An Update About IRA Gift Transfers
Did you know?
Provisions of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 will allow tax-free contributions from IRAs up to $100,000 for those age 70-1/2 and older. Learn more...
Offering Ourselves to Christ:
A Holy Week Reflection
by Sr. Antonine Manning, SND
“In my own flesh I fill up what is lacking in the sufferings of Christ for the sake of his body, the Church.” Col. 1:24
What a remarkable, almost unbelievable statement by St. Paul. How is it possible that anyone can “fill up what is lacking in the sufferings of Christ”? Surely his sufferings were sufficient for the redemption of all humankind!
But Christ himself reminded us, “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” (Lk 9:23). So our self-denial and cross-bearing must be significant and useful for the sake of the Kingdom of God on earth.
After World War II a statue of Christ was found in the courtyard of a church in Europe. The hands had been destroyed by the violence of the war but rather than repair the statue someone had placed a plaque near the statue which read: “I have no hands but yours.”
As baptized Catholic Christians we know that not just our sufferings but every use we make of our hands, feet, eyes, ears and tongue can either promote the cause of Christ or be a denial of our call as disciples.
- How have I practiced self-denial and borne my crosses thus far this Lent?
- How have I witnessed to my faith in Jesus Christ by the use of my hands, feet, eyes, ears and tongue?
- How will I spend the remainder of this Holy Week with Christ?
Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, you chose to suffer and be overwhelmed by death in order to open the gates of death in triumph. Stay with us to help us on our pilgrimage; free us from all evil by the power of your resurrection. In the company of your saints and constantly remembering your love for us may we sing of your wonders in our Father’s house. Amen.
(Taken from the Liturgy of the Hours)
