The scriptures this coming weekend are filled with urgencies and the importance for us to proclaim God’s love. From the First Reading:
The Lord GOD has given me
a well-trained tongue,
that I might know how to speak to the weary
a word that will rouse them.
We all can name people in our lives who are worn and weary. Visiting with the sick, spending time with an elderly relative are opportunities to lift the weary, sick or lonely. These are not activities that are high on the “fun meter” and require taking time out of busy family schedules, but making the time to share kind words with someone who is suffering or in a difficult situation can be so meaningful, helpful and uplifting for them.
In Psalm 22:24, we hear,
You who fear the LORD, praise him;
all you descendants of Jacob, give glory to him;
revere him, all you descendants of Israel!
We all ask God for things we need. But how often do we take the time (at home or at Mass) to really praise and thank him for even the simplest things. This helps switch our focus from wants and needs only to the “good stuff” in our lives and helps strengthen our relationship with God.
In the second reading, Philippians 2:11, we hear,
…every tongue confess that
Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
When and how in our lives can we do this? Practically speaking, not everyone can stand on a street corner and shout this out at the top of their lungs. But we can live in ways that give such glory to the Father. During Lent, we fast, give alms and spend more time in prayer at Mass and at home with family. Maybe we make it a point to attend the entire Triduum this year, which is a significant proclamation of faith.
In the Palm Sunday Gospel, we hear of Peter’s denial to Jesus. He had every good intention, but failed under pressure. Can we truly confess Christ as our Lord and Savior in all social situations in 2024?