From his fullness we have all received grace upon grace/De su plenitud nostros hemos recibido gracia sobre gracia.—John 1:16
Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa, preacher for the Papal household, gave a talk in December in the Vatican focusing on God’s mercy, comparing the difference in John the Baptist’s attitude to Jesus': John speaks with fiery words while Jesus speaks to and eats with all, and in doing so gives them (and us) new life.
“Jesus does not wait for sinners to change their lives before he welcomes them,” Cardinal Raniero said. “He welcomes them and this leads sinners to change their lives. God’s mercy is, in fact, without conditions, but it is not without consequence.”
“It is not the observance of the commandments that allows the kingdom of God to come; but it is the coming of the kingdom of God that allows the observance of the commandments."
“The newness of Christ is reflected in the different attitude of the Baptist and Jesus towards so called “sinners.” Where John is fiery in his interaction with those who come to him, Jesus is open and welcoming to all; Jesus is grace and mercy."
“The prophetic task of the Church [and our task] is the same as that of John the Baptist—to shake each generation from its terrible distraction and blindness that prevents it from recognizing and seeing the light of the world.” Lent is a good time to let go of distractions and see how we can be light in the world.
Showcasing SHA talent: Norah in 4th is being like Jesus in reaching out to all people.
God bless,
Mrs. Alhadef
Campus Minister
5th Grade Aide