Daily Reflection – Redemption Through Suffering
The Catechism in a Year – Day 73 – Christ’s Life is Mystery
Many of the things we’d like to know about Jesus’ life we don’t know, but remember, as Fr. Mike has told us, a Christian mystery is not “a case to be solved.” It’s a beauty to bathe in. The Catechism explains the three characteristics common to each of Christ’s mysteries: revelation, redemption, and recapitulation. Fr. Mike shows how we are to participate in the mysteries of Christ. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 512-521.
Click on link to play video: https://youtu.be/7mHQi3rGwCg
Minute Meditation – The Story of Redemption
When Clare entered San Damiano, she came into possession of the beautiful Byzantine cross before which Francis had prayed. Now it was her “book” of prayer, her silent reminder each day: “Take up your cross and follow me.” In that Face, she saw mirrored the love that would insist that one who lays down a life is the greatest of Friends and the model of all Christian friendship. The story of redemption portrayed on the Cross helped her to anchor her soul in that mystery. One speaks of “reading” an icon. What did Clare read in that Cross? She found the images of those who accompanied Jesus to Calvary, the angels mourning the outrage they witness, the centurion piercing that beloved Heart with his lance. There, too, she would see the image of Christ ascending back to the heavenly firmament—his Father’s hand outstretched to welcome him.
— from the book Light of Assisi: The Story of Saint Clare
by Margaret Carney, OSF
//Franciscan Media//
Morning Offering – Suffering Clears the Way for Grace
“It is suffering, more than anything else, which clears the way for the grace which transforms human souls. Suffering, more than anything else makes present in the history of humanity the powers of the Redemption.”
— Pope St. John Paul II
//Catholic Company//
The Significance of Ash Wednesday
They may just be ashes, but Fr. Mike points out that what they represent goes far beyond mere dust of the earth. With a simple cross on the forehead, we are recognizing that we are far from perfect, but that God loves and redeems us—not despite our brokenness, but in the midst of it. If you want to start off your Lent with a reminder of Ash Wednesday’s deeper meaning, listen to Fr. Mike’s heartfelt words in this video.
//Ascension Presents//
The Bible in a Year – Day 161 – The Crucifixion of Christ
Day 161: The Crucifixion of Christ -The Bible in a Year with Fr. Mike Schmitz. Fr. Mike finishes the gospel of Mark by reflecting on the death and resurrection of Christ. He also encourages us to reflect on the redemption of our own sins every time we see a crucifix and to return that same sacrificial love to God every day. Today’s readings are Mark 15-16 and Psalm 22. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children – parental discretion is advised.
