Jeremiah 31.31-34・Ps.51/3+4, 12+13, 14+15・Hebrews 5.7-9・John 12.20-33
We have a (one) full week remaining to celebrate Easter. Let us once again look back at the meaning of what Jesus did for us.
Our more specific intention (objective) today is to motivate each one of us to immediately share the faith that comes from it (from what Jesus did for us) with joy. May we be able to continue living and sharing with a truly grateful heart.
We too, can do beautiful things for one self and others by offering certain amount of sacrifice in daily living with humility, putting more sincerity and honesty to what we do and utter (including the use of many substantial formulary prayers we have). Indeed, we need plenty of “dying” in both words and actions to grow more as Christians.
On our third Sunday of prayer for the candidates for baptism, especially for those receiving the sacrament of confirmation at the same time, we pray that each one (every candidate for Baptism and Confirmation) may further reflect on the intimate and unbreakable relationship that happens between God and the person receiving the Sacraments.
The so-called unbreakable relationship talks about the establishment of a covenant in which God is always faithful, and in which we are often not. The fidelity of God enables each one to always look back on this covenant and realize how God have been faithful in showing His love and forgiveness. Understanding God`s fidelity and loyalty brings us back too to faithfulness and somehow, to obedience.
This covenant is a covenant brought about by Jesus` letting go of everything, including His own earthly life, to bring new life to Himself. This covenant is a new covenant for us. We too take courage in undergoing series of “dying” as well as we can, offering certain amount of sacrifice in daily life`s experiences. The purpose of all these is to be able to truly share with others the fruits of Jesus` passion and death, and the grace that comes from, His (Jesus`) Resurrection.