Lenten Meditations: Saturday 18 March

Mar 18, 2023 by Jill

THIRD SATURDAY IN LENT – St. Cyril, Patriarch and Bishop of Jerusalem, 386

LITURGICAL THEME FOR THE DAY – Cyril was a Patriarch and Doctor of the Church, who suffered much persecution and found himself exiled three times during his ministry. Nonetheless, he persevered and became a great teacher of faith. Among his many writings are the Catechetical Discourses , a first class work preserved still used to teach the faith today. This saint was a unique pastor and a great ascetic witnessing through his humility and unwavering commitment. After a life of many labors and noble struggles for the Faith, Cyril peacefully died and took up habitation in the new and  eternal Jerusalem.

MEDITATION FOR THE DAY: Psalm 87 is among the psalms often called Psalms of Zion: Psalms that describe the importance and the glory of Jerusalem, the city of God. And while the psalms of Zion encourage us to look back and remember the historic city of Jerusalem – the city where God dwelt among His people .The psalmist is not only reminding us of a city that was, but of a city that is to come. It’s a reminder that God established Jerusalem and there is a sense in which His plan for this city is not yet complete. The psalmist is encouraging us to look forward to a future city where God will once again dwell with His people. We are encouraged to exult in the realities of God’s salvation where he saves us individually one by one, as we are not saved by a crowd or a congregation, but we most assuredly are saved to a crowd and or as members of a congregation.

PRAYER OF THE DAY – Lord, during this Lenten journey nourish us with your word so we may grow in the promise of hope. May this Hope which comes from your love and care embolden our won love for you and ever increase our faith. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,  one God, for ever and ever.

LENTEN DISCIPLINE – Read a section Catechetical Discourses  (LECTURE XIII, sec.1-3) https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/3101.htm and reflect on what Christian Responsibility is .  Are you a person who can offer such hope? If so, there’s Hope for the Hungry which exists to help hurting, impoverished families.  Go to http://www.thereshopeforthehungry.org/ to donate and help feed another starving family

ANCIENT WISDOM/PRESENT GRACE:   “Our actions have a tongue of their own; they have an eloquence of their own, even when the tongue is silent. For deeds prove the lover more than words.” – St. Cyril

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