| Fri Mar 27 | am: 22 pm: 141, 143 | Exod 9:13-35 | 2 Cor 4:1-12 | Mark 10:32-45 |
FIFTH FRIDAY OF LENT: FIFTH FRIDAY OF LENT – Saint John of Egypt, Hermit 394
LITURGICAL THEME FOR THE DAY: A man who desired to be alone with God was to become one of the most famous hermits of his time. St. John of Egypt was born around 304. Not much is known about his childhood except that he learned the carpenter’s trade. When he was twenty-five, John decided to leave the world for good to spend his life in prayer and sacrifice for God. He was one of the famous desert hermits of that time. Many also came to seek his advice about important matters. Even Emperor Theodosius I asked his advice twice, in 388 and in 392.
BIBLICAL MEDITATION OF THE DAY: In today’s Gospel reading, Christ reminds us that He did not come into the world for Himself. He did not come to judge or to be served, but to serve and “to give His life as a ransom for all”. God would not need to ransom us if we were not enslaved to sin. In order to be saved, we must recognize our bondage to this world. James and John apparently did not, as their bondage was greatness, acceptance, and notoriety from all accounts of this story. This is a pretty sad tale when you consider that James and John took Jesus aside and wanted to know, ‘what’s in it for us?’ While at the same time, the others were indignant because they hadn’t thought to ask the same thing first.
At the very least, we can say that this gathered group of disciples didn’t grasp the nuances of Jesus’ message. They had the same understanding of glory as the Romans.
They wanted to rule over people. Instead, Jesus gave us a new definition of greatness. Then, like today, we are reminded by Jesus that those who lead in the name of Christ should put the community ahead of themselves, showing the world.
What signs of the kingdom look like.
PRAYER OF THE DAY: Lord, what you ask of my life seems so right. It is how I want to live, following your Son, Jesus, so closely. And yet I fail so often to stay on that path. I cannot do it alone, loving Lord. I need your help and guidance. I need to remember your love for me, and I want to remember how very much I need you in my life. Amen.
ANCIENT WISDOM/PRESENT GRACE “The human soul cuts rather a ridiculous figure, clutching its own bits of luggage, its private treasures, its position, its personality, its rights, over against the holy self-giving of Absolute Love manifest in the flesh…[and that] strange and glimmering Presence…attractive and convicting us, asks a total and flexible self-offering as our only possible attitude” –Evelyn Underhill
Lenten Discipline – Today is a day to build up those who are true servants, who put themselves last. Make yourself available to serve those who normally are at your service, at home, at work, play, or school.
SONG OF THE HEART, SONG OF THE SEASON – Be Thou My Vision