“From that day they planned to put him to death” Every year, we go through a cycle of readings at Mass, focusing our Gospels on a different author. These cycles are simply called Years A, B, and C. During Year A we focus on the Gospel of Matthew. During Year B the Gospel of Mark, and Year C, the Gospel of Luke (with a good sprinkling of John thrown in). After Cycle C, we simply return to Cycle A.
On the 3rd, 4th and 5th Sundays of Lent each year, we celebrate special rites, called Scrutinies, with our brothers and sisters who will become fully immersed in the Catholic Faith at the Easter Vigil, our newly Elect. At these Masses, the Church will ALWAYS use the Year A readings. These readings show a progression of Jesus’ miracles, from the personal miracle of the Woman at the Well, the entire town through the story of the man born blind, and EVERYONE, including elders, pharisees, family and friends, at the undeniable miracle of the raising of Lazarus, the final straw that dooms Jesus because of his Love, because of others’ fear. He was plotted against and pretty much condemned by the elders from this human life because he called God his father, and the one that blows my mind…, “He does these miracles on the sabbath”.
Looking at this our first thought is how can this be? But look closer. What condemnations do we bring upon others if they don’t fit into our rules, laws, or patterns of thinking? Today we see the raising of Lazarus as a miracle and many were changed, but many saw it as a direct affront to God. As we journey to the cross of Good Friday, please consider how we are blind followers of the “truth”. Is this truly God’s truth? Is it based on love, with all thoughts and actions flowing from, and to, love?
This year we celebrate the Scrutinies on March 24th at the 4:30pm Mass, March 31st at the 9:30am Mass, and April 7 at the 11:30am Mass. It’s a special bonus because if you come to these Masses to support our brothers and sisters, you can also attend another Mass on the same weekend and hear different readings!