Jesus situates his identity in his relationship to his Father. In doing so, he assumes a universal identity, which transcends religion or tribe, expressed simply by ‘I AM.’ The ‘Jews’ refuse to accept this, so Jesus must face the insecurity of fleeing for his life.
Looking for the 2023 Lenten series?
This coming year, Pope Francis will release a much anticipated encyclical on care for creation.
In preparation for the encyclical and Easter, we are offering a Lenten reflection series. Authors from around the world will offer short reflections from their experiences of caring for creation and the day’s readings. These daily reflections will examine our faith and how we practice environmental stewardship.
Today’s Reflection:
This is Mary’s surprise, the startling, flashing revelation of unexpected life. “May it be done to me.”
There is a place inside all of us where the Holy Spirit resides. Jesus knew this place intimately. It is from here we should feel strength to tackle tough environmental issues and to be empowered to share our knowledge and convictions with others like Jesus would.
We too are called to stand up for, to defend, to act with courage. For other people, yes. But also for the very earth around us. Creation needs people who wield truth and love to advocate on its behalf. “Let the one among you who doesn’t need clean water be the first to risk poisoning the water table.” Sometimes, just the right words can change everything.
This Sunday is the United Nations World Water Day: A day to celebrate, a day to change, a day to prepare. How powerful is that within the context of Lent? The theme for this year is water and sustainable development.
We, too, as people of faith, are confronted by the question, “Is Jesus the revelation of God?” And, if so, how does Jesus reveal himself?
Somehow by late February when we wonder if it will ever be green again, the garlic sends up leaves, out of the straw, a harbinger of the new life to come.
Today we celebrate St. Joseph. As a carpenter, he surely understood nature, wood and the interconnectedness of the world.
I am deeply struck by the quote in the gospel about the son doing what he sees the father doing. It reminds me of the quote that as parents it is not what we say to our children about moral decisions, it is what they see us doing that matters most.
Christian hope has always held in tension the twin realities of the already and the not yet – the Lord has come, and the Lord is coming.
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About:
The Ignatian Solidarity Network (ISN) is a national social justice network inspired by the spirituality of St. Ignatius of Loyola. ISN was founded in 2004 and is a lay-led 501(c)3 organization working in partnership with Jesuit universities, high schools, and parishes, along with many other Catholic institutions and social justice partners.