SUNDAY 22nd FEBRUARY 2015
Mark 1: 12 – 15
Reflection:
What do you think of when you see a rainbow? South Africa is called a rainbow nation. Its citizens belong to a variety of cultures: black, coloured and white, Sotho, Zulu, Xosa, Tswana …… But a rainbow also indicates peace and harmony; so many colours bonded together in one rainbow. Moreover, a rainbow appears after the rain, a source of life and death. Do we have that peace and harmony we are longing for in our country, our Church, our families, our own lives?
This first Sunday of Lent helps us to find direction. God’s intention is clear. He wants to establish a new covenant not just with Noah but also with us. He wants to make a new beginning and He has done it already in Jesus Christ, His beloved Son.
What can we do? Listen to the call of Jesus: “Repent, and believe in the Gospel”. Conversion, is a key-word for Lent. It means to change certain habits which are at variance with the way Jesus Christ showed us in His words and deeds.
Practical Suggestions:
- Have some time together as parents and children for sharing your daily experiences and a short prayer at least once a week.
- Read and meditate on the gospel you heard today.
- Forgive a family member or neighbour who has grieved you. Make the first step.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, you told us that the kingdom of God is at hand. Help us to move forward in our faith journey and repent.
+Bishop Jan A De Groef M.Afr
Diocese of Bethlehem