Lenten Year "B" Readings:    This week the Readings stress that despite our sinfulness, God offers us a new Covenant, written in our hearts.   This Covenant requires our obedience to God's Will and death to self.    As we draw closer to Easter, we must seek to remove from our hearts everything that keeps us from God.   We must get rid of everything that is selfish, disobedient and guilty.    As we struggle with our failings, we must never forget that Jesus is with us to intercede for us and to assist us in our efforts.

Lenten Year "A" Readings:   For those attending the Third Scrutiny Mass today, the Readings come from Year "A".     These Readings today focus on the greatest promise of Baptism:  life beyond death, life in the Spirit.   In the First Reading, the Prophet Ezekiel reminds us that God promises that the dead will be raised from their tombs.   John in his Gospel states that Jesus fulfills this promise by raising Lazarus who has been dead for four days.   Moreover, Jesus promises that all who believe in Him will share in the Resurrection and Life Everlasting.    Through Baptism, all can share in the death and resurrection of Christ, and filled with the Spirit, so that they can walk in the newness of life.

The Third Scrutiny celebrated today touches on the Jubilee Themes including new life in the Spirit, liberation, and the centrality of the Eucharist.

Let us pray daily for our "Elect" who undergo their last Scrutiny today as they prepare to receive the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil:

Kay Cappilla Landen Hamilton   Demus Hazelzet Corey Hill   Hunter Hill Kaylan Hill   Blake Windrum

For only a very short period after the Mass of the Lord's Supper on Holy Thursday evening, we are invited to come and watch with Jesus at the Altar of Repose.      Anyone who has flowers growing in their yard may wish to bring some to place around the Lord during this short period of adoration.    Placing your own flowers at the Altar of Repose, is like surrounding the Lord Jesus on this sad evening with your hearts and love.

If you wish to bring cut flowers for that evening, please bring them Thursday to the church and place them in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel.

First Reading - The Lord will make a new covenant with the house of Israel; the Lord will be their God, and they shall be God's people (Jeremiah 41:31-34).
Second Reading - Christ learned obedience, and became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him (Hebrews 5:7-9).
Gospel - When a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it bears fruit. Jesus by dying will draw everyone to himself (John 12:20-33).