Second Sunday of Lent, March 17, 2019

Doubts are the ants in the pants of faith. They keep it awake and moving.

This is a day to honor and pray to St. Patrick. He was an influential saint who brought Christianity to the little country of Ireland. He was born about 385 in the British Isles, was carried off while still very young during a raid on Roman Britain by the Irish and sold as a slave. At the end of six years he contrived to escape to Europe, became a monk and was ordained; he then returned to Ireland to preach the Gospel. St. Patrick died in 461. After fifteen centuries he remains for all Irishmen the great bishop whom they venerate as their father in the Faith.

So, wear your green today. Smile. Pinch a person not wearing green and have a good, happy, day—even in Lent.

Scripture ...
Luke 22:21

Reflections ...

From the beginning Jesus knew Judas would choose to betray Him. For long months He has tried to break through the betrayer’s selfish greed, speaking of the dangers of the overpowering love of money, and teaching the need to seek first the kingdom of heaven. But Judas’ love for money has been too strong; Jesus’ words have fallen on deaf ears.

So Jesus chooses this very moment, while He sits in the upper room surrounded by faithful disciples, to reveal His knowledge. He chooses words which strike hard at Judas’ conscience. They are stark and chilling because they are so intensely personal: at the very table where Jesus dined was His betrayer. And even more He says, his hand “is with Me on the table.”

Jesus appeals to this friendship even while exposing the hideous nature of this act. Perhaps the shock of the moment will break through and stir Judas to repentance and faith. After all, he has shared Jesus’ food, His ministry, His prayers, and His confession of faith. How can he be plotting to commit this—the greatest of hypocrisies?

It is shocking that this man who had spent so much time eating, drinking, travelling and sleeping with Jesus could turn against Him so completely—and for such a small price. Even more shocking is the fact that Judas is unmoved by Jesus’ words. Absorbed in his own selfish greed, he continues in his reckless course.

How often do we ignore Jesus’ loving warnings and follow our own twisted, self-destructive desires?

Prayer ...

Lord Jesus, when I travel along paths of disobedience and defiance, turn my heart to repentance and faith that I may return and glorify You, rather than follow Satan’s road to eternal destruction. Amen.

Lenten Challenge for today …
Today let another person's wishes and opinions trump yours. Let them know that you value their thoughts as much as your own. There are plenty of small ways to put others first. Perhaps hold the door open for more people than necessary. Give up your seat on public transport. Let someone else go ahead of you in the queue. Let someone else choose the TV channel..

Hymn ...

Quiz ...

1. Click the correct option.

2. Click Submit

3. Scroll up and click View Accuracy to see your result.

4. Have fun while you learn your faith.

Credits:

Thanks to various sites for the ideas .  I have tailored the materials accordingly to suit my needs.

Countdown calendar - https://www.timeanddate.com/clocks/freecountdown.html

Reflections and prayer – https://www.lhm.org/

Luke 22 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttt4pQe_zFE