Willingness

For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. He committed no sin; no guile was found on his lips. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but he trusted to him who judges justly.

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your soul.

1 Peter 2: 21-25

Yesterday we began the holiest week of the Church calendar!

On Palm Sunday, the Sacred Scriptures invited us into Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. *Matthew 21:1-11; Matthew 26:14-27:66. We heard shouts of “Hosanna,” (Save us,) as the people joyfully greet Our Lord, cheering and welcoming Him with palm branches.

What an interesting way of honoring the Messiah.

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…3 days

“…that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.”

1 Corinthians 15:4

Lent has drawn to an end…

It has not been an easy lent,

but rather – a Holy one.

And I believe many, if not most of us, with all that is going on in the world, can attest to this same feeling.

When was the last time you can remember a lent of suffering – alongside Jesus – such as this?

Our Church, our World, our Community, our Families –

each have experienced a tremendous level of suffering, in one form or another.

And yet…

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lessons.

Photo Courtesy of Jared Schaaf Photography

“Jesus, Son of the Father, you show me how you live by your Word. Let your lessons be bound to my heart.”

Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network

For the last 31 weeks I have been participating in an Online Retreat offered through Creighton University. Anyone may start the retreat at any time; however, it was developed for and encouraged to be made following the Liturgical Seasons. Which simply put means: an outlined calendar provides a guide for making the retreat according to a schedule that conforms to the Liturgical year!

In early September our Pastor, Fr. Larry Richards, encouraged parish members to consider making this retreat. I was intrigued, looked into the specifics, and then invited a few others to join me in signing up for the 34 week retreat.

I was the only one who did.

(Giggles.)

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