Reflections for Sunday, March 2nd, 2014
Meditation and Questions for Reflection or Group Discussion
(Isaiah 49:14-15; Psalm 62:2-3,6-9; 1 Corinthians 4:1-5; Matthew 6:24-34)
Rejoicing in God’s Love for Us
I will never forget you. (Isaiah 49:15)
Have you ever noticed how mothers have an unparalleled capacity to love? No matter how tough a job she has raising her children, a mother will pour herself into it with all her heart. She is always worried about the welfare of her children. She makes countless sacrifices for them. She is committed to forming her children and teaching them how to live. She tirelessly protects and defends them, no matter what threats may come their way.
No wonder the prophet in today’s first reading uses the vocation of motherhood to illustrate God’s love for us! We are so used to thinking of God as our heavenly Father, but it’s good every now and then to be reminded how much women—especially mothers—reflect God’s goodness, love, and devotion as well.
Every time we see a mother comforting her child, we can get a glimpse of the way God wants to comfort us. Every time we see a mother staying up all night with a sick child, we can remember God’s promise to carve us in the palm of his hand (Isaiah 49:16).
Whenever we see a mother worrying about choices her adult children are making, we can recall Jesus’ words: “How many times I yearned to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings!”(Luke 13:34).
Every time we see a mother giving her child advice or correction, we should think about the psalmist’s prayer, “Your hands made me and fashioned me; give me insight to learn your commands” (Psalm 119:73).
It’s impossible to say where the world would be without a mother’s love. And it is just as hard to imagine where we would be without our loving God.
So every time you think about your mother today, think about God. And rejoice in the love that surrounds you!
“Here I am, God. I am so grateful to be your child!”
(Many thanks to The Word Among Us (www.wau.org) for allowing us to use meditations from their monthly devotional magazine. Used with permission. The Word Among Us Mass Edition contains all the readings and a meditation for each of the daily and Sunday Masses.)
Questions for Reflection/Discussion
- In the first reading the Lord tells us, with very tender words, that he will never forsake us or forget us.” These words also remind us of the Lord’s words quoted in Hebrews 13:5, “I will never forsake you or abandon you.” How easy is it for you to lose sight of these words when you are experiencing a difficult situation?
- In the responsorial psalm, the psalmist echoes the words of the first reading calling on us to “Trust in Him at all times” and “Pour out your hearts before Him.” What steps can you take to deepen your trust and confidence in the Lord’s care for you? When you come before the Lord in prayer, do you pour out your heart before him? If not, why not?
- In the second reading, St. Paul tells us that we should be regarded as “servants of Christ and stewards of his mysteries” and that we should be “found trustworthy.” What do you think these words mean? How “trustworthy” are you as a steward of the “mysteries” of God?
- In the Gospel reading, Jesus tells us not to worry about what we have and don’t have or what will happen in the future. Rather he says to “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides.” What are the ways in which you do this? What are the circumstances that cause you to struggle in doing it. How can you overcome them?
- The meditation reminds us (see first reading) that a mother’s love for her child is also a reflection of God’s love for us. How would you describe the ways a mother’s love reflects God’s love? What, if any, are the obstacles that keep you from experiencing God’s love?
- Take some time to pray and thank the Lord that you are his child and he loves you with an everlasting love. Also, ask him for the grace to overcome any obstacles that keep you from experiencing this love in a deeper way. Use the prayer at the end of the meditation as the starting point
