5th Week of Lent

March 29, Wed, 5th Week of Lent: 

 Readings -- Dn. 3:14-20, 91-92, 95; Responsorial, Dn. 3:52, 53, 54, 55, 56; Jn. 8:31-42. 

 1. Notes on Holy Week -- Holy Week is the most sacred week in our liturgical year that began in Advent. It starts on the evening of Palm Sunday and concludes on Easter Sunday. It starts with a commemoration of Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the betrayal of Jesus on Holy Wednesday, climaxing with the commemoration of the Lord's Last Supper on Holy Thursday, and the Passion of Jesus on Good Friday. It concludes with Christ's rest in death and descent into hell (Hades, the place of the dead) on Holy Saturday. Its glorious climax begins at the Holy Saturday Vigil and Christ's Resurrection on Easter Sunday. 

 2. The earliest allusion to the special observance of Holy Week is found in the Apostolic Constitutions (3rd-4th century). It prescribed abstinence for Holy Week and absolute fast for Good Friday and Holy Saturday. Good Friday was the first of the Holy Triduum to emerge into special prominence. Next came Holy Saturday with its vigil.The Holy Week liturgies among Catholics, Lutherans, Anglicans, Methodists, and Presbyterians are almost identical. 

 3. 1st Reading, Dn. 3:14- 20, 91-92, 95 -- King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon had a 90ft high golden statue made and ordered all Babylonians as well as the Jews in exile to bow down and worship the statue (vv. 1-17). But three Jews, Meschach, Sedrach, and Abednego (also named Azariah, see Dn. 1:7), refused, "We will not serve or worship your god" (v. 18). Enraged, the King ordered them to be cast into a white-hot furnace. In the midst of the fire, the three sang and blessed God (vv. 52-90). Amazed that they were not burned by the blazing fire, the King released them, saying, "Blessed be the God of Israel, who sent his angel to deliver them" from the furnace (v.95). 

 4. Responsorial, Dn. 3:52, 53, 54, 55, 56 -- the 1st 4 of 39 verses of the song of the the three men. "Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our ancestors; praiseworthy and exalted above all forever" (v. 52). "Blessed are you in the temple of your holy glory, praiseworthy and glorious above all forever" (v. 53). "Blessed are you on the throne of your kingdom, praiseworthy and exalted above all forever" (v. 54). "Blessed are you in the firmament of heaven.... blessed are your works in the heavens, praise and exalt him forever" (vv. 54-56). 

 5. Gospel, Jn. 8:31-42 -- Some Jews want to kill Jesus (see v. 37). But to the Jews who believe in him, Jesus says, "If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" (v. 32). They reply that with Abraham as their ancestor they were always free (v. 33). 

 6. Jesus clarifies, "Amen, amen, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin.... your ancestor is Abraham. But you are trying to kill me, because my word has no room for you" (vv. 34-37). "I tell you what I have seen from the Father's presence; then do what you have heard from the Father" (v. 38). They reply that their father is Abraham. Jesus indicts them. They are not doing the works of their father, Abraham, because they are trying to kill him (vv. 39-40). "If God were your Father, you would love me,... for he sent me" (vv. 41-42). 

 7. For reflection and prayer: Faith in God is demonstrated by perseverance in adversity (1st Reading). It is lived out in discipleship, in doing the works of God (Gospel), doing works of charity. "Blessed are you, O Lord, our God, praiseworthy above all forever." 8. Prayer -- Almighty God, our heavenly Father, renew in us the gifts of your mercy; increase our faith, strengthen our hope, enlighten our understanding, widen our charity, and make us ready to serve you, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Collect of today's Holy Mass). 

 Prayers, stay safe, follow dr's advisories re heat wave, God bless!