AGLOChicago

When we set aside time for personal prayer, Jesus is already present to us even if we don’t recognize him. We can confidently pour out our soul, holding nothing back, because we believe Jesus is interested in what we hold in our hearts. Then, if we open ourselves to receiving both his challenge and affirmation, most clearly accessed through scripture, we will have the confidence to act before we hesitate. Finally, personal prayer is an act of hospitality, inviting Jesus “to stay with us.” It may take some time, but our eyes will grow sharper and our perception keener as we catch the presence of Jesus not only among ourselves, but also among the people and situations of our everyday lives.

Read David Schimmel’s complete Reflection for the week here:
https://aglochicago.org/weekly-reflection

Our journey through Lent started Wednesday as we marked our foreheads with ashes to symbolize our mortality and begin a period of repentance, looking to transform into a new life at Easter. In the readings today in the Lectionary, (Deut 30:15-20, Ps 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6, Luke 9:22-25) we are offered two journey beginnings—Moses standing on the bank of the river sending the Israelites into the new land. With this land they are to change the nations through their belief and the Covenant they share with God and bring justice to the world. In the Gospel, the 9th chapter of Luke sets up the journey the disciples must take in order to bring the Kingdom of God into the world, thus bringing justice to all nations.

The journey of a disciple mirrors the life of Jesus, and we must be ready to take up His Cross daily. Jesus’ Cross is a cross for Justice. As we start our Lenten journey as LGBTQ+ Catholics, let us meditate on how we pick up Jesus' Cross and carry it, in our community and into the world.

AGLOChicago joins the nation in mourning the passing of the Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., a towering voice for justice, dignity and equality.

For decades, Rev. Jackson stood at the forefront of the civil rights movement, advocating for racial justice, economic opportunity and the rights of people living with HIV.

We honor his legacy and extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and all who were touched by his life’s work.

This week’s reflection, inspired by the Book of Isaiah, speaks to our times:

“When Isaiah speaks of removing ‘oppression, false accusation and malicious speech,’ he is speaking to us. Today, we witness the oppression of political retribution. We hear false accusations of a stolen election through massive fraud and of protestors as insurrectionists. We listen to malicious speech that labels immigrants as human refuse and political opponents as enemies from within. What can be done? “Share your bread with the hungry, shelter the oppressed and the homeless; clothe the naked when you see them, and do not turn your back on your own.” Listen carefully to the prophet Isaiah.

“This is what living in right relationship with God looks like.”

Weekly Reflection

This , help continue to make AGLOChicago a place of belonging and a spiritual home for the LGBTQ+ community, family and friends. Your kind donation allows us to celebrate weekly Mass as a Catholic community of faith, provides programs that enable spiritual growth, allows us to practice the virtue of hospitality and engage in social justice activities. Your support helps us bring Christ’s love to our community.

http://bit.ly/aglo-giving-tuesday