5th Sunday of Lent 2024
As we get ever closer to the Easter Triduum the readings greet us with welcome, the reality of suffering with purpose and ultimately hope.
The first reading (Jeremiah 31:31-34) tells us that God is making a new covenant with us, that we will all know our God, that our iniquity will be forgiven. Welcome to the fold!
Hebrews 5:7-9 reminds us of our call to be faithful, as Jesus was, to the unique individual we are called to be. Sometimes answering that call tests our faith. Suffering with purpose!
“ Are we brave enough to accept this invitation?”
For me the Gospel (John 12:20-33) brings it all home. Jesus proclaims the need to “die so as to rise and bear much fruit”. He is troubled knowing the future for him will be beyond difficult but also acknowledging “it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. Father glorify your name”.
Do I know who I am called to be? Am I brave enough to accept that invitation? How will I live through the challenges knowing I am ultimately glorifying God’s name.
Given the time of year I am deeply aware of the acknowledgement that “unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains a single grain; BUT if it dies it bears much fruit. (John 12:24-26)
May you bear much fruit!
-Maureen Condon, CSJ Associate