Sunday Reflections

First Reading:             Isaiah 43:16-21
Second Reading:        Philippians 3:8-14
Gospel:                       John 8.1-11 – The Woman Caught in Adultery

Pressing on Towards the Goal

As we quickly approach Holy Week let us take a moment to reflect on how we are using this time of Lent to renew our zeal for stewardship. In the second reading this Sunday we hear St. Paul say, “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.” We can learn a lot from this image of constantly moving forward towards the prize of our heavenly reward.

Stewardship is a lifelong journey made up of many individual decisions. The decision to wake up and recognize each day as a blessing from God. The decision to offer the gifts of our time and
talents for the good of the parish community. The decision to practice a moment of patience and understanding when we are frustrated or annoyed. The decision to forgive someone who has
wronged us even though it is difficult. The decision to pray and receive the sacraments in order to strengthen our lives through God’s grace.

As we strive to make positive decisions, let us not be discouraged when we fall or face setbacks in our ministry. St. John Paul II says that “life with Christ is a wonderful adventure.” Any adventure
is sure to have mountains and valleys, but what God truly desires is that we simply keep pressing forward. St. Teresa of Calcutta said that “God does not require that we be successful only that we be faithful.” Let us strive to be faithful stewards as we journey towards our heavenly goal.

Summary

Stewardship is a lifelong journey made up of many individual decisions. St. John Paul II says that “life with Christ is a wonderful adventure.” Any adventure is sure to have mountains and valleys, but what God truly desires is that we keep making positive decisions that deepen our commitment to love and serve Him.

https://www.archtoronto.org/stewardship