Today's Readings
In today's gospel we encounter one of St. Matthew's favorite words: Fulfill. For this Evangelist the word contained a treasure-house of experience. Matthew saw in this word the fullness of completion. Clearly it was a word that was the object of much of this Evangelist's prayers. He uses the word at least eight times. It is a word that expresses a person's bringing to perfection a duty, a hope, a way of life.
Of course, during this Lenten season, we consider how Jesus fulfilled his mission with his suffering and death on the cross. Also Matthew writes about the Annunciation and informs the people that angel's direction to Mary that the child would be names Jesus to "fulfill" the words of the Isaiah: " ... and they shall name him Emmanuel."
For us today, what significance can this word have, especially during this Lenten season. For me it is during Lent each year that I sense the opportunity to bring to fulfillment again the vows of my baptism and my sharing in the redemption of Jesus Christ.
And you? What might this word mean for you during the season of Lent?
Of course, during this Lenten season, we consider how Jesus fulfilled his mission with his suffering and death on the cross. Also Matthew writes about the Annunciation and informs the people that angel's direction to Mary that the child would be names Jesus to "fulfill" the words of the Isaiah: " ... and they shall name him Emmanuel."
For us today, what significance can this word have, especially during this Lenten season. For me it is during Lent each year that I sense the opportunity to bring to fulfillment again the vows of my baptism and my sharing in the redemption of Jesus Christ.
And you? What might this word mean for you during the season of Lent?
