Among the women disciples of Jesus that I admire most is Mary Magdalene. Why? Because she was a very courageous woman. She was not afraid of darkness. She went alone to the tomb of Jesus very early in the morning. Indeed, she profoundly missed the loving presence of Jesus. Her action expressed her deep love of Him. But when she saw the stone removed in the tomb, she immediately dashed to report the incident to Peter and John by saying: "They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don't know where they put him." (Jn 20:2)

It is important and expedient to recall Christ’s entry to Jerusalem. It shows the determination of Jesus to fulfill His Father’s plan to save the world by taking the role of the suffering servant. Jesus’ determination in doing so shows this by riding in a donkey, which is a sign of humility. The people waved palms and place their cloaks on Jesus’ way and they acclaimed him as the “Son of David,” a royal title that evokes the dignity and pride of David, especially of what he did for the people of Israel. But this will be the same crowd who would jeer and shout: “Crucify him! Crucify him!” after five days. Why a drastic change of attitude towards Jesus?

Time flies so fast. We have done the first scrutiny and the second scrutiny for our Elect. Back in the Philippines, we seldom have this rite because we don't have catechumens. We are blessed to have catechumens in our parishes. Let us join our catechumens and elect as they journey towards Easter.

At the 4:00pm Mass last Saturday, we held the first scrutiny to our Catechumens. I told them that they are like Jesus who thirsts for water...not just for the element of water that quenches our thirst, but for the faith (Baptism) and the Holy Spirit who guarantees eternal life. And in the process, they gradually discover Jesus as the ordinary man, the prophet, the Messiah and the Savior of the world. And the secret is just they have to be attentive and be focused on Jesus, especially on his words - the words of Jesus that lead to the truth. Like the Samaritan woman, who was able to proclaim Jesus as the Savior of the world to her people.

It is interesting to note that the word "Lent" comes from the old English term "Lencten" which means springtime. Indeed, Lent is the time of spiritual renewal, a kind of spiritual "springtime" wherein we try our best to allow our souls and spirits to bring forth shoots of hope, vigor, purpose and holiness. Let us allow Christ to transfigure us into a new man or person who understand that it is necessary for us to undergo suffering and pain in order to transverse into life.

One of the ways to keep the spirit of Lent is to gaze at Jesus, to listen to his words, and to follow his ways. Last Sunday, he taught us how to overcome our temptations by not giving in to human desires and wants, but focusing on the Word of God. Allowing it to convict us. By avoiding the occasion of sin, and avoiding "short-cuts" devoid of pain and suffering. And by totally being dependent on God, asking the Holy Spirit to help us overcome our temptations and sins.