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The Lenten season unfolds for us our salvation story. Genesis tells us that God created us in freedom, and we were to enjoy this gift to live out our true self, which is the image and likeness of God. Freedom requires no law or regulations. We fall because we run after things that we have already been freely given! Our reckless pursuit of our self leads to the death of all relationships.
Jesus knows who he is -- the beloved son of God, in whom God is well pleased (Mt 3:16-17; Mk 1:9-11; Lk 3:21-22; John 1:29-34). This self-knowledge sets him free, fires him on, and sustains him under severe physical and psychological conditions. Jesus' life purpose is to become what God desires him to be. Furthermore, as the second reading tells us, Jesus freely consents to be the Lamb of God, to restore for us sinners the gifts of life and freedom, through his suffering, death and resurrection. The second reading puts Jesus the Second Adam, as a foil of the First Adam.
Lord Jesus, help me give up some of my physical needs and cravings during Lent, so that I can pay attention to things spiritual; help me to relate lovingly to others; help me to pray.
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DAILY OFFERING
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Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.
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PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
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INTENTION
That persecuted Christians may be supported by the prayers and material help of the whole church.
Elaboration
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