Reflections on the readings for the Fifth Sunday of Lent (March 18, 2018): JER 31:31-34; PS 51:3-4,12-13,14-15; HEB 5:7-9; JN 12:20-33
MISSIO offers “Mission In Scripture” to nurture a missionary heart, providing reflections on the missionary themes in the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.
It is natural in the Lenten Season to contemplate the Passion of Jesus Christ. We know that the Son of God came specifically to offer His death in atonement for our sins, so that we can leave behind the consequences of iniquity and death and share an immortal life with our Lord. “In the days when Christ was in the flesh… Son though He was, He learned obedience from what He suffered; and when He was made perfect, He became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him” (Hebrews 5:7, 9).
But we must also realize that Jesus, both divine and human, knew firsthand the pain and trials that each of us endure in some form during the course of life. In addition to the extreme physical torture He endured, Christ knew what it was to be betrayed by one friend, denied by another and abandoned by almost all. He was arrested, lied about and mocked. Yes, our Redeemer loves us – and He also sees our wounded bodies and troubled hearts reflected in His own. Let us have confidence in asking His merciful help during our own trials and those of our loved ones.Suggested missionary action: We can make an extra effort during Lent to share our faith with others through prayer and example. And we can offer words of mercy to those who need to know God’s love.