Lenten Meditations: Saturday 1 April
| Sat April 1 |
am: 88 pm: 91, 92 |
Jere 11:1-8, 14-20 | Rom 6:1-11 | John 8:33-47 |
FOURTH SATURDAY IN LENT – Saint Hugh of Grenoble, Bishop, 1132
LITURGICAL THEME FOR THE DAY: Saint Hugh of Grenoble a bishop of France, whose sincerity and piety was challenged by the corruption in the church that seemed to loom in every direction. After serving as bishop for two years, he decided he could not take it anymore. He left to move in to a monastery; but, he was called Hugh back to continue the work of reform. in the church and was reasonably effective in the role of reformer, given his strong character and wand great devotion to Christ. Hugh was an unflinching defender of the Church and an eloquent preacher. His humility and grace is considered a role model for bishops.
MEDITATION OF THE DAY – In many parts of the world this day is known as April Fools Day. Perhaps that’s fitting for those of us who are endeavoring to keep a Holy Lent. Certainly, if you look at some of the exercises in these meditations and the reflections they would stand as foolish by the world criteria. Sometimes this is a day when the media celebrates comedians ranging people who are at times funny, biting, sarcastic and keenly aware. They often are in the position of getting away with the telling an important truth about ourselves and our culture through humor. While they seem foolish or clownish when doing it, it does make many a listener think.
Paul needs no comedic talent to get to the heart of an important point that we all need to hear.
…..”Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him.9 For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. 10 The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God”
The essential question of a holy lent is…Have we become so united with Christ, that the “old us” has died when Christ died and the power of our “flesh” or sinful nature has been broken There is no joke or April Fool gag on this point. We are called in this Holy Season to share anew in the power of Christ’s life in our lives. It doesn’t get more serious than this!
ANCIENT WISDOM/PRESENT GRACE: ” I am a fool for Christ…whose fool, are you?” — Brother Andrew (The Narrow Road : Stories of Those Who Walk This Road Together)
PRAYER OF THE DAY: “O gracious Father, Source of all excellent things, grant us strength and hope in these days of uncertainty, finding courage through your Holy Spirit; and give us grace so to live, not in our own weakness, but in your unceasing steadfastness, ever encouraged by the company of heaven; through Jesus Christ, your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Lenten Discipline – Reflect on the sacrifice of others so you could receive the faith. Think of your parents and family and friends. How have they withstood criticism and prejudice for your sake? How can you honor them for their “yes?” How can you help pass on the faith, despite the cost?
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