Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke 6:39-45

 

Summary:

This video is a reading of Luke 6:39-45 from the Bible [00:01].

Lessons:

• Avoid hypocrisy: Remove the 'plank' from your own eye before trying to remove the 'speck' from someone else's [00:27].
• Good versus evil: A good person produces good, while an evil person produces evil, as a tree is known by its fruit [00:51].
• Heart's reflection: The mouth speaks what the heart is full of [01:17].

Preparing Our Hearts: Understanding Lent in the RCIA Journey

 

Welcome, RCIA participants! As we journey together towards full communion with the Catholic Church, we enter a special season called Lent. Lent is a 40-day period of preparation for Easter, the celebration of Jesus Christ's resurrection.

Why Lent for those entering the Church?

The origins of Lent are closely tied to the early Church's practice of preparing new members. Historically, Lent was a time for catechumens (those preparing for baptism) to undergo intense spiritual preparation before receiving the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist) at the Easter Vigil. It was a period of reflection, repentance, and deepening one's relationship with Christ. This tradition continues today, with Lent serving as a time for both those entering the Church and existing members to renew their faith.

Living Lent: Important Days

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday (March 5th, 2025), a day of reflection on our mortality and need for God's grace. Other important days during Lent include:

• Maundy Thursday: Commemorates the Last Supper.
• Good Friday: Commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus.

Fasting

Fasting during Lent is a practice of self-denial, intended to help us focus on spiritual matters rather than physical comforts. Catholics between 18 and 59 years old are obliged to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, which means one full meal and two smaller meals that together don't equal a full meal. Those 14 and older are also obliged to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and all Fridays of Lent. Many Catholics choose to "give up" something for Lent as a form of personal sacrifice.

Prayer

Lent is a time to deepen our prayer life. This can involve:

• Spending more time in personal prayer and reflection.
• Reading and meditating on Scripture.
• Participating in the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession).
• Praying the Rosary or other devotions.
• Attending daily Mass, if possible.

Through prayer, we seek to grow closer to God and align our lives with His will.

Almsgiving: More Than Just Giving Money

• Definition:
  • Almsgiving is the act of giving to those in need.This can involve donating money, food, clothing, or other resources.
  • It's also about acts of charity and kindness, such as volunteering time or offering assistance to those who are struggling.
• Spiritual Significance:
  • In the Catholic tradition, almsgiving is seen as a way to share God's gifts with others and to express our love for our neighbors.
  • It's a way to recognize that all we have comes from God and that we are called to be stewards of his blessings.
  • During Lent, almsgiving helps us to detach ourselves from material possessions and to focus on spiritual values.
• Practical Examples:
  • Donating to a local food bank or homeless shelter.
  • Volunteering at a soup kitchen or other charitable organization.
  • Giving money to a reputable charity that supports those in need.
  • Offering assistance to an elderly neighbor or someone who is ill.
  • simply acts of kindness to those around you.

Essentially, almsgiving is about putting our faith into action by showing compassion and generosity to those who are less fortunate.

Lent is a powerful time of grace and transformation. As we journey through this season together, let us embrace the opportunities for prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, preparing our hearts to celebrate the joy of Easter.

Luke 6 27-38

Luke 6:27-38, often referred to as the "Love Your Enemies" passage, contains some of Jesus' most challenging and radical teachings.  Here's a summary:

Jesus tells his listeners to love their enemies, do good to those who hate them, bless those who curse them, and pray for those who mistreat them. He emphasizes non-retaliation, even when wronged – if someone strikes you on one cheek, offer them the other. If someone takes your coat, don't stop them from taking your cloak as well. Give to everyone who asks, and don't expect repayment from those you lend to.  He contrasts this with how "sinners" act, who only love those who love them.  Jesus calls his followers to a higher standard, to be merciful as their Father is merciful. He commands them not to judge others, and they will not be judged. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you; a generous measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured

  

 

The Lord's Prayer Dialogue

 Joe: "Our Father, who art in heaven..."

God: YEEEES

Joe: Hey, Who said that?

God: It's me God. You called me?

Joe: No I'm just starting my morning prayers.

God: What are you doing when you pray?

Joe: "I guess I'm trying to talk to you."

God: Okay then go ahead:

Joe: "Our Father, who art in heaven..."

God: "Joe, when you say 'Our Father,' remember the immensity of that statement. It's not just a casual address. It acknowledges the divine parentage of all creation, your connection to the source of all being. It implies a relationship of love and trust."

Joe: "But Father... sometimes I feel so disconnected. Like I'm just one person in billions. How can I really know that connection?"

God: "Faith isn't about feeling, Joe, though feelings can certainly be a part of it. It's about a choice, a commitment. It's about consistently turning towards me, even when you don't feel the warmth of my presence. Like a plant turning towards the sun, even on a cloudy day."

Joe: "...hallowed be thy name..."

God: "My name is holy, Joe. It represents my very essence, my power, my mystery. To hallow my name is to recognize its sacredness, to treat it with reverence, not to use it lightly or in vain. It's about respecting the divine."

Joe: "But what does it mean to hallow your name? We use it in prayers, but then we also see it used in… less respectful ways. How do we truly set it apart?"

God: "By how you live, Joe. Your actions, your words, the love you show to others – that is how you hallow my name. It's not just about what you say, but how you embody the values I represent: love, compassion, justice."

Joe: "...thy kingdom come..."

God: "This isn't about earthly kingdoms, Joe. My kingdom is a state of being, a reign of love, justice, and peace that exists within the hearts of those who accept it. When you pray for my kingdom to come, you're asking for that divine presence to grow and flourish in the world, starting with yourself."

Joe: "If it's within us, why does the world seem so… un-kingdom-like? So much suffering, so much conflict."

God: "Because the choice is yours, Joe. And the choice of every human being. I offer my kingdom freely, but I don't force it upon anyone. Free will is a precious gift, but it also means that people can choose darkness over light. Praying for my kingdom to come is also praying for the strength and wisdom to choose the light ourselves, and to be instruments of peace and justice in the world."

Joe: "...thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven..."

God: "My will is always for the good, for love, for ultimate harmony. In heaven, there is perfect alignment with my will. When you pray this, you're asking for that same alignment here on Earth, for you and all people to choose good over evil, to seek what is truly right and just."

Joe: "But how can we know what your will is? So many people claim to know it, but they disagree so vehemently."

God: "Look to the core of my teachings, Joe. Love God, love your neighbor. These two commandments encompass everything. When you make decisions based on love, compassion, and a genuine desire for the good of others, you are aligning yourself with my will. It's not always easy, but it's always the right path."

Joe: "...give us this day our daily bread..."

God: "This isn't just about physical food, Joe. It's about all the necessities of life – physical, emotional, spiritual. It’s about trusting in my provision, acknowledging that all good things come from me. It’s also about recognizing our dependence on each other and the importance of sharing resources."

Joe: "Sometimes it feels like there's not enough to go around. So much hunger, so much poverty…"

God: "That's not a reflection of my will, Joe, but of human choices. I provide abundantly for all. But greed, selfishness, and injustice create imbalances. Praying for your daily bread should also be a prayer for a more just and equitable world, a world where everyone has access to what they need."

Joe: "...and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us..."

God: "Forgiveness is essential, Joe. My forgiveness is always available, but it requires a contrite heart and a willingness to forgive others. How can you expect to receive mercy if you refuse to extend it? This part of the prayer is a mirror, reflecting back your own capacity for compassion."

Joe: "Forgiving is hard. Some hurts run so deep…"

God: "I know, Joe. But holding onto resentment and bitterness only hurts you in the end. Forgiveness is a process, not an event. It's about letting go of the anger, not necessarily condoning the actions. Pray for the strength to forgive, even when it feels impossible. And remember, I am always here to help you heal."

Joe: "...and lead us not into temptation..."

God: "I don't lead anyone into temptation, Joe. Temptation comes from within, from the allure of sin. This prayer is a plea for strength, for guidance, for protection against those internal and external forces that can lead you astray. It's asking for the grace to choose the right path."

Joe: "But why are there temptations in the first place? Why make the path so difficult?"

God: "Because true virtue is born from choice, Joe. If there were no challenges, there would be no growth. Temptations are opportunities to strengthen your resolve, to choose good over evil, to become a stronger, more virtuous person. It's through these trials that you develop resilience and character."

Joe: "...but deliver us from evil."

God: "Evil is real, Joe. It’s a force that seeks to separate you from me, from love, from goodness. This is a cry for help, a request for my protection from all that is harmful and destructive, both in this world and in the spiritual realm."

Joe: "It seems like evil is winning sometimes…"

God: "Evil can seem powerful, Joe, but it will never ultimately triumph. Light will always overcome darkness. Have faith, even in the midst of suffering. And remember, I am always with you, even in the darkest of times."

Joe: "Amen."

God: "Amen, Joe. May it be so."