Reflection for March 17, 2013
posted on: Thursday, March 14, 2013 by: renaebauer
Through Christ, we are invited to a new,
everlasting life
by Sister Sally Ann Brickner
"See, I am doing something new!
... Do you not perceive it?" -- Isaiah 43
Who among us doesn't treasure something new? As a child we may
have received a new toy, entered a new grade, or made a new friend.
When older we might have invested in a new home, purchased a new
car, or started a more challenging job with higher pay. The
experience of newness engendered a burst of energy and fresh
life.
Today we hear Isaiah reassure the Chosen People that God is
forming them into a new people. In the wastelands of their lives,
God, Who is the "Fountain Fullness," promises them new sources of
living water.
All are called to discipleship
In the Gospel, John describes Jesus' encounter with the
adulterous woman. She must have been terrified as the men accused
her of transgressing the law. Jesus did not join in their judgment
of her but asked instead who among the men was without sin. As each
one slipped away, Jesus invited the woman to turn from her old way
of life to a new life of discipleship.
In this Lenten season Jesus also calls us to discipleship. We,
too, will be made new if we allow Jesus Christ to take possession
of us. Then we can join the Psalmist and proclaim: "The Lord has
done great things for us; we are filled with joy!"
Celebrating the
'Year of Faith'
The Creed -- Mary: The Church's First &
Most Perfect Member
chapter 12,
US Catholic Catechism for Adults
by Sister Mary Kabat
Mary is the first and greatest of all the disciples of Christ.
The Second Vatican Council reminds us that Mary "occupies a place
in the Church which is the highest after Christ and also closest to
us." (
Lumen Gentium, no.54) Closest to Christ and closest to us
- is it any wonder that Mary has appeared to so many and why we are
drawn to her in times of need and in our desire to be closer to her
Son?
Mary, in God's plan, was conceived without original sin (the
Immaculate Conception) in her "yes" to become the mother of
Jesus. She lovingly lived out her daily, human life dedicated
to God, to her Son and to Jesus' mission. After her death,
Mary experienced a bodily resurrection (the Assumption) and is now
and forever exalted as Queen of all things in heaven and on
earth.
Hail Mary, full of
grace!