Reflection: Today’s reading from
the book of the Prophet Ezekiel really speaks to the truth and the beauty of
the Catholic Church. The Lord God speaks
of how He will “gather them from all sides,” and we see this so beautifully in
the Catholic Church as believers span the globe and Mass is celebrated in
nations throughout the world every day.
He declares He will “make them one nation,” just as the Church is one,
holy, catholic, and apostolic Church under the guidance of the Pope. “There shall be one prince for them all” and “there
shall be one shepherd for them all,” just as the Church follows the original
teachings of Jesus and follows the guidance of the Papacy. “They shall live by my statutes and carefully
observe my decrees,” just as the Church strictly adheres to the teachings and
the life of Jesus, without being swayed by changing social and moral standards
that would lead us to stray from the teachings of Jesus in favor of our own
sinful desires. Finally, “I will deliver
them from all their sins…and cleanse them,” just as we are cleansed and
forgiven of our sins through the Sacrament of Baptism and Reconciliation. It is beautiful to see the Church maintain
such a rich history and such strong ties to its past. It is only through these sacred traditions
that we can continue to know “I will be their God, and they shall be my people.”
Reflection
for younger saints: We
are reminded today that since before Jesus’ birth God promised to love and
protect all people who followed His commands and served Him as their one and
only God. The Catholic Church continues
to guide us in how to follow Jesus and to be God’s people.
Big
Picture: “I will be
their God, and they shall be my people.”
Discussion
Starters:
Younger saints: Is Mass celebrated in the same way in every nation in the world? Do all Catholic Churches throughout the world listen to the guidance of the same Pope?
Older saints: Is Mass celebrated in the same way in every nation in the world? Do all Catholic Churches throughout the world listen to the guidance of the same Pope? Is there any other church or religious belief that could answer those questions in the same way the Catholic Church can? What does that mean to you as a Catholic?
Younger saints: Is Mass celebrated in the same way in every nation in the world? Do all Catholic Churches throughout the world listen to the guidance of the same Pope?
Older saints: Is Mass celebrated in the same way in every nation in the world? Do all Catholic Churches throughout the world listen to the guidance of the same Pope? Is there any other church or religious belief that could answer those questions in the same way the Catholic Church can? What does that mean to you as a Catholic?
Fun
Fact: The title of
“Lamb of God” was first given to Jesus by St. John the Baptist.
Saint
of the day:
Name: Saint Toribio Alfonso de Mogrovejo
What they are remembered for: He studied law and was later appointed as Archbishop of Lima, Peru. He devoted all his time and energy to fighting for the rights of the Native people and to reforming the diocese. He founded hospitals, schools, churches, and the first seminary, and defended the right of Indians who were being suppressed by the Spanish occupation of their land.
Feast day: March 23
Patron Saint of: Native rights, Latin American Bishops, and Peru
Daily Notes:
Name: Saint Toribio Alfonso de Mogrovejo
What they are remembered for: He studied law and was later appointed as Archbishop of Lima, Peru. He devoted all his time and energy to fighting for the rights of the Native people and to reforming the diocese. He founded hospitals, schools, churches, and the first seminary, and defended the right of Indians who were being suppressed by the Spanish occupation of their land.
Feast day: March 23
Patron Saint of: Native rights, Latin American Bishops, and Peru
Daily Notes:
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