Tag Archives: newness

RAISED TO NEW LIFE

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Sunday 2nd April – 5th Sunday of Lent

Reflection: Romans 8:8-11

RAISED TO NEW LIFE

A study of living things reveals that there is an innate struggle for survival. From the moment a seed germinates or an animal is conceived, it does everything possible to sustain life. Trees shed their leaves in the dry, cold days of winter to reduce the amount of water loss so that they survive. Certain animals sleep through the winter so they don’t starve to death by expending energy hunting for food that is scarce during that season. We humans are not left our in this quest for survival. We do everything possible to survive difficult situations. We give our all to fight disease because we do not want to die. For us, death is the ultimate end, the moment when all hope is lost …or so it seems.

In today’s gospel reading (Jn 11:1-45), Christ delayed in going to heal Lazarus while he was still alive, while there still seemed to be hope (Jn 11:4-6). He did is to help his followers realize that death is not the end of our story and his raising of Lazarus from the dead points us to a greater reality…that of our resurrection in Him. We too, like Lazarus were dead in our sins. We were stripped of the divine life of God from the very day of our conception because of the original sin we inherited from our first parents and we constantly were led astray by the lure of sin (Rom 5:12). Thankfully, that was not the end of the story for us. Through the waters of Baptism, God has raised us up to new life in Christ Jesus (Col 2:12).

Beloved, you and I are privileged to be children of God. God has given life to our mortal bodies through his Spirit that lives in us (Rom 8:11). You and I, are partakers of the wonderful promise of new life God gave to Israel (Ezek 37:12-14). In Baptism, we have been buried with Christ and raised to new life in Him by the glory of the Father (Rom 6:4). How are you living out this new life? As we look forward to celebrate our Lord’s passion, death and resurrection, let us seek His mercy for the times we have drifted back to our old ways and renew our commitment to live out new life He has won for us through His death.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for the new life have given to me through the working of your Spirit. Please help me to truly live as you have called me to. Amen.

Faith Pearls: YOUCAT 200 – What happens in Baptism?

In Baptism we become members of the Body of Christ, sisters and brothers of our Redeemer, and children of God. We are freed from sin, snatched from death, and destined from then on for a life in the joy of the redeemed.

Hide a Treasure: “We were buried therefore with him by baptism into his death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.” Romans 6:4

Today’s Readings: Ezek 37:12-14; Ps 130:1-8; Rom 8:8-11; Jn 11:1-45

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NEW THINGS HAVE COME

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Monday, 16th March – Monday of the 4th week of Lent

Reflection: Isaiah 65:17-21

NEW THINGS HAVE COME

Today, the Lord gives us a promise of newness. Newness signifies a fresh start, a blank page on which there are no memories of past errors or experiences. He promises a renewal to the people called by His name; replacing their grief with joy, lengthening their days on earth and blessing their hard work with fulfilment.

Dear friend, has life been tough on you? Have you been miserably battered by your past and find yourself dwelling on memories that bring you deep hurt? You do not have to continue living this way. God calls out to you, ready to give you a new beginning if only you would allow Him. Jesus is saying to you: “come unto me all you who labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest…and you will find rest for your souls” (Mt 11:28).

Beloved, do you wish to be a partaker of these blessings? What is keeping you back? Take it all to the Lord with all humility and faith in Him and new testimonies shall be yours.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, I submit myself to you. Please renew me; take away all past hurts and grant me a new life in you. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 221 – How does Holy Communion change me?

Every Holy Communion unites me more deeply with Christ, makes me a living member of the Body of Christ, renews the graces that I received in Baptism and Confirmation, and fortifies me for the battle against sin.

 HIDE A TREASURE: “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?” Isaiah 43:18-19 RSV-CE

Today’s Readings: Isaiah 65:17-21; Psalm 30: 2-6, 11-13; John 4:23-54