Many went, to Jerusalem before Passover to purify themselves

Gospel Thoughts

*Lenten Season : C Cycle : 5th Week - Saturday*

*GOSPEL -  Jn 11:45-56*

*FIRST READING - Ez 37:21-28*

*Many went, to Jerusalem before Passover to purify themselves*

*1) Feast of Passover and the Need of Purification*

For Jewish people the feast of Passover was everything. Feast of passover was a great feast. So they prepared themselves to participate in the feast of Passover 

As a preparation, they would go to Jerusalem, to purify themselves. 

Accordingly Many people went up to Jerusalem, before the Passover to purify themselves 

So it clearly shows the need of purifying oneself before the passover 

*2) A great Week of Passover - A Holy Week is ahead of us*

Within few hours, we enter into the Holy Week, Which is most important to every Christian. 

Holy Week is the climax of the mystery of our Salvation. We enter into the most important events of our faith, that is the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus 

So such a week needs a lot of preparation to understand the mystery of Christ and to 

Experience the same. 

*3) Need of Purification for the Holy Week*

Since this week is Holy, because of the holy events, we are suppose to become holy to celebrate these events 

So the need of purification, becomes very necessary to, make oneself Holy, through the rite of purification. 

This calls us for making right efforts to make, ourselves holy though various spiritual exercises. 

*4) Various Ways of Purification*

The Celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. 

This is one of the best sacraments, for purifying oneself, inoder to enter into the Holy Week with the right spirit. 

The other various ways, which help us to prepare ourselves for the sacrament of reconciliation

Reading of the Scriptures 

Meditating the passion of Christ

Way of the Cross

Personal prayer life 

Praying Rosary 

Other Spiritual exercises

*5) Am I ready to Purify myself?*

Since it is my duty to purify myself, am I ready for it?

How do I see the need of purification in my life? 

What efforts Should I take to purify myself. 

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*