In saving us from sin Jesus does more than relieve us of an unpayable debt.  He actually pays the debt himself.   He buys us back, redeems us, with the price of his precious blood.  The wounds of Christ are thus mysterious sources of confidence and consolation for us, worthy of our continual contemplation. 

To pray is "to lift up our minds and hearts to God."  Often, however, we lose a proper sense of the grandeur and awesome nature of God.  Routine makes us used to prayer and God becomes something taken for granted, ordinary, and even boring.  Reflecting on God's power and transcendence can spark us to a renewed love for him and new horizons in our prayer life.  

Jesus gives two clear conditions for following him: deny yourself and take up your cross each day.  Lent is a clear invitation and opportunity to do this. 

Lent is a wonderful opportunity to find our peace, joy, and comfort in God.  We do this by denying ourselves our usual sources of support, distraction, and pleasure.   To be filled by God is to run the risk of emptying ourselves out of other things.  This takes trust, courage and patience.   God always responds to this kind of personal faith, even when it is imperfect and needs to grow.   

Jesus's time in the desert fasting and praying are a model for how to live Lent well.  If we understand the opportunity that Lent presents us, we will be more engaged and committed in our Lenten practices.  This will yield great fruits in our interior life. 

Jesus has high hopes for his Church in the world.  We are to be salt and light, giving flavor, endurance, guidance and inspiration to the rest of the world.  This takes a daily fight against our easy-going lukewarmness and a magnanimity of heart that moves us to serve and give good example to others.  

Today we reflect on a unique feast day in the Church, the Conversion of St. Paul.  Paul's conversion shows God's initiative in our lives and the great changes grace can work in a soul.  St. Paul responds to God's entrance into his life in a powerful and exemplary way.  His willingness to suffer for Christ reveals the depth of his love for God.  

This episode is a joint effort with "Sons and Kings" a new podcast on Psalm 2.  Jake Jakubisin interviews Fr. John Grieco about Psalm 2 and the Christian view of Human Nature.  

Listen to "Sons and Kings":  

https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/sons-kings-the-psalm-2-show/id1863578222

https://open.spotify.com/show/2P7KxJ2ILJD1MCd0Qlbfq3

The Sermon on the Mount is at the heart of Jesus's preaching the Kingdom of God.  Jesus presents us with a demanding challenge to live a truly holy life.  At the same time, however, he assures us of God the Father's love and constant care.  

The Sermon on the Mount is at the heart of Jesus's preaching the Kingdom of God.  Jesus presents us with a demanding challenge to live a truly holy life.  At the same time, however, he assures us of God the Father's love and constant care.