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Lent - Week Three 2010
By Pat Lee | March 8, 2010
Monday : March 8, 2010
Readings : Jeremiah 18:18-20; Matthew 20:17-
Scripture Verse: Whoever wishes to be great among you must serve the needs of all Matthew 20:27
Reflection : Unfortunately our history has been marked by the murder of good people. Two of the more memorable are Mahatma Ghandi and the South American Roman Catholic Archbishop Oscar Romero. Both worked on behalf of the poor. Both worked for peace and justice. Both were killed by people who supported oppressive regimes and were threatened by the idea of change. There have been, in the centuries since Jesus’ life, death and resurrection, countless other good people who gave their lives while serving the most needy and working for a just and peaceful world. Many times these people’s good work was unrewarded. At other times they faced criticism and punishment. Sometimes they were killed.
In our readings for today, we are faced with the cost of discipleship—the cost of being a follower of Jesus in a predominately non-Christian culture and world. If we choose to follow Jesus and take our baptismal vows seriously, we will work for justice and peace and strive to help those who need help and try to respect the dignity and sacredness of every human life. We will be criticised for doing that. We will pay a price for being faithful.
Jeremiah asks God to explain to him why “good” is repaid by “evil”. Jesus tells us that his way is a way in which there will be suffering. He tells us his followers will accept this “cup” as part and parcel of life.
Prayer: Lord we struggle at times with accepting the price that comes with following you. Help us to drink the cup that you drink. Amen
Topics: Lent |