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Reflection for 03/26/06

REFLECTION:
In John’s gospel Jesus says, “Whoever serves me must follow me.” This is inviting but challenging as we realize that Jesus’ path leads first to the cross and then to the resurrection. Jesus surrendered completely to his Father’s will in order to save us. If we are to follow Jesus we are also called to submit completely to God’s call. We are challenged to let go of all that distracts or pulls us away from Christ’s way. Jesus warns us that if we cling to our worldly ways we will lose our lives in faith. Jesus knew that he only had to ask and his Father would have saved him from the suffering and death that loomed. But Jesus knew why he had come and chose to move ahead into that suffering and death. Lent can be a time for us to choose to move forward on our way to Jesus. We can prepare ourselves to die again and again to self in order to see the path more clearly. There is no promise that the path will be smooth or the journey easy buy we are assured that “The Father will honor whoever serves me.”

1. When and in what way have you seen life come from death?
2. When have you felt stronger because you sacrificed something for a friend or member of your family?

PRAYER:
Jesus, Savior of us all, help me to free myself of all that keeps me from serving you with my mind, my body and my soul. Amen.

READINGS FOR NEXT WEEK
First Reading: Jeremiah 31:31-34
Second Reading: Hebrews 5:7-9
Gospel: John 12:20-33