This is the point in Lent when we turn with Jesus to face the cross ahead, hearing the words, "unless a wheat grain falls on the ground and dies, it remains only a single grain; but if it dies, it yields a rich harvest."
Courage in small things leads to courage in larger things. Nicodemus showed great courage in standing up for Jesus. Can we use our Lenten observances to become more courageous?
Jesus tells us to be merciful, just as our Father is merciful. We do not have to wait for heaven to experience God's mercy, it is available every day in the confessional.
In the Transfiguration, Peter, James, and John get challenged to believe that Jesus really is God's son, but that challenge is also a mercy, welcoming them into the heart of God. May we find the challenge and the mercy this Lent.
In the scriptures today, Nathan points out David's error to him and Jesus points out his disciples' lack of faith. Are we open to correcting one another so that we all might become better?
Saints Timothy and Titus accompanied Paul on his mission to the gentiles, translating their hebraic faith to make it understandable in a greek culture. As our culture moves away from its Christian mooring, we need to learn to translate our own faith to make understandable to those around us, as did Timothy and Titus.
