The Lord is kind and merciful
The psalm for this Sunday sums up the sentiment of the Scriptures as both an affirmation of faith and call to conversion. The call of Moses relies heavily on the compassion of God who does not even consume the bush as it burns reflecting His mercy towards Israel. Through the leadership of Moses, God will redeem His people and bring them from slavery to freedom. His will shall be accomplished despite the hard-heartedness of the people. God’s mercy shall be shared.
In our Gospel, Jesus dismisses the application of guilt to those who die a sudden death as if their sins were greater. Rather, the Lord calls all who hear to repentance for we all stand in need of forgiveness. His mercy is manifest in the opportunity to repent, now, in this time. The fruit-less tree is not cut down, but given help to produce. Jesus offers us assistance in our repentance. The Sacraments, the teachings of Mother Church, the support of the community are all provided for our growth in holiness.
This weekend offers a small shift in the Lenten Season. With the Third Sunday, those preparing for admission to the Catholic Church, our catechumens and candidates, participate in the First Scrutiny. This is a public act of requesting entry to the Catholic Community and is made in the presence of the congregation. This will be celebrated this Sunday and next at St. Raphael’s at the 9 am Mass, and on the Fifth Sunday of Lent at St. Gabriel’s 10 am Mass. Please continue to pray for these women and men as they complete their preparations. As a side note, the Mass celebrating the Scrutiny will use a different set of Lenten Readings which highlight even more our call to conversion.
Reconciliation
As a reminder, the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) is available each weekday at 7:30 am before the 8 am Mass. Additionally, confessions are heard before the Saturday afternoon Mass.
To provide additional opportunity for this Sacrament, confessions will also be heard:
April 8, Tuesday 7:00 pm until all are heard at St. Gabriel
April 10, Thursday 7:00 pm until all are heard at St. Raphael
Please plan on making a good Lenten confession and enjoying the mercy of God.
Talks on the CREED
Fr. Lawson is continuing his talks on the Nicene Creed each Wednesday of Lent beginning at 6:30 pm at St. Gabriel’s Church. Stations of the Cross follow.
Remaining talks: 3/26- For our sake He was crucified…
4/2- I believe in the Holy Spirit…
4/9- I believe in One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church…
April 16th will have the “Shadow Stations” sponsored by the Youth Ministry team beginning at 8 pm in the evening.
Challenge Match for "Building Bright Futures"
Through the generosity of our donors, many have increased their gifts to provide a pool of matching gifts for final pledges to the campaign. Even if you have already donated, and especially if you have not, your pledges will be matched as we head to our final goal. Please, consider increasing your pledge or make a pledge and help us complete the Building Bright Futures campaign for St. Gabriel's.