5th Sunday in Lent, Mar 17, 2013
Fr. Joseph Eddy, O. de M.
Technically, today, March 17th, is St Patrick’s Day. However, this year it happens to fall on a Sunday. Sunday is always considered a Solemnity of the Lord’s Resurrection and, thus, takes precedent over all other feasts and memorials of Saints. For the Irish and devotes of St Patrick this may seem unjust, but the celebration can often be transferred to another day.
Try to watch this video and not chuckleOK, a vocation is a serious matter, but sometimes there are things to laugh about. Watch our video, “Hearing God’s Call – Two Mercedarian Friars” on the of the Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy. You’ll see Br. Matthew and Fr. Scott share some chuckles as they talk about their vocations.
Visit the Mercedarians’
Joining the “Fighting Irish”
In the spirit of St Patrick and the Irish, I wish to reflect this day on Notre Dame Football. No, not specifically on the Catholic football team named the “Fighting Irish” for their Irish qualities of grit, determination and tenacity, but on a specific figure. This was Daniel “Rudy” Ruettige. A man who became famous after the self titled movie that came out in the early 1990’s. This feel good movie focuses on a boy who dreamed of playing for Notre Dame. Yet as the famous quote from the movie said Rudy was “5 foot nothin”, 100 and nothin”, and you have nearly a speck of athletic ability”. Despite these facts, Rudy would not be deterred by any obstacle in achieving his dream. He did this by having a true plan of life. This is a schedule of occupations and practices that he performed throughout each day. Rudy worked out, ran, lifted weights, and work on his grades till he was able to be a walk-on on the football team. He did not have the talent of any of the others, but he had heart and drive. Rudy suited up and played in the last game getting a quarterback sack and becoming an inspiration for thousands.
Rudy’s drive reminds us of St. Paul who says “…forgetting what lies behind, but straining forward to what lies ahead, I continue my pursuit toward the goal, the prize of God’s upward calling, in Christ Jesus.” St Paul has a goal in general for his life and specifically for each day. He does not get discouraged at the past or caught up in success or distracted by things but instead presses on to the ultimate goal of Eternal Life. Now many people believe in setting goals to achieve their dreams of fame, fortune, and worldly success, but how many apply this same method to seeking the holiness that we are all called to?
First saint to gaze on Risen Lord
In the Gospel, today, we see that a women, who tradition says is St Mary Magdalene, is brought before Jesus. She is clearly guilty of a serious sin. Jesus does not deny this fact. Jewish Law says that she should be stoned. The religious leaders are using Mary to test Jesus publicly. Jesus, of course, is aware of their motives, but is more focused on the individual women and teaching us all about mercy. He came to give second chances and to redeem those in sin. At that moment, Jesus bends down and begins to write in the dirt. Some scholars think that he is writing the sins of those who wish to stone the women. Finally, the Lord stands up and acclaims “whoever among you is without sin be the first to throw the first stone.” The accusers walk off one after another. The woman is left alone with Jesus. He tells her that he does not condemn her. He also warns her to “go and sin no more”. There is not just forgiveness, but an expectation of sorrow and the desire for conversion.
St. Mary Magdalene sees in Jesus the fulfillment of all her desires for unconditional love. She will go forth and with the help of Jesus to change her life. Mary Magdalene will become one of the greatest saints worthy to be the one to first gaze on the Risen Lord after the Resurrection.
What is your spiritual plan of life?
But she could not have done this without a plan of life. Mary has a goal and focuses on that goal each day. We too must have a Spiritual Plan of Life. This can be defined as the schedule of occupations and practices of piety performed each day. This plan of life is often different for each person depending on their vocation and state in life. A married person must always focus their life on their commitments to their children, spouse, and work. But within their day to day tasks the faithful Catholic must put God first and strive for holiness. They do this by taking time each day for prayer. Maybe this is just 15 or 20 minutes, but it should always be done with fidelity and sincerity. The Church always encourages lay people to focus on the “fundamental” Christian practices of the Sacraments (confession and Mass), prayer, and works of mercy. As the saying goes “charity begins at home”. We should be first praying for and showing mercy to our family.
So often, we as a society look up to those who sacrifice to achieve success in life or in their field. But, the most important goal that we have from our Baptism is to grow in holiness. St Paul and St Mary Magdalene show us people who had a plan of life to achieve the goal of Eternal life. Lent is our time to refocus ourselves on the essentials: holiness and eternal life. With a little prayer and planning we can design a schedule to keep us daily focused on the things of heaven. Then, every other task becomes properly ordered to life on high with Jesus Christ.