Hang Up Your Bow

Greetings on this the Monday of Holy Week
Readings: Is 42:1-7;Ps 27:1, 2, 3, 13-14;Jn 12:1-11
Notes: In Holy Week we come face-to-face with our darkest impulses and God’s merciful response.

These last two days of Lent, judge the antagonists in the gospel readings as your alter ego, no one else.

It would help to understand that although we see ourselves as disciples of Jesus, we have the same impulses that as the Lord said to Cain: You must master yourself. When Jesus says ‘you are gods’ he is referring to our God-given ability to judge rightly – of ourselves, others, word, action, thought.

Genesis – When the bow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature—every mortal being that is on earth.
Palm Sunday – (1) put away your sword, and again, (2) Friend, do what you have come for.

G-d is not at war with us.
We are at war within ourselves and with G-d.

Hang up your bow.
Let His Kindness be your salvation.

First Reading
Not crying out, not shouting, not making his voice heard in the street. A bruised reed he shall not break, and a smoldering wick he shall not quench, Until he establishes justice on the earth; the coastlands will wait for his teaching.

Responsorial
The Lord is my light and my salvation.

Gospel Acclamation
Hail to you, our King; you alone are compassionate with our faults.

Gospel
And the chief priests plotted to kill Lazarus too, because many of the Jews were turning away and believing in Jesus because of him.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry