March 14

March 14, 2014:  Friday, 1st week of Lent

Readings

• Ez 18:21-28  If the wicked man turns away from sin and does what's right, he'll live because of the virtue he has practiced; I rejoice when he turns from his evil way and lives.  If the virtuous man turns from virtue and does evil, he'll die.  You say, “Not fair!” but it's your ways that are unfair.

• Ps 130:1-8  "If you, O Lord, mark iniquities, who can stand?"  Out of the depths I cry to you; hear me!  I trust and wait for the Lord.  God is kind and forgiving and will redeem Israel. 

• Mt 5:20-26  Your righteousness must surpass that of the scribes and Pharisees.  It was said, Don't kill, but I say, Don't be angry.  Be reconciled with your brother.  Settle with your opponent or you'll be imprisoned.

Pope Francis, welcome back from your retreat!

• Do we want to become holy?  Yes or no?  Anniversary e-book.  Click on a quotation to get to the original text, media, and more.

• John Allen on 1st year:   Pope Francis has accomplished more than we could have expected.  He’s invigorated the Church at the grass roots level and made concrete achievements, including structural reforms such as the new Secretariat for the Economy.  He’s reviving the pastoral instinct.  He's the Pope of mercy, profoundly believing mercy is our most important message for the world now.  The structural reforms he's promoting are intended to make the papacy more collegial, to make the Vatican more transparent and accountable, and to promote a new leadership style.

Reflections

• Creighton:  The Scribes quoted Scripture, but Jesus goes beyond.  Let's not wait to be reconciled with others.

• One Bread One Body:  Christian life is impossible except through, with, and in Christ.

• Passionist:  Go beyond legalistic observance to love and commitment.

• Sacred Space

Music

• With our God there is mercy, from There is a river/ Manion (psalm)
• With the Lord there is mercy, from I will bless the Lord at all times/ Haas

Music from Fr. Bob Fabing, SJ's workshop at Religious Education Congress (part 1)

• Return to God 
• Come, Holy Spirit
• I’m goin’ down to the river
• Your song of love
• Be like the sun

Word of the day

• Raqa (rēqā’ or rēqâ, Aramaic, from gospel):  probably 'imbecile' or 'blockhead,' a term of abuse.

Apparel

• "Penny" button:  If  you don't reconcile, you won't get out till you pay the last penny (gospel)

• Purple shirt:  Lent (season)

• "Hope:  a world afire" button:  Religious Education Congress in session

• Music manuscript tie and suspenders:  music ministry for Congress workshop 1-03

• "Keyboard with dove" tie pin:  music ministry, invocation to the Holy Spirit

Dress your life!

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