Reflection

Fifth Sunday of Lent

Gospel

Now there were certain Gentiles among them, who came up to adore on the festival day. These therefore came to Philip, who was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying: Sir, we would see Jesus. Philip comes and tells Andrew. Again Andrew and Philip told Jesus. But Jesus answered them, saying: The hour has come, that the Son of man should be glorified.  Amen, amen I say to you, unless the grain of wheat falling into the ground dies, It itself remains alone. But if it dies, it brings forth much fruit. He that loves his life shall lose it; and he that hates his life in this world, will keep it unto life eternal. If any man minister to me, let him follow me; and where I am, there also shall my minister be. If any man ministers to me, he will honour my Father.

Now my soul is troubled. And what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour. But for this reason I came at this hour. Father, glorify thy name. A voice therefore came from heaven: I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.                                                                 

Now is the judgement of the world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I am lifted up from the earth and will draw all things to myself. 

(Now this he said, signifying what death he should die.)                                    John 12: 20-33

Reflection

May you keep your eyes focused on where the Lord Jesus is calling you to be and may you realise that Jesus is offering you a fuller life than what you are experiencing now.

GOD is constantly offering us the gift of new life.  It is ours for the taking, but it does demand that we respond to the gift by living differently than we did with our old lives.  I recall reading about, and talking with, individuals who had a “near-death” experience.  They were clinically dead, but were revived.  Of the common experiences they share, one is the sense that they still had something to do with their lives here on earth.  They returned with new enthusiasm for life.  Their former, and possibly selfish, lives of living were changed to being dedicated to assisting others and doing what was best for all whose paths they crossed.  They no longer acted with fear, but were motivated by a renewed sense of what “life” is all about.​

This Sunday is also St. Patrick's Day.  We recall the life and ministry of St. Patrick, especially as he ministered to the people of Ireland.  As many Celtic people comment on St. Patrick's Day:  "There are two people in the world:  1) those who are Irish; and 2) those who wish they were Irish."  I pray for all the Irish people throughout the world and those who call upon the patronage of St. Patrick, and those who have the name of Patrick, Pat, Paddy, Patricia, etc.

Julie Leonard Religious Education Leader/Wellbeing Leader