March 17 - One Bread, One Body
March 17, Second Sunday of Lent
Cycle C Readings:
1) Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18
Psalm 27:1, 7-9, 13-14
2) Philippians 3:17-4:1
Gospel) Luke 9:28-36
Love and daily dyings
"Unfortunately, many go about in a way which shows them to be enemies of the cross of Christ." — Philippians 3:18
Jesus commanded us to take up our crosses each day (Lk 9:23). A Roman cross existed only for the purpose of causing a person’s death. A daily cross is daily dying to self. This is the ultimate life of love, which is the greatest expression of freedom. However, a life of daily crosses and daily dyings requires so much love that we may not choose this life of selfless love and thereby be paralyzed by selfishness and fear. Only by obeying the Lord can we be set free to choose the way of daily crosses, the way of love.
Jesus takes us up Transfiguration mountain where the veil is removed from the hidden Christ (see Col 3:3) of faith so that we can see the transfigured Christ of glory. This may happen through the sacraments, the Bible, the poor, a healing, a miracle, a marriage, a birth, a blessing, or other spiritual experiences. When we see Christ transfigured, we are led to receive a new Pentecost. Then the Spirit proclaims that Jesus is Lord (1 Cor 12:3). Knowing not only in our heads but also in our hearts that Jesus is Lord, we listen to Jesus (Lk 9:35) — even about the love-filled life of daily crosses and daily dyings. In submission to the transfigured Lord Jesus, we are free to love as He loved — even to death on the cross.
Prayer: Father, by obedience to the truth purify me for genuine love (1 Pt 1:22).
Promise: "You whom I so love and long for, you who are my joy and my crown, continue, my dear ones, to stand firm in the Lord." —Phil 4:1.
Praise: Glory and praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory!
Rescript: In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Imprimatur ("Permission to Publish") for One Bread, One Body covering the period from February 1, 2019 through March 31, 2019.
†Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 24, 2018.
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.