Saturday -- Ezekiel 37:21-28:

God promises to bring the Israelite refugees home. Learn about a current group of refugees in one of the world’s many trouble spots. Imagine the trauma of having to flee one’s homeland. Spend the day praying for this group of refugees.

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It is a duty to pray both for him who is in affliction and him who is in relief from it, for him who is in dangers and him who is in prosperity – for him who is in relief and much prosperity, that these may remain unmoved and without vicissitude and may never change; and for him who is in affliction and his many dangers, that he may see some favorable change brought about to him and be transported into a calm of consolation.

- Saint John Chrysostom

Friday -- Jeremiah 20:10-13:

You are only one week away from Good Friday, the commemoration of the death of Jesus. On your own or with a Church community, pray the Stations of the Cross.

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Do not stop praying as long as, by God's grace, the fire and the water (fervor and tears) have not been exhausted, for it may happen that never again in your whole life will you have such a chance to ask for the forgiveness of your sins.

- Saint John Climacus

Thursday -- Genesis 17:3-9:

God makes Abraham “exceedingly fertile.” If you are a parent, look at old baby pictures marveling at the wonder of your calling as parent. If you are not a parent, let the Lord show you ways you, too, have given birth to a new manifestation of God in the world: through someone you’ve ministered to or through some work you’ve accomplished.

“Keep My Word”:

In today’s Gospel, Jesus assures us that we will enjoy eternal life if we “keep His Word.” Ponder on the inseparable realities of keeping God’s Word and enjoying eternal life. What are your main challenges of nurturing and living the Gospel in your daily life?

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God assents more when called on by ourselves than by others; and he often delays the giving, not from the wish that we should be utterly perplexed, nor to send us out with empty hands, but in order that he may become the author of greater good things to us.

- Saint John Chrysostom

Wednesday -- Daniel 3:14-20, 91-92, 95:

In this story of courage in the fiery furnace, the flames do not harm the Lord’s faithful ones. In your prayer today, light a candle in a dark room. Reflect on God’s presence in the flickering flame. Ask Christ for the grace to find him even in the most dangerous and difficult moments of your life.

“Make My Word Your Home”:

Ponder on what Jesus is saying to us in today’s Gospel, “Make My Word your home.” If we follow what Jesus says, “the Truth will set us free.” How can you live out this desire of Jesus? How can His Word, the Gospel, become more fully part of your life? Pray for the grace to do this.

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The glory of the Cross led those who were blind through ignorance into light, loosed all who were held fast by sin, and ransomed the whole world of mankind.

- Saint Cyril of Jerusalem

Tuesday -- John 8:21-30:

Jesus speaks openly about his upcoming death and his true origin. Meditate about or visit a graveyard today, asking the Lord to give you His perspective on death.

“God Dies for us”:

Spend some time today to ponder on our faith that says, “God, Our Lord and Saviour died for us.” Pray for the grace to sense more deeply God’s Love for us being so immense, unconditional and eternal. Can you sense that this “Love” of God is present within your heart now?
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Let us carefully observe the manner of life of all the apostles, martyrs, ascetics and just men who announced the coming of the Lord. And let us emulate their faith, charity, hope, zeal, life, patience under suffering, and perseverance unto death, so that we may also share their crowns of glory.

- Saint John of Damascus (676-749)

Monday -- John 8:1-11:

John Paul II called the death penalty “both cruel and unnecessary. ” Pray for those who are awaiting execution. Pray for their victims, as well. If you can find the names of those being executed, prayerfully read their names. As you say aloud each name, hear Jesus say, “Let the one without sin cast the first stone.”

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God takes pleasure to see you take your little steps; and like a good father who holds his child by the hand, He will accommodate His steps to yours and will be content to go no faster than you.

- Saint Francis de Sales

Fifth Sunday of Lent -- Isaiah 43:16-21:

God is saying to you, “See, I am doing something new” (showing you a path through the desert and giving it water). In order to grow in the spiritual life, we must accept change and transition. Long ago, Cardinal John Newman said, “To grow is to change. To be perfect is to change often.” What change is God asking you to accept right now? Today, take a step forward towards making that change in your life.

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Do not seek the perfection of the law in human virtues, for it is not found perfect in them. Its perfection is hidden in the Cross of Christ.

- St. Mark the Ascetic

Fifth Sunday of Lent (C)

Is 43:16-21
Ps 130:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8
Phil 3:8-14
Jn 8:1-11

"It all depends on how you look at it." Hello, I’m Franciscan Father Greg Friedman, and this is the "Sunday Soundbite" for the Fifth Sunday of Lent.

What I mean by that saying is that the knowledge and perspective we bring to any experience determines how we feel about that experience. For example, those old enough to remember the postwar era might recall scenes of big, modern factories belching smoke—hailed as a sign of prosperity. Now, we may look at such scenes with a sensitivity to environmental issues; our perspective is different. It all depends on how you look at it.

This Sunday's Scriptures invite a similar change of perspective: Isaiah urges the people to forget about the Exodus-event, the passage through the Red Sea. Instead, the people are to take notice that God is doing something new. Paul tells the Philippians how knowing Christ has caused him to consider everything else as "rubbish." And Jesus himself turns accusation into forgiveness with a simple phrase inviting the scribes and Pharisees to look at a sinner from the perspective of their own sinfulness.

Lent is a time to alter our way of looking at ourselves and our world. What surprises await us this week, as we re-orient ourselves, based on our coming to know Jesus Christ.

Scripture:

•I open your graves and have you rise from them…I will put my spirit in you that you may live, (Ezekiel 37:13,14)

• My soul looks for the Lord more than sentinels for daybreak. More than sentinels for daybreak, let Israel look for the LORD… (Psalm 130:6)

•…the One who raised Christ from the dead will give life…through his Spirit dwelling in you. (Romans 8:11)

•I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live… (John 11:25)

Reflection:

•Have you kept a night watch and waited anxiously for the dawn?

•Are you keeping watch (prayer, fasting from material satisfaction and serving others) and waiting for the Lord?

•What does it mean to die to the world (live in the world but not of the world) and live in the spirit of Christ?

•How does the Spirit of life change your life?

It is evident that discipleship is a wide and flexible concept…by the tradition as embodying the ideals of the active and contemplative life. But notwithstanding all this variety, there is a proportionately common element, the norm of which is given in Christ. All are held to: 1.) self-abnegation, 2.) humble service, 3.) generosity towards the needy, and 4.) patience in adversity.¹

No follower of Christ must be so taken up with external activities as to forget the “one thing necessary” (Luke 10:42) namely, to be inwardly transformed by the knowledge and love Christ brings into the world.

Saturday -- John 7:40-53:

The chief priests and Pharisees are now blatantly plotting the assassination of Jesus. Prayerfully watch the evening news tonight. Grieve and pray for every person who died a senseless death today.

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God is a fire that warms and kindles the heart and inward parts. Hence, if we feel in our hearts the cold which comes from the devil – for the devil is cold – let us call on the Lord. He will come to warm our hearts with perfect love, not only for Him but also for our neighbor, and the cold of him who hates the good will flee before the heat of His countenance.

- Saint Seraphim of Sarov

Friday -- John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30:

We know people, but do we really know them? That’s one way to think of the question Jesus poses in today’s Gospel. Think of someone you know, and perhaps don’t get along with. Determine today to look beyond the surface impressions.

Faith – Challenges:

In today’s Gospel, Jesus’ life was in danger because the crowd could not accept the Truth of the Gospel that He proclaimed and witnessed. We are each challenged also not only to be selfless in our service, but also be fearless in our witness to the Gospel in our daily lives.

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Perhaps it is not after all so difficult for a man to part with his possessions, but it is certainly most difficult for him to part with himself. To renounce what one has is a minor thing; but to renounce what one is, that is asking a lot.

- Pope St. Gregory the Great

Thursday -- John 5:31-47:

Think of the various “lights” in your life. Who most inspires you, comforts you, challenges you? Jesus tells us today that, whoever that is, Jesus is the deepest light of all. Light a candle today and give thanks for all of the “lights” in your life.

Faith – How Deep?:

We all know that faith is God’s gift to us that must nurtured responsibly. The “struggles” we experience in trying to nurture our faith is as St Paul says, “we know what is right, and yet we often choose what is wrong.” We must keep in focus, with God’s graces, on how to live our daily challenges in God’s ways.

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Prayer is not something accessory, it is not "optional," but rather a question of life or death. Only one who prays, that is, who entrusts himself to God with filial love, can enter into eternal life, which is God himself.

- Pope Benedict XVI (March 3, 2007)

Wednesday -- John 5:17-30:

Jesus speaks of his relationship to the Father. If children are not close at hand, go to a public place where you can briefly watch a parent and child interact (for example, a park, a grocery store, a mall). Prayerfully reflect how your relationship with God compares.

God’s Passion:

Jesus, in today’s Gospel says, “My Father still goes on working.” Spend some moments today to ponder on how God the Father has a passionate Love for us, through His Spirit. Recognise our inattentiveness to this Spirit’s presence and Love. Thank God for loving us so passionately.

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The mind is purified by spiritual knowledge (holy meditation and prayer), the spiritual passions of the soul by charity, and the irregular appetites by abstinence and penance.

- Saint Serapion the Scholastic (d. between 365/370)

Tuesday -- John 5:1-3, 5-16:

Jesus asked the lame man, “Do you want to be healed?” It takes courage to do something new. How much do you allow past trauma to keep you from rising out of your paralysis? In your prayer today, put on some good music—and dance!

Dependence – Faith:

The blind man in today’s Gospel suffered for thirty- eight years because no one helped him. Many people, including our family members may be in great need. We are called to be more sensitive to the needs of others and never presume that all is well. Pray for the grace to have a greater awareness to help others.

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Our Lady loves only places made low by humility, common by simplicity, but large by charity; she is willingly near the crib and at the foot of the Cross, provided she has her dear Son with her.

- Saint Francis de Sales

Monday -- Isaiah 65:17-21:

This is a reading of tremendous faith and hope in a New Jerusalem. Take a walk in a beautiful park or beside a quiet creek. Reflect on nature’s ability to renew itself and on God’s ability to “create a new heaven and a new earth.”

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There is a general rule concerning all special graces granted to any human being. Whenever the divine favor chooses someone to receive a special grace, or to accept a lofty vocation, God adorns the person chosen with all the gifts of the Spirit needed to fulfill the task at hand.

- Saint Bernardine of Siena (from a sermon on Saint Joseph)

Fourth Sunday of Lent -- 2 Corinthians 5:17-21:

Paul calls you an “ambassador of Christ.” Last Sunday, parishes preparing for Easter Baptisms reflected on the one who has brought you Living Water. This Sunday, ask Christ to show you how to bring Living Water to someone who needs some kind of personal rebirth. Who in your life right now needs you to be his or her ambassador of Christ? Write that person a card or letter of love and encouragement today.

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Our actions have a tongue of their own; they have an eloquence of their own, even when the tongue is silent. For deeds prove the lover more than words.

- Saint Cyril of Jerusalem (315-386)

Fourth Sunday of Lent (C)

Jo 5:9a, 10-12
Ps 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7
2 Cor 5:17-21
Lk 15:1-3, 11-32

Did you know God has a "dream for the world"? Hello, I’m Franciscan Father Greg Friedman, and this is the "Sunday Soundbite" for the Fourth Sunday of Lent.

From the dawn of creation, described in the Book of Genesis, the story of the Bible relates how God created the world to be a place of harmony. The Garden of Eden is a beautiful symbol of this harmonious world. The Promised Land, as it's depicted in our first reading this Sunday, also shows us a vision of what God has in store for the human family. There, Joshua leads God's people into the "land of milk and honey."

Jesus captures God's dream for the world in the Gospel story today. It's the familiar story of the Prodigal Son, better titled "The Father Who Couldn't Forget." There, our God is portrayed as the parent who waited day after day for his errant child to return. What a beautiful picture of God!

Throughout history, though human beings have strayed constantly, following their own ideas for happiness, God has held fast to a dream of harmony and made it come true with forgiveness. Jesus, and Christians who seek to follow him, embody that dream in our world today.

Scripture:

•Not as man sees does God see, because man sees the appearance but the LORD looks into the heart. (1 Samuel 16:7)

• Then Samuel, with the horn of oil in hand, anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and from that day on, the spirit of the LORD rushed upon David. (1 Samuel 16:7)

• For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light, (Ephesians 5:8)

• “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.” (Ephesians 5:14a)

• “One thing I do know is that I was blind and now I see.” (John 9:25b)

• “Who is he, sir that I may believe in him?” “You have seen him and the one speaking with you is he.” (John 9:36,7)

Reflection:

•Why does God see differently? What does “look into the heart” mean to you?

• How does David change when the “spirit of the Lord rushed upon (him)”?

• How does the blind man change/see (other than physical sight)?

• Is “blind man seeing” metaphor, oxymoron, neither, or both?

• What does Ephesians 5:14 direct you to do?

• How do you receive/be the light of Christ? How are you the light of Christ to your family? Your friends? Your co-workers? Your community?

Lord, sometime you fill me with a feeling quite unlike my normal state. This gives me an inward sense of delight, which if it were to reach fulfillment in me it would be something entirely different from my present life. But my heavy burden of distress drags me back. I am sucked back to my habits and find myself held fast; I weep greatly but I am firmly held. The load of habit is something to be reckoned with.

Saturday -- Luke 18:9-14:

Jesus’ model of a prayerful person is one who is honest before the Lord and admits his need for God’s mercy. Spend some time in prayer today, speaking honestly with the Lord about who you are, what you’re feeling right now, and so on.

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Charity is the only answer to all social problems.

- Blessed Juan Nepomuceno Zegrí y Moreno (1831-1905)

Thursday -- Luke 11:14-23:

Catholics used to believe that non-Christian religions were totally false and not of God. But Vatican II and John Paul II exhorted all to presume that everyone is reaching out for the same God. Today, research a non-Christian religion, or, if you know any non-Christians, ask them to tell you about their religion. Try to get a new perspective on God.

Friday -- Mark 12:28-34:

Jesus and a devoutly religious man discuss the famous Scripture passage about loving God with all your heart, and your neighbor as yourself. What is your favorite Scripture passage? Memorize as much of it as you can and repeat it back to yourself from time to time.

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Be diligent in serving the poor. Love the poor, honor them, my children, as you would honor Christ Himself.

- Saint Louise de Marillac (1591-1660)

The joy of this life is nothing; the joy of the after life is everlasting.

- Blessed William Hart (d. 1583)

Wedneday -- Matthew 5:17-19:

Contrary to popular opinion, Jesus loved the Law and lived by its decrees. Meditate on a difficult doctrine of the Catholic Church today. Try to understand why the Church might be asking its members to live this way.

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Let us not grow tired of prayer: confidence works miracles.

- St. Therese of Lisieux

St. Leander of Seville (c. 550-600)

The next time you recite the Nicene Creed at Mass, think of today’s saint. For it was Leander of Seville who, as bishop, introduced the practice in the sixth century. He saw it as a way to help reinforce the faith of his people and as an antidote against the heresy of Arianism, which denied the divinity of Christ. By the end of his life, Leander had helped Christianity flourish in Spain at a time of political and religious upheaval.

Leander’s own family was heavily influenced by Arianism, but he himself grew up to be a fervent Christian. He entered a monastery as a young man and spent three years in prayer and study. At the end of that tranquil period he was made a bishop. For the rest of his life he worked strenuously to fight against heresy. The death of the anti-Christian king in 586 helped Leander’s cause. He and the new king worked hand in hand to restore orthodoxy and a renewed sense of morality. Leander succeeded in persuading many Arian bishops to change their loyalties.

Leander died around 600. In Spain he is honored as a Doctor of the Church.

Tuesday -- Matthew 18:21-35:

Debt forgiveness is a big issue in world politics. International debt keeps Africa’s most impoverished nations poor. Through the Internet or the library, research the plight of an economically struggling African nation. Watch for an opportunity to help.

“Forgiveness - Faith”:

In today’s Gospel, Jesus reminds Peter that everyone must forgive all the time. Like God, we must not bear grudges, but go beyond our hurts and forgive generously. While this is not easy, Jesus assures us that we will always find the strength to forgive if we open our hearts to God’s graces.

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For a Christian to pray is not to evade reality and the responsibilities it entails, but to assume them to the end, trusting in the faithful and inexhaustible love of the Lord.

- Pope Benedict XVI (March 3, 2007)

Monday -- 2 Kings 5:1-15:

Naaman had trouble believing that the Lord could heal him not through extraordinary means but by simply giving him a good bath! Take a long hot bath today. Imagine the Lord washing away all that ails you.

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Without prayer, nothing good is done. God's works are done with our hands joined, and on our knees. Even when we run, we must remain spiritually kneeling before Him.

- Saint Luigi Orione (1872-1940)

Third Sunday of Lent -- John 4:5-42:

In the First Reading today, God sends Moses to provide water to the thirsty Israelites. In the Gospel, Jesus provides the woman at the well with Living Water. Reflect on your life lately. What person has been your “Moses,” providing you with Living Water? A friend? A family member? A Church person? Write that person a thank-you note sharing how much he or she means to you.

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Even the death on the Cross was sublime: for it was the culminating and necessary point in that scheme of Love in which death was to be followed by blessed resurrection for the whole "lump" of humanity: and the Cross itself has a mystic meaning.

- Saint Gregory of Nyssa (330-400)

Third Sunday of Lent (C)

Ex 3:1-8a, 13-15
Ps 103:1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8, 11
1 Cor 10:1-6, 10-12
Lk 13:1-9

Lent: It's not like it was in the "Good Old Days." Hello, I’m Franciscan Father Greg Friedman, and this is the "Sunday Soundbite" for the Third Sunday of Lent.

It's true, the Lenten fasting rules are not what they were in the memory and experience of many older Catholics. The emphasis today in our Lenten observance has shifted somewhat. We stress the "baptismal" character of Lent. It's a time when we re-affirm our Christian identity, and support those preparing for Baptism. Repentance is still a Lenten focus, and today those two themes come together in our Scriptures.

Take a cue from St. Paul, who creatively retells the story of the Israelites in the desert, to remind the Corinthians that being baptized means a life of repentance. A Christian is to live differently, to constantly have a spirit of conversion.

It's a theme Jesus picks up in the Gospel, correcting popular notions about why bad things happen to good people. All of us, Jesus says, must be "reform-minded." God doesn't single out anyone by sending tragedies or natural disasters. We all have opportunities—not unlimited, of course—but opportunities nonetheless, to turn from sin and accept God's love. It's what Baptism commits us to do.

Scripture:

•“Why did you ever make us leave Egypt? Was it just to have us die here of thirst with our children and our livestock?” (Exodus 17:3)

•Strike the rock and the water will flow from it. (Exodus 17:6)

•Come, let us sing joyfully to the LORD; let us acclaim the Rock of our salvation. (Psalm 95:1)

• And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts… (Romans 5:5)

•…only with difficulty does one die for a just person, though perhaps for a good person one might even find courage to die. But God proves his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us. (Romans 5:7)

• “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again; but whoever drinks the water I shall give will never thirst; the water I shall give will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4:13-14)

Reflection:

•Where is your Egypt? What is your thirst that cannot be quenched?

• Will hope for salvation in a physical thing or place be disappointed? Is it possible for hope in God to be denied?

•Think of water welling up as spring within you. Is this an image of God’s grace, God’s presence within you?

• Compare dying of thirst in the desert with the image of miraculous water welling up within you or with the water that quenches all thirsts.

• Now consider dying for the other instead of dying for thirst and the one who dies for you.

Jesus became a sacrament for me, the cause of my salvation, he brought my time in hell to an end, and put a stop to my inner disintegration. He washed my patiently in the waters of salvation, He filled me with the exhilarating joy of the Holy Spirit in confirmation, he nourished me with the bread of his word. Above all, he forgave me, he forgot everything, he did not even wish me to remember my past self.

Saturday -- Luke 15:1-3, 11-32:

People tend to see themselves as the prodigal son in this passage. But today, ask yourself, “How am I called to be like the generous and forgiving father in the story?” Who do you need to welcome back into the fold?

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Nothing seems tiresome or painful when you are working for a Master who pays well, who rewards even a cup of cold water given for love of Him.

- Saint Dominic Savio (1842-1857)

Friday -- Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13, 17-28:

Every family has baggage from the past. Have you done all that you could to reconcile with your estranged family? Reach out to a difficult family member today.

Greed – Faith:

Greed is a form of “self-centredness” that “grabs” things and “uses people and situations” for our selfish needs. Today’s Gospel account of the parable of the “Vineyard Tenants” demonstrated an extreme form of greed. Jesus reminds us to put Christ and not “self” at the centre of our lives.

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Whoever wishes to carry the cross for his sake must take up the proper weapons for the contest, especially those mentioned here. First, diligence; second, distrust of self; third, confidence in God; fourth, remembrance of Passion; fifth, mindfulness of one's own death; sixth, remembrance of God's glory; seventh, the injunctions of Sacred Scripture following the example of Jesus Christ in the desert.

- Saint Catherine of Bologna (1413-1463)

Thursday -- Luke 16:19-31:

If wealth is your God, then the Lord isn’t. Are you free from the bondage of wealth or do you suffer from “affluenza” (the “disease” of affluence)? Write a check to a charitable organization today. Trust that God will return it a hundredfold.

Self-Indulgent Life:

In today’s Gospel, the “rich man” lived a self-indulgent life that ignored the reality of death and the poor around him. He regrettedhis lifestyle only when he was suffering in “Hades.” All our material wealth is God’s blessings. They are not meant solely for our own use, but alsoto be shared with others.
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Labor without stopping; do all the good works you can while you still have the time.
- Saint John of God (1495-1550)

Wednesday -- Matthew 20:17-28:

The Christian life includes self-sacrifice. Without him or her knowing it, do someone’s house chore or similar kind of task today.

Courageous Service: Jesus’ service to His Father’s Will demanded a courage that was willing to endure public mockery, scourging and crucifixion. How much courage do we have in our service to God’s people? Do we compromise because we fear criticisms or do we face them with Christ-likecourage?

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The everlasting God has in His wisdom foreseen from eternity the cross that He now presents to you as a gift from His inmost heart. He has blessed it with His holy name, anointed it with His grace, perfumed it with His consolation, taken one last glance at you and your courage and then sent it to you from heaven, a special greeting from God to you, an alms of the all-merciful love of God.

- Saint Francis de Sales

Tuesday -- Isaiah 1:10, 16-20:

It is not enough that you simply cease doing sin. You must replace sin with virtue. You must “redress the wronged, hear the orphan’s plea, defend the widow.” Today, find out the particulars of how to volunteer for some organization that serves the poor.

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If there be a true way that leads to the Everlasting Kingdom, it is most certainly that of suffering, patiently endured.

- Saint Colette (1381-1447)

Monday -- Luke 6:36-38:

Perhaps more than any other sin, Jesus abhors the sin of being judgmental of others. Do you judge a person by race, age, sexual orientation, ethnicity, ideology or religion? Today, or sometime this week, on the Internet or in the library, research and try better to understand the group you’re most easily tempted to judge.

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At the times when you remember God, increase your prayers, so that when you forget Him, the Lord may remind you.

- Saint Mark the Ascetic

Second Sunday of Lent:

God tells Abraham that he will bless him as abundantly as he blesses the night sky with stars. God promises to bless you just as abundantly as he blessed Abraham. Do you believe this? In your prayer today, ask God to guide your hand as you write God’s response to the letter you wrote to him last Sunday. Trust that God will speak to you if you ask him to!

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Be not ashamed to confess your ignorance, since you share ignorance with angels.

- Saint Cyril of Jerusalem

Second Sunday of Lent (C)

Gn 15:5-12, 17-18
Ps 27:1, 7-8, 8-9, 13-14
Phil 3:17--4:1 or 3:20--4:1
Lk 9:28b-36

Having a purpose in life—it makes all the difference. Hello, I’m Franciscan Father Greg Friedman, and this is the "Sunday Soundbite" for the Second Sunday of Lent.

Some of us know our life's mission early on: We're committed to a career, family, using our talents in a particular kind of service. Others may take many years to find their path in life. Lent is a time when we re-affirm our Christian mission, no matter what our individual vocations may be. We hear stories this Sunday about mission. Abram is given his role as father of his people. On the mountain of the transfiguration, Jesus appears with two great figures from Hebrew religious history, and Luke tells us Jesus spoke with them of his "passage," his "exodus" which was to come in Jerusalem. Luke undoubtedly wanted his Christian audience to reflect on their mission as well—to undergo the same "passage" from death to new life. In our Christian communities this season, we're preparing with those who will be baptized at Easter. Let's reaffirm our own Christian commitment as we pray and fast with them. We take heart from God's presence with us in the covenant relationship of that Baptismal commitment.

Scripture:

•Look up at the stars and count the stars, if you can. (Genesis 15:5)

•“To your descendents I give this land.” (Genesis 15:18)

•He will change our lowly body to conform with his glorified body…(Philippians 3:21)

• Peter and his companions had been overcome by sleep, but becoming fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. (Luke 9:32)

•Then from the cloud the voice said, “This is my chosen Son, listen to him.” After the voice had spoken Jesus was found alone. (Luke 9:35)

Reflection:

•What prevents or hinders you from accepting your spiritual inheritance?

•Can you count the stars or conceive of God’s blessing that is the gift of faith?

•Have you ever had a mountaintop experience of God?

•Where do you find Jesus after leaving the “mountaintop”?

•How is spiritual life kept fresh in the busyness of daily life?

The invisible has become visible; the intangible became tangible in Christ. History has been shocked into new life since Jesus came to play a part in it: the cosmos has become a sacred offering since the Word took flesh from a woman living in the cosmos.
God has become man, the Word has become a child, Immensity has accepted limitations.
The infinite has become finite.
The unknowable has made himself known.…
In order to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God, we need a revelation from the Father.
We need absolute humility of mind and heart if we are to enter into such a mystery as this. There is no point in discussing it.

Saturday -- Matthew 5:43-48:

To pray for those who have hurt you is one of the most difficult and spiritually rewarding acts that Christ asks of you. Pray today for the well-being of the person who has hurt you the most in your life.

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Help all without discrimination, friend and foe alike. Everyone is our neighbor.

- Blessed Mother Angela Truszkowska (1825-1899)

Friday -- Ezekiel 18:21-28:

The Lord does not desire the death of the wicked, but rather that they be converted and live. The Lord is waiting for you to allow him to heal you and bring you closer to him. Go to the Sacrament of Reconciliation today, or plan to do so soon.

Uprightness:

In today’s Gospel, Jesus asserts that our “uprightness” must “surpass” that of non-believers. Otherwise, our acts of worship to God will not be as meaningful. To worship God is to praise and proclaim Him as our almighty Creator and Saviour, and to offer our whole self and life to Him.

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The nothing keeps silent, the nothing does not want to be, the nothing suffers all. The nothing does not impose itself, the nothing does not command with authority, and finally, the nothing in the creature is practical humility.

- Saint Angela of the Cross Guerrero(1846-1931)

Thursday -- Matthew 7:7-12:

God is madly in love with you and is longing to give you the things you need. If you could ask God for one gift right now, be it spiritual or physical, what would that gift be? In prayer, ask God to grant you this gift, provided it is within his will.

“Find God and Find Life”:

Jesus says, “Ask, and it will be given to you, search and you will find, knock and the door will be opened to you”. How fully have you experienced this Truth? We should believe all that Jesus says, as He is the Son of God. To have a strong faith is to have found the deepest meaning in life.

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Even if we should have mounted to the very pinnacle of virtue, let us consider ourselves last of all; having learned that pride is able to cast down even from the heavens themselves him who takes not heed.

- Saint Chrysostom