
Faith and Family for April 3: Fifth Sunday of Lent
As we near the end of Lent, this week’s Gospel reminds us to not judge others before looking inward at our own sins.
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As we near the end of Lent, this week’s Gospel reminds us to not judge others before looking inward at our own sins.

Living right on the edge of some unsettling social and ecclesial changes, Saint Peter Regalado chose to turn to poverty and simplicity to find his path to God. Leading a small band of friars, he strove to live Franciscan poverty and penance more fully.

The knowledge and perspective we bring to any experience determines how we feel about that experience. Lent is a time to alter our way of looking at ourselves and our world. What surprises await us this week as we re-orient ourselves based on our coming to know Jesus Christ?

In these verses Jesus pronounces himself to be the standard and source of godliness and of life. Jesus says that accepting his words is the key to eternal life. To the extent that we are in touch with him, we live.

We need healing images and courageous people to image us at our best.

Pay attention to the background chatter in your mind today. Catch yourself when self-criticism starts up, and replace it with thoughts of God’s love.

The first part of Saint Ludovico of Casoria’s life was somewhat “ordinary,” but not the second. Having had what he called a mystical experience, he began establishing institutions for all kinds of people in need. He even founded two religious communities.

There are situations that overrule the Sabbath law. Such situations elicit the powerful compassion of Jesus. All the Jewish leaders understood was that Jesus wasn’t keeping the rules.

Let’s allow ourselves to be known! All the way through. Nothing to hide from, in ourselves, from ourselves, or from God.

Lent is a time to reexamine and deepen our faith in God the Father who raised Jesus from the dead. Jesus promises eternal life to those who harbor that belief.