on the help of the Holy Spirit to carry out our actions. We must rely on His help to speak only when we are to, and to be silent when we are to.
May God give us wisdom and discernment
Glory to Jesus
As a man he was the simplest and most humble person I ever came across or read about.
He is a king but never used his powers.
I have never seen any man so humble.
He came down to show us the way.
His ways are so simple yet difficult to follow.
He owns everything but never used them.
What kind of man is Jesus?
A king who took the place of a slave to save his people.
How can we emulate him?
He gave all for us.
He took our place and we took His place.
He learnt suffering through obedience.
Obedience per excelum.
He did more than all he ought to do.
His humility is next to none.
Man has found it very difficult to emulate his ways.
Man has carved his own way and erroneously called it the way of Christ.
What is it that he ought do for us that he did not do?
He did all and even did extra.
May we have the grace to follow him through Christ our Lord
I'M DEEPLY TOUCHED BY THE GOSPEL (PASSION OF OUR LORD)
One word that readily comes to mind at the beginning of the Passion Narrative is Betrayal. What does it mean to be betrayed – sold away by a trusted friend; by a person who shares the same plate with you?
Have I betrayed people’s trust, told lies against them or leaked out certain secret information for the sake of money, fame, position or some privileges? Have I acted like Peter; bragging before people only to let them down in their absence?
I feel guilty because I have betrayed many people who trusted me.
I'm not better than those that killed Jesus.
May God grant us the grace, like Peter to be acknowledge our shortcomings and seek forgiveness through the sacrament of reconciliation available for us all the time.
FOR THE SAKE OF HIS SORROWFUL PASSION, HAVE MERCY ON US AND OF THE WHOLE WORLD
PETER'S FEAR AND DENIAL:
It's easy to promise and be determined to do right, but when challenges stare at us in the face...what do we do?
Peter saw the beatings and punches Jesus was receiving, his strength failed him and he couldn't imagine being identified with this man Jesus...the repercussions!
When I face critical situations, do I still remember the promises I made at my last confessional not to go back to my sins?
When it seems the only thing I can do to survive the economy is to lie, do I remember that I'm denying Christ?
Peter's character challenges me to always know that I'm weak and frail, therefore I can only draw strength from above. May I like Peter, always trust in God's forgiveness and never be despondent after each fall Amen
Title- IMITATING CHRIST'S HUMILITY IN DIFFICULT, TRYING TIMES
Practice kindness all day to everyone and you will realise you're already in heaven now.
Just imagine what that woman in verse 3 of Mark 14 felt when she emptied the alabaster jar of very expensive perfume made of pure bars on JESUS'S HEAD.
While those close to you are plotting your downfall, someone far away is seeing your uniqueness, your worth(values).
Even in all this, Christ still remains humble while Judas Iscariot plots his betrayal, the woman with the most expensive perfume honours Jesus while His death approaches.
In everything we do, let's remain humble amidst our trials and tribulations.
My Reflections
GOD'S HAND IS UPON EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENS TO US.
The first reading and the responsorial bears testimony that the Old testament and the New testament speaks of one person , Christ Jesus .
The first reading and the responsorial points to Jesus who was yet to come into our world but who was also in our world because he created the world.
Whatever that happens to us even that which we are experiencing right now has already been outlined by God. God designs a plan and chooses us to fulfill that plan, even though we may choose not to as a result of the free will that has been given to us but from the gospel reading of today, Jesus has shown us the way which is allowing God's plan and will to be our own plan and will as well, hence he prayed "Not my will father but your will be done " because every plan and will of God is always a perfect one to bring glory to himself and to himself alone.
But we should be mindful of the fact that allowing God's plan for us isn't going to be an easy one. Sirach 2:1-6 made it clear. But one important thing also is this, each time we allow the plan of God to be accomplished in our lives, God will always be there to help and strengthen us and grant us that grace of safe landing.
Also in the gospel, Jesus taught us how to always end our prayers "Father let Your Will Be Done ".
We pray for that grace of humility to follow the plan of God for our lives through Christ our Lord.
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