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Spiritual Reflection
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February 26, 2010 | | | |  | Reflection Second Sunday of Lent
February 28, 2010
Who can forget the “bargain” that Abraham tried to make with God when he interceded on behalf of the people of Sodom and Gomorrah? That was pretty bold of him, wasn't it? Think, too, about how David, Job, Isaiah, and Paul all communicated with the Lord. And we all know about Mary's conversation with the angel Gabriel. In fact, the more you look at the Bible, the more stories you find about ordinary human beings actually speaking with-and hearing from-Almighty God.
The story of Jesus' Transfiguration prompts us to ask a key question: Does my experience at Mass, in prayer, or while reading Scripture, include being influenced by Jesus? Does it include the promise that I can hear from heaven and be changed by what I hear? We may not know exactly what it feels like when Jesus is speaking to us, but there are a few signs we can be on the lookout for.
Perhaps you feel a desire in your heart to praise Jesus and thank him for his love. Perhaps you experience a growing hatred of sin and the way it separates you from the peace of Christ. You may feel a great sense of happiness, peace, or joy-especially after receiving the Eucharist. Or possibly you will find yourself moved to show greater love for your family. Or maybe you will experience a growing desire to serve the Lord, whether in your parish or in your community. Don't discount these feelings! Jesus works in many ways, and the more we respond to him, the more confident we will be in his love.
“Jesus, I trust that you hear my prayers, and so I will keep coming to you. Lord, I trust you to give me the wisdom and grace to live a life pleasing to you.”
(Excerpt from: The WORD Among Us) | | | | | |
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 Our Lady of Lourdes - In 1858, in a grotto, near Lourdes in southern France, Our Lady appeared 18 times to Bernadette Soubirous, a young peasant girl. She revealed herself as the Immaculate Conception, asked that a chapel be built on the site of the vision, and told the girl to drink from a fountain in the grotto. When Bernadette dug at a spot designated by the apparition, a spring began to flow. The water from this still flowing spring has shown remarkable healing power, though it contains no curative property that science can identify. Lourdes has become the most famous modern shrine of Our Lady. |
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