Sunday Reflection for March 14, 2010
Fourth Sunday of Lent
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Sunday Summary

Joshua 5:9a, 10-12 The gift of manna ends when the new prize of self-sufficiency begins.

Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7 Those who seek the Lord will find in God deliverance from their fears.

2 Corinthians 5:17-21 The ministry of reconciliation began when God reconciled the world in Christ.

Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 A father and his two sons illustrate the great story of God's compassion for sinners.


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Also, reflections for the optional Year A readings for the 3rd, 4th, and 5th Sundays of Lent

Exploring the Word
A love story
Two children, a father, and an inheritance: How many stories begin this way, and how bitterly many of them end! The love of money is the root of all evil, scripture tells us. In fact that same First Letter to Timothy also insists that a lover of money can never be a bishop. Yet the world is full of money-lovers, and the church is no exception. How can it be otherwise? Money solves a lot of problems in our day-to-day lives. It pays the bills and keeps a roof over our heads and food on the table. It makes the education of our children possible and health care available. . . .
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Weekday Homily Reflection for March 10, 2010
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LENTEN WEEKDAY
Each one, teach one
God bless those who take the time and trouble to teach! The neighbor who shares the secret to flaky pie crust; the guy at the hardware store who explains the mysteries of doorknob mechanisms; and the high school history teacher who opens up a love for the treasures of the past—all give us something wonderful for the road ahead. The greatest teachers are those who instruct us not only in how-to-do but who-to-be: loving, compassionate, responsible, and just children of God. Consider the best lessons you’ve been taught and pass them along.
Today's readings: Deuteronomy 4:1, 5-9; Matthew 5:17-19
“Whoever [keeps these commandments] and teaches others to do the same, will be great in the Kingdom of heaven.”

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World news in light of the Good News
for Sunday, March 14, 2010
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Preaching the News

Some of the stories we are watching this week . . .

Please note: The final version of Preaching in Light of the News is posted each week on Thursday morning

Body scanners are scandalous to some believers
This Sunday’s psalm suggests we look to the Lord so “that you may be radiant with joy, and your faces may not blush with shame.” Followers of Islamic law and Orthodox Jews are among those in the traveling public who not only blush at the thought of having to pass through full-body scanners at the airport but believe the machines violate their religious norms.

Gender discrimation has deadly consequences in Asia
In this Sunday’s gospel we hear the story of a father who loved both his sons, even the prodigal one who "was lost and has been found.” Daughters don’t fare nearly as well in Asia, according to a United Nations report released Monday, International Woman’s Day. Female infanticide, sex-selective abortion, and discrimination in health care are common practices, researchers found, especially in China and India.


Pastoral Trends
People groups
Pastoral leaders used to envision themselves speaking to families, and that was more often than not correct. Parishes counted the numbers of families who belonged, and donations and participation happened through families.  Read more...