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Sunday Readings & Reflections

Reflection for Sunday, March 29
- The Story Behind Holy Week
  
  Our second reading on Palm Sunday is an amazing summary of the entire Gospel message. In Philippians 2 Paul takes us on a circular trip that begins with God’s mercy, enters into our depravity and sin and then returns back to God, all driven by the salvific power of Christ’s atonement in Christ.
  
  The first four sentences in English reads thus: 1) “Christ Jesus, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. 2) Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; 3) and found human in appearance, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 4) Because of this, God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name…” (numbers added by me)
  
  In other words, God knew we could not “grasp” Him. Why not? We are simply too small and our minds are too weak and sinful. When given the gift of God’s grace in the garden, the “equalizing” life of God in us, we dropped the ball. So God descended into our sinfulness, our depravity. He did not need to do this. Sin is never simply a mistake but is always an attack on God- a driving out of God from our lives. It was into this rebellion God descended, stepping into our fallen situation. He entered hostile territory (the world) to lead us out- a new exodus. And it cost him everything to win us back. As the Fathers put it, (in my paraphrase) God became man, so that mankind could become united to God through the exalted Christ.
  
  This is the mind and awareness of a Christian. This is the story behind Holy Week. This is why we worship Christ and walk with him through Holy Week- from Palm Sunday to Easter, but through Good Friday.
  
  by Dr. David Glasow
  Director of Evangelization
  
  Readings for March 29
Reflection for Sunday, March 22
- Awakened by the Spirit
  
  The readings leading up to Easter are deliberately picked to assist those who have been journeying towards Easter in the OCIA. But it also helps the already baptized reflect back on the gift given in our baptism even if it was years ago.
  The second reading follows on this theme of resurrection we hear in the John 11 Gospel (the resurrection of Lazarus) and gives us Paul’s teaching to the Romans on the impact of God’s spirit in us- something received in Baptism. Even if we already have been baptized and confirmed Paul’s words are a powerful reminder of what we are now a part of- and the supernatural gift God has bestowed on us of the Holy Spirit.
  Paul writes, “But if Christ is in you although the body is dead because of sin the spirit is alive because of righteousness. If the Spirit of the one who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you the one who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also through his Spirit dwelling in you.”
  With Paul we have to pay close attention to prepositions. The “in” is very important here. The Spirit of Christ is the Holy Spirit- and if we have His Spirit in us everything is different. Death cannot overcome God’s spirit in us! Death is not the end but just a beginning. Our mortal bodies will be given life again- death will not be able to keep us down. What God gave Christ will be given us- because the same Spirit dwells in us.
  That’s not just good news that’s life changing news!
  As we continue this second half of Lent reflect on this gift. Do I take it for granted? Or is my heart thankful?
  
  by Dr. David Glasow
  Director of Evangelization
  
  Readings for March 22
- USCCB Daily Mass readings Read online here
- Our Sunday homilies Listen to podcast here

St. Gabriel Catholic Church

Charlotte, NC

Sunday Readings & Reflections

Reflection for Sunday, March 29

The Story Behind Holy Week

Reflection for Sunday, March 22

Awakened by the Spirit