Saint Joseph Catholic Church

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Today we have a venerable Lenten Mass. This Mass is best understood by remembering that the ancient catechumens (or prospective converts) used to come for instructions to the first part of Lenten Masses. The catechumens heard the readings and homily, and then left the church. The offertory procession and remainder of the Mass were for the faithful. This Wednesday was the first "scrutiny," or test, for the catechumens. That test was on the Commandments of God. Both readings, consequently, are about the Commandments. --The Vatican II Weekday Missal

The point at which we most quickly become Pharisees is in refusing forgiveness. Failing often in greater or lesser ways, everyone must constantly ask forgiveness of God and men. Besides, the duty of forgiveness is binding upon all souls, and in regard to all. Only when fraternal correction fails and the common good requires, does authority step in to heal the damage of scandal by corrective action. Everyone else must forgive and love and keep strong the bond of brotherhood. United in love and in worship, especially at Mass and Holy Communion, we are one in Christ and sure to be heard by his Father when we pray.

The Liturgy today is concerned with Baptism. Water by itself cannot cleanse leprosy; but God can use it to do so. If God can cleanse the leprosy of the body with water there is no reason why he cannot use it to wash leprosy of soul. The second point which the Liturgy intends to bring home to us is that God's salvation is offered and available to all men who believe in his words and obey them. --St. Andrew Bible Missal

From the Gospel of the Third Sunday of Lent, Year A: Jesus answered and said to her, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again; but whoever drinks the water I shall give will never thirst; the water I shall give will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." (Jn 4:13-14)

The parable of the prodigal son brings out even more clearly the free choice of God. This time his choice falls on one who is least worthy of it. The prodigal son of the parable is a figure representing us. We are the real prodigal sons whom God has forgiven and brought back into his love and made heirs of the messianic promises. We do not know why we were chosen. If God is so good to forgive our past, call us to salvation and make us recipients of the heritage of his kingdom, it is important that we return to him with a truly contrite heart, and never wander back to the path of sin. How well the Eucharistic celebration today expresses our sentiment of gratitude for the pardon and salvation he sends us through his Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. --St. Andrew Bible Missal

Today's first reading and Gospel draw a parallel between Joseph, sold into slavery by his brothers and Jesus, the well-beloved Son of the Father, put to death by the religious leaders of the Jews. Together with the prediction of the passion there is here the condemnation of the wicked servants of God whose proud infidelity is set in opposition to His providential plans.

The thought expressed in today's first reading in Jeremias is one of the basic themes of the great prophets; it is to be found also in the Psalms (particularly Ps 1) and the book of Proverbs. Trust in men and trust in God--the former belies our expectations and only the latter assures our happiness and enables us to "bring forth good fruit."

The Gospel reminds us of the necessity of sharing in the sufferings of Christ, to "drink of His chalice" in order to share also in His glory in His kingdom. Linked with the foretelling of the passion is the important teaching of self-denial for the service and salvation of others; it is here put before us in urgent fashion.