Fourth Sunday in Lent

Joshua 5:9-12

Psalm 34:2-7

2 Corinthians 5:17-21

Luke 15:1-3,11-32

Embracing the Changes in Our Lives as Catholic Men

After miraculously crossing the Jordan, the children of Israel renewed their covenant with the Lord and celebrated their first Passover in the Promised Land. And then it happened: The manna stopped. The miraculous provision that had sustained them for forty years in the desert came to a halt, and the people had to learn how to live off the bounty of the land of Canaan instead. It must have felt odd to wake up that morning and not see the manna there, ready to be eaten. Now they had to work for their food.

Sometimes we can become upset about changes that come into our lives. We may not feel God’s presence in prayer the same way we did when we were just beginning to get to know him. Perhaps we move to a new parish where small differences make the liturgy feel strange to us. We get out of school, or we retire from work, or we are released from prison, and we miss the structure of a consistent daily schedule. We feel cut adrift, and we don’t know where to find God.

If you’re going through a season of change now, remember that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He still cares for you. Of course you should cherish the ways he met your needs in the past. But you should also be open to what he wants to do with you today. If the manna seems to have dried up, look around to find the milk and honey. Perhaps for a time you will hear his voice more clearly at Mass than in your private devotions. Instead of longing for your previous pastor, look closely for the refreshing ways your new pastor leads and serves.

Change isn’t always easy. But God always goes before you into every new situation. All you have to do is seek his presence, and you will discover new and exciting ways to meet him.

“Father, you generously provide for all my needs. You know me through and through. Please help me to embrace the new ways you want to provide for me today.”

(Many thanks to The Word Among Us (www.wau.org) for allowing us to use meditations from their monthly devotional magazine. Used with permission.)

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Questions for Reflection/Discussion by Catholic Men

In the first reading, we see the Lord ceasing to provide manna, when the Israelites were able to produce their own grain. What do you believe is the message of this passage? How does it apply to way the Lord acts in your own life?

The responsorial psalm invites us to “taste and see the goodness of the Lord”. What steps might you take – through your prayer and reception of the Eucharist – to deepen your relationship with the Lord and “be radiant with joy”?

In the second reading, St. Paul speaks of the change that comes over us through our relationship with Christ – in fact more than just a change, we become a wholly “new creation.” Do you believe this? Why or why not? In what ways does your life reflect the reality that you are a new creation in Christ? In what ways does it not? What can you do to make it a greater reality in your life?

St. Paul tells us we are ambassadors of reconciliation. Mr. Ambassador, what practical steps can you take to reconcile yourself with others with whom you may have quarreled or harbor resentments or unforgiveness? What can you do to bring reconciliation to your family or to your parish?

In the familiar Gospel story of the prodigal son, the younger brother demands what his fathers “owes” him and then leaves? What are the circumstances in your life that can cause you to value what God can do for you more than you value a relationship of love and intimacy with him?

Have you ever gone through a “pigpen” experience? Share with others the moment when you came to your senses.

In what areas of your life do you see attitudes like the older brother (e.g., lack of gratitude, lack of compassion, unforgiveness, self-centeredness)? What steps can you take to change this attitude?

In the meditation, we hear these words, “Change isn’t always easy. But God always goes before you into every new situation. All you have to do is seek his presence, and you will discover new and exciting ways to meet him.” Do you believe this? Why or why not? If you are in a men’s group, take some time to pray for one another that each of you would trust in the Lord and embrace any changes going on in your life at this time. Use the prayer at the end of the meditation as a starting point.

(The discussion questions were created by Maurice Blumberg, a Trustee of the National Fellowship of Catholic Men (http://www.catholicmensresources.org/), and currently the Director of Partner Relations for Partners in Evangelism, (http://www2.wau.org/partners/), a Ministry of The Word Among Us to the Military and Prisoners. Maurice can be contacted at mblumberg@wau.org.)