Reflection for the Fifth Sunday of Lent…March 17, 2024

by Linda Fitzgerald, ND Associate

Reading I:  Jeremiah 31:31-34

God’s first covenant with His people was on tablets of stone.  After the trials of His people, Jeremiah writes a hopeful message: God says, “I will place my law within them and write it upon their hearts.  I will be their God, and they shall be my people …. all shall know me says the Lord, for I will forgive the evildoing and remember their sins no more.”

Don’t we all like a clean slate?  I recollect that in elementary school, we had to clean the slate blackboards with a felt eraser and then used a clean, wet hand towel to remove the marks the erasers left behind.  If you never did this chore, please ask an “old timer.”  They will remember.  It was a great way to begin anew…just like the “Rite of Reconciliation…”

Reading II:  Hebrews 5:7-9   Jesus’ sacrifice is our salvation.

Gospel:  John 12:20-33   Everyone will be drawn to Jesus, not just those who were in his presence then and heard the word of God spoken, but to those of us today who seek through the Holy Spirit, will find assurance and guidance in God’s living word that is true yesterday, today and forever.

This Sunday is March 17 and I like to read about St. Patrick and remember my beloved maternal Irish grandfather who sang Irish/American songs on St. Patrick’s Day.  I would ask my grandfather: “How can you love me when I be so bad?”  He always said: “Hon, I love you just because you are.”

Blessings on your coming Holy Week.