3rd Sunday in Lent, Year B
In our reading, we learn about the 10 commandments: You shall only believe in one God, do not worship other gods, keep the Lord’s name holy, keep the Sabbath day holy, honour your father and mother, do not kill (don’t ignore others, or take care of your health), be faithful to your spouse, do not steal, do not lie about your neighbor (blame them for something you did), and do not be jealous of anything your neighbor owns.
In our gospel, Jesus went into a temple in Jerusalem and he saw people in the temple selling cattle, sheep, and pigeons. Others were changing money. Jesus became angry that they would use the holy temple for things other than worship and sent the animals and people away. The Jews asked Jesus what right he had to do this and he replied that if they tear down this temple (his body) he would raise it up in 3 days. The disciples remembered what Jesus said after his resurrection.
Special Saint/Feast Day: St. Bridget of Sweden – July 23rd
Bridget was born in Sweden in 1303. Even as a child, she had a great devotion to the sufferings of Jesus. When she was 10 years old, she saw Jesus on the cross and heard him say, “Look at me, my daughter.” “Who has treated you like this?” cried little Bridget. He answered that it is those who despise Him and refuse his love. From then on, Bridget tried to stop people from offending Jesus.
At 14 years old, Bridget married Prince Ulf who was 18 years old. He also served God faithfully and they both joined the Franciscan Third Order. They had 8 children, one who was St. Catherine of Sweden.
Bridget and Ulf tried to help King Magnus and Queen Blanche lead better lives but the King and Queen usually refused to change their ways.
All her life, Bridget had marvelous visions and received special messages from God.
After Ulf died, Bridget gave away her rich clothes and lived as a poor nun. She started the Order of the Most Holy Savior, also known as the Bridgettines. She still travelled and did good everywhere she went. Jesus continued to reveal many secrets to her. On a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, she had many visions of what Jesus said and did there. These were published after her death in 1373 at 70 years old.
St. Bridget of Sweden had a deep appreciation for Jesus’ suffering and death on the cross. We can ask her to help us be sensitive and grateful followers of Jesus.