Archives
April 8, 2010
The Mysteries of Light
The Baptism in the Jordan
The Wedding at Cana
The Proclamation of the Kingdom of God
The Transfiguration
The Institution of the Eucharist
SACRAMENTS
Let us pray, that families will grow in their sacramental life and will avail themselves to receive God’s graces through the sacraments.
“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased." Matthew 3:17
In this mystery, Jesus begins his public ministry of service. He reveals to us what it means to be of service to others. As Christians, we begin our journey in faith at our baptism. Our parents, godparents and those who share their faith in loving service to others, nurture us in this faith. Each one of us is called to give examples of this loving service to others.
Lord our God, may we reflect on our own baptism, be reminded of the graces received and reach out in loving service to those in need.
II. THE WEDDING AT CANA
"His mother said to the servers, ‘Do whatever he tells you.’” John 2:5
In this mystery, Jesus performs his first miracle by changing the water into wine. His mother tells the headwaiter listen to what he tells you to do. In our lives, we are called to listen to Jesus and to develop obedience to God’s will in our lives by entering into a grace filled life. In so doing, we surrender our plans for those that God has put forth and turn our lives over to God.
Lord our God, as we listen to your Son Jesus, may we grow in trust in your plans for us in this life and respond with confidence to all that you ask of us. May we grow in truly understanding what it means to render service in your name to those who are in need and to do so with a loving and gentle presence.
III. THE PROCLAMATION OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD
“But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins on earth, he said to the paralytic, ‘I say to you, rise, pick up your mat, and go home.’” Mark 2:10-11
In this mystery, we hear about the forgiveness of sins, about healing and about the building of the Kingdom of God. As Christians, we are called to be forgiving of one another and to join together in building the Kingdom of God where everyone will know who Jesus is and will experience His healing and forgiveness in their lives.
Lord our God, may we always approach you for the forgiveness of our sins, the healing of the pain and hurt in our lives and by this grace filled encounter with you through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. May we rejoice in living a grace filled life with you and be able to contribute in a healthy way to the building of your kingdom here on earth.
IV. THE TRANSFIGURATION
“While he was praying his face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white.” Luke 9:29
In this mystery, the Apostles were overcome by the appearance of Jesus in their lives. The Apostles entered into a sacred place of prayer with Jesus that changed their lives forever. We are invited to enter into this sacred place every time we participate in the sacraments that are offered to us as a means of receiving God’s graces into our lives and each time we set aside time for prayer. When we pray, we come before God as who we are and slowly, each time, we experience a little bit more a change in ourselves that brings us closer to God.
Lord our God, may we always find time to be before you in prayer. As we pray, may we become aware of your presence in our lives and how our lives change when we stand before you without barriers or blocks so that we can truly feel your presence in our lives.
V. THE INSTITUTION OF THE EUCHARIST
“He loved his own in the world and he loved them to the end.” John 13:1b
In this mystery, we see Jesus once again revealing to us what it means to be of service to those around us in the name of the Lord. His act of humility with those whom he loved in this world by washing their feet, calls us to cultivate this same attitude of humility in all that we do in the name of the Lord. When we approach all that we do with this same humility and loving kindness, we reveal the presence of our Lord in our midst. Jesus gave of himself throughout his entire life and even in his death. We are invited to receive his presence in the Eucharist each time we receive Holy Communion.
Lord our God, may we approach those around us with this same humility that you washed the feet of your Apostles with and always reveal your presence whenever we render service to those in need. May the Sacrament of Holy Communion be a regular part of our daily life and by receiving your body and blood may we grow in love for you in our lives.