Hope Photo courtesy: G Irma Frakes
A FORTY-DAY LENTEN JOURNEY & DAILY DEVOTIONAL
These daily devotionals journey a forty-day Lent season. I am grateful for the inspiration the Holy Spirit gave me for each one to bring to you. Remember, repentance is not held only to Lent. You can always pray an additional forty-day journey throughout the year. I will and I pray they are helpful in your walk as they are for me.
April 17, 2022: Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord
What would you think if you heard the question, ‘Why are you looking for the living among the dead?
The disciples, upon hearing the body of Jesus was gone, missing, several ran to see if it was true. After two days in the tomb, did grave robbers come and steal Jesus’ body?
Far from it, Jesus was no longer dead. He conquered death, and Death, Loneliness and Fear were no longer the final words. The Son of God who had been rejected would be the foundation for humanity and his disciples would travel to the ends of the earth as fishers of men spreading the Good News.
Jesus is still with us, for all eternity. The Good News still rings out today just as it did when Jesus walked this earth. It will continue to ring out throughout the world, throughout time itself.
As we have walked this forty-day journey together, forget not to pray for one another. Through Jesus Christ, we have given each other the strength and courage to persevere. I pray this Lenten season has brought you to a new life with the Risen Christ.
Give all Glory to Him who lives and reigns with our heavenly Father in unity of the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. God bless you all.
Then the other disciple also went in, the one who had arrived at the tomb first, and he saw and believed. For they did not yet understand the scripture that he had to rise from the dead. Jn 20:8-9
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Believe and let us Rejoice…
HE IS RISEN!
Alleluia!
Happy Easter!
April 16, 2022: Holy Saturday: The Easter Vigil
One can only imagine how grief stricken the apostles were after they saw Jesus crucified and die on the cross. I’m sure they felt lost. To no longer see Jesus. Lost in their sorrow, they remembered not what He had told them; that on the third day the Son of Man would rise after being handed over to sinners and crucified.
The prophesy fulfilled, a glorious daybreak, the Vigil of Jesus’ Resurrection.
Daybreak, and all that was found were his burial cloths.
Holy Saturday. Do you think just a quiet day? Are you feeling sorrowful like the apostles? We should feel sad. Think about what he endured for you and me.
How will you prepare for Easter morning? I will rise knowing he saved me, a poor sinner, through his suffering and death.
Are you filled with great anticipation? My soul is filled with love and eagerness for Jesus. A day I will proclaim He is Risen.
What kind of hope does Jesus’ Resurrection give you? Eternal Life.
We are almost at the end of our journey, but really, just the beginning. A new day is on the horizon. Let us rejoice and live in Jesus Christ.
Today, meditate throughout the day on the Death of Jesus for your Salvation.
But Peter got up and ran to the tomb, bent down, and saw the burial cloths alone; then he went home amazed at what had happened. Lk 24:12
April 15, 2022: Good Friday of the Passion of the Lord
Judas betrayal.
Peter’s denials: 1. Denied being one of Jesus’ disciples.
2. Denied being one of Jesus’ disciples again.
3. Denied being in the garden with Jesus.
The Trial: Pilate could not find guilt in Jesus.
Custom at Passover: one prisoner released-Barnabas freed.
Jesus scourged, beaten, spat on, and humiliated.
Jesus crowned with thorns and clothed in a purple cloak.
Crucify Him! Crucify Him! The crowd shouted.
Jesus carried his cross. Your sins. My sins. The Worlds sins.
Jesus crucified. Five wounds.
Jesus dies. His last breath released for you, me, everyone.
It Is Finished.
Predestined pain and knowledge of bearing the weight of all our sins, Jesus undertook in humble fashion, for he loved so much you, me and everyone else.
Sin is a revolt against God. It is the earthly enemy of all that is holy, an adversary of virtuousness. Treachery and madness, instruments of the people toward internal purity toward one another. Jesus took it all on as mankind decided he was guilty, the insults, assaults on his person from his adversaries. He was the one real victim for us all as humanity refused his merciful love, his agonizing heart and soul cried internally. The Son of God was betrayed by the very people he loved.
We are the Judas’ every time we sin against God. Our human weaknesses failed us and drove the nails into Jesus hands and feet and the lance into his side. How many times have we crucified Jesus? Too many times. Now we walk alongside him toward Mt. Calvary. Scripture fulfilled as he took his last breath for you, me and everyone.
It is now finished.
If you are able, attend a Good Friday service today, or offer an additional act of penance.
When Jesus had taken the wine, he said, ‘It is finished.’ And bowing his head, he handed over the spirit. Jn 19:30
April 14, 2022: Holy Thursday Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper
Tonight, we commemorate Jesus’ last supper. So holy was that Thursday night, He shared with his apostles the last days of his life on this earth. He instituted the Eucharist, and the Priesthood, the Sacrament of Holy Orders. He was truly the best example to follow. He obeyed and respected his Father. He gave his entire self to a crucifixion for the many and personified humility. He cared for the sick and poor and lovingly forgave with deep love. What else could we want?
Today, spend time in church or in your quiet room, praying with Our Lord, during Adoration. Keep him company in the Garden of Gethsemane while He awaits the suffering He is to endure.
Do you realize what I have done for you? You call me ‘teacher’ and ‘master,’ and rightly so, for indeed I am. If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet. I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do. Jn 13:12-15
April 13, 2022: Wednesday of Holy Week
What heaviness Judas must have carried on his shoulders this day when he traded his love for Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. He was one of the Twelve. He had turned his back on Jesus.
My brothers and sisters, pray for a true conversion of heart, so that you might turn permanently away from all that separates you from the love of God.
Then one of the Twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, ‘What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?’ Mt 26:14-16
April 12, 2022: Tuesday of Holy Week
How would you feel if you discovered one of your closest friends was not to be trusted? Somehow, you got advanced notice he/she was going to betray you on a special night. Disappointed? Heartbroken? Don’t you think your other close friends would want to know who that person is?
Well, Jesus experienced it. One of his trusted apostles betrayed him. He went as far as to kiss him on the cheek as the signal. This is the One.
This Lenten journey probably brought out the best and worst in us. Maybe, others saw a different side of us. I pray we all prayerfully repented.
As we journey through this holy week, pardon the person who betrayed you, who disappointed you for he/she may not have known what they did. Give kind words of encouragement. They may have experienced a crisis in faith.
Master, who is it? Jesus answered, ‘It is the one to whom I hand the morsel after I have dipped it.’ So he dipped the morsel and took it and handed it to Judas, son of Simon the Iscariot. After Judas took the morsel, Satan entered him. Jn 13: 25-27
April 11, 2022: Monday of Holy Week
Scripture tells us Mary of Bethany anointed Jesus’ feet with an expensive oil and dried them with her hair. What humility she displayed. Offering her love through such a simple act.
What would you do if you were given a terminal health diagnosis? Initial thoughts? Who would you call? What preparations would you take? What humble acts would be revealed to you by a family member or a friend?
Would you humble yourself before Jesus and what would be your first words to him?
Jesus had plenty on his mind and much preparation to do. He undoubtedly had to prepare his apostles. He would reveal the Eucharist and priesthood to them. He would shock them with a traitor among them and one who would betray him three times. And finally, how the Son of God would be turned over to be crucified and where He was going, they could not go. Yes, he worried for them, for they were his brothers, and they too would suffer and die for Him.
Consider this holy week the virtue of Humility; ask God for that blessing during your sufferings and meditate on Jesus’ journey alongside yours. Meditate on Holy Thursday, his last supper. Good Friday, his crucifixion and death. Holy Saturday, mourning and Easter Sunday, joyful to His Resurrection.
Mary took a liter of costly perfumed oil made from genuine aromatic nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and dried them with her hair; the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. Jn 12:3
April 10, 2022: Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord
If Jesus told you, that you would deny him three times, what would you say? I know I would be shocked. Would you? You can imagine how Peter felt. Stunned, I’m sure. Would you run out weeping like he did?
Today is Palm Sunday and important events will unfold before us once again. Keep in mind every time we sin, we deny Jesus. Ask yourself, is it more than three times? Our journey now follows our Shepard and his last days, his last hours with his apostles. Soon a great sorrowful joy will befall mankind.
As you and I walk with the Son of God, let us ask for the grace to forgive oneself, forgive others and repent all our sins. Ask for his forgiveness and a clean heart.
Victory over sin, and death is on the horizon. Fear not and be joyful of the Risen Lord. He is almost here.
But Peter said, “My friend, I do not know what you are talking about.” Just as he was saying this, the cock crowed, and the Lord turned and looked at Peter; and Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the cock crows today, you will deny me three times.” Lk 22:60-61
To Do: Pray for the Holy Father and all religious brothers and priests, that they may remain faithful to their ministry.
April 9, 2022: Saturday of the Fifth week of Lent
Can you imagine living in the times of Jesus when he walked this earth? Would you have recognized the signs he performed? Touched his garment? Walked side by side with him and looked into his eyes?
What a privilege to have heard his calling to listen to His live talks in real time. The simplicity of his humanity, a true sign of humility, he personified throughout his life. What a great example for us to follow back then and now in modern day life.
He promised to unite his chosen people from the choosing’s that broke them apart. We are his chosen. You and I are His chosen. And yet, we’ve elected to carry bad habits making us fragmented and divisive. He promised to undo the divisions that have ripped us apart. He is our Shepard watching his flock. God, our Father, fulfilled his promise through Jesus Christ. Through his Son, signs of love in the face of hatred, Jesus unveiled. How great and compassionate is God’s power when he sent the One who would unite the many.
The plot to destroy Jesus is now in motion. Tomorrow, Palm Sunday, all the players are set. We are set. We stand and watch. We will hear the false accusations toward Jesus and await the verdict at his trial.
Prepare, my brothers and sisters. We the sinful people, are very much scattered. We will know the miracle of eternal life performed in front of our eyes through a crucifixion. Remember, we are the two thieves alongside Jesus, atoning and not.
Understand how holy this week is, even though we know the end of story. The prophesy of the Savior for all people comes to fruition. His death uniting all peoples dispersed throughout mankind. We must see this week as holy for Jesus’ Passion for salvation is overwhelming on how one man could undertake everyone’s darkness, everyone’s sins, and everyone’s betrayal toward him. Why do you think this Friday is good?
Jesus could see our vulnerability, our brokenness, our sinfulness and our choosing to repent and not. God saw how holy this week would become; he saw beyond our forthcoming needs and provided a life-saving Passion, Death and Resurrection of his only Son, the one He shared and gave us.
Be not fearful, for Jesus crucified is our Shepard leading us to eternal life, gathered into one spiritual family. See His vision through your life this Lenten journey. It is a saving vision promised of Jesus Christ who was sent by his Heavenly Father.
So the chief priests and the Pharisees convened the Sanhedrin and said,
“What are we going to do? This man is performing many signs. Jn 11:47
To Do: Today, quietly contemplate a passage from your Bible, pray for an increase of faith, hope, and charity. God bless you all.
April 8, 2022: Friday of the Fifth Week of Lent
During the darkness of our desert voyage, the evil one attempts to blow in whispers of denouncement of Jesus into our ears. Satan creates the false noise, so not to hear Jesus’ Truth. Why do we fall prey to the stones along our path and lunge them at our Lord? With persecution not far.
We must keep in mind Jesus rescues us in our distresses, in our battles. He is our Fort, our Deliverer from the clutches of our sins. He hears our cries as we attempt to crawl toward an oasis of refreshing water. But we must seek Jesus’ Living Water.
If you’ve not realized it by now, believe in the Son of God who has suffered with you and for you. His consolation is pure love.
Brothers and sisters, the final days of Lent are here. Yes, were are sinners. Be not the one to stone your Savior from your desert. He is our Refuge, our Safe House in our journey. Repent. Repent and Forgive for He too forgives. Jesus is the Rock we must build our lives on; from this rock his Living Water pours out and we are cleansed.
Pray or meditate on the Stations of the Cross today. Ask Jesus to teach you how to humbly, humbly accept the crosses you bear. Carry His message of compassion with you.
Let us pray: I praise you Jesus, my cry has reached your ears. I do repent. I am safe from my enemies and my journey sees the healing of my soul.
Jesus answered them, ‘I have shown you many good works from my Father. For which of these are you trying to stone me? Jn 10:32
April 7, 2022: Thursday of the Fifth Week of Lent
Keep the Word of God in your life. Speak its Truth. Praise and glorify the Father in your humility. In doing so, we praise and glorify the Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. The Son knows the Father and through the Son we too will know the Father.
My brethren, let us together know our God, his Son and the Holy Spirit during these forty-days to get us through this journey. Praise to the Risen Son so we may have eternal life.
Jesus said to the Jews: Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever keeps my word will never see death. Jn 8:51
To Do: Pray the Angelus or a prayer of your choosing, pray for courage to place trust in God’s providence.
April 6, 2022: Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Lent
There are many that worship or place a golden statue of idolatry above themselves in their lives. Hearing its obsession of this false god over our Heavenly Father breaks the number one Commandment of God. Persecution and suffering from non-believers ensue as we stand our Christian ground. Let us not become slaves of sin. Let not our sins scourge our Lord; receive Him.
The Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary prepare our hearts for the upcoming celebration of the Death and Resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ. He stood his ground; he lived Truth. He went ahead of all our deserts of life to prepare the Resurrecting light for us so we too would join Jesus in eternal happiness.
Be the disciple Jesus wants you to be and console others in their desert journey. Guide them to listen and live in the Word of God. Encourage them to walk in discipleship of Christ. Seek and believe in the Truth Jesus has given us for it was God, our Father who sent him to us.
It’s time to dig deep into our souls and pull out those chains. Yearn for the spiritual freedom from the darkness we dredge in, through a deep repentance. Let us rejoice and be risen with Jesus, Easter morn from our sinful graves. Through his forgiveness and mercy, we will believe and remain in His word.
If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. Jn 8:31-32
April 5, 2022: Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Lent
When the children of Israel tired during their journey from Egypt with Moses, they questioned why they ended up in the desert. They felt they would die. No food. No water. Such complaint from these sinners was heard all the way up the mountain where Moses visited with God.
Is God hearing our complaints from our deserts? Is our spirit so dry we cannot quench from the Living water because of our sins? If the answer is Yes to both questions, we are in trouble.
At times, we get caught up in the messes of our lives and don’t hear God’s message. We become impatient and don’t endure. We don’t hear what he can do for us. He does not leave us alone. He is in our walk communicating with us, waiting for us to listen to him.
Remember, he sent his only Son to be with us. He experienced his own desert. Let us remain in the Body of Christ. Be persistent in collaborating with Him and allow your heart and soul to listen to His message. See clear that Christ is the message in our walk. Believe in him. Don’t run away. Stay with the message of healing of the pain in the difficult walks of reality and truth. Seek Jesus Christ in the mess of our lives. Hear his voice this Lenten season. Believe in the I AM.
To Do: Consider the damages sin has caused in our lives and in the lives of many. Strife to love God above all others, above all false gods.
He said to them, You belong you what is below, I belong to what is above. You belong to this world, but I do not belong to this world. That is why I told you that you will die in your sins. For if you do not believe that I AM, you will die in your sins. Jn 8:23-24
April 4, 2022: Monday of the Fifth Week of Lent
We are on the countdown to Easter and our darkness sets in more to complicate our journey. It wants to keep us within its walls. This darkness, our sins, without repentance will shackle us to our wailing till we are set free. The key to atonement will unlock our chains of disobedience. We must want to change and follow Jesus.
There are daily challenges within our deserts that keeps us from the true Light-Jesus. We must reject sin: gossip, the darkness of negativity, the glamour of evil and much more that is not from God. Holy week is close, and Jesus will ride into Jerusalem to complete his mission. We will be there with him knowing we cannot stop the upcoming events of his life.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is powerful. The washing of our sins, the forgiveness from Jesus through his priests, what a gift we’ve been given. Do not fear, Jesus is beside us in our forty-day Gethsemane. There is time to leave the state of sinfulness during this Lenten season. Seek Jesus Christ’s mercy so to see his light as the beacon we yearn. He waits for us at the end of this journey with open arms, his crucified body, his Precious Blood to wash our guilts away. His light is so bright, I can see rising to envelope me. Do you?
Please follow him, he will never steer us wrong. Soon, our darkness will have an Easter Sunrise. We will have the Light of Life. What great joy.
To Do: Take 15-20 minutes today and prayerfully meditate on the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary. I know it is not Thursday, but Luminous for a reason.
Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. Jn 8:12
April 3, 2022: Fifth Sunday of Lent
What would you think if Jesus told you a relative after death, after four days, would soon rise? You can only imagine the state of the body; but if Jesus had come quickly to your house, that person would now be alive and healed from the illness that succumbed your loved one. Your Catholic Christian faith reminds you of the Resurrection on the last day, and that nothing is impossible for Jesus.
That was the scene between Jesus and Martha regarding her brother Lazarus. Four days old in death with a natural burial. The illness Lazarus experienced was not at death’s end. Raising Lazarus from the dead was to glorify the Father who sent his Son and be glorified through it.
My brothers and sisters, Jesus is coming. He will raise us on the last day as he promised. We must believe and be faithful to him so we can enter the kingdom of God.
Brothers and sisters, let us come together in prayer: Jesus, I know you are coming and on the last day you will raise me up. Guide me to not worry of the material things within the four walls of my home. They are insignificant in your house. The time is now to get myself in order, my soul in order. This is the season. This is the moment for the hour waits on no one. I see what’s not important all around me and you sent previous trials and lessons which afforded me your forgiveness and I have stumbled. I have fallen. Send me your grace to reconcile all matters here on earth so to reconcile in heaven. I know my salvation is through you for You are the Way. Your word is Truth so I may have eternal Life.
Jesus…I hear you. You are Coming. Have mercy on me.
Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise. Jn 11:23
April 2, 2022: Saturday of the Fourth Week of Lent
Jesus’ mission of evangelization, conversion, salvation of the sinner was clear-for the Kingdom of God.
In today’s world, we as Christian’s face persecution for our beliefs and some have given their lives “for the cause.” Evil doers under the instruction of Satan want us to fail in our mission to save souls for Jesus. Their whispers, and disgust of scripture being spoken eats at their air space. Jesus knows what we are going through. He sees humanity floundering in a cesspool of sin. How that breaks his heart. Fear, challenges to peace, social media shaming, religion removed from our schools to appease political views that see Jesus Christ as a threat to the innocent minds of our children has increased.
Our final weeks of Lent may be a challenge. We move into Passion Week, where the plot and scheme against Jesus will become clear-to kill Him. We’ll get to know the players and the bystanders again. Fear not the questions Lent presents to you. Ask Jesus to give you a clear mind. Fear not, follow in his footsteps. Don’t go home and close the door. You, the one, care for the many as Jesus did.
Brothers and sisters, pray to persevere in Jesus’ mission this Lenten season. To suffer for Him and souls struggling in their conversion is a privilege. That suffering will never go waste. To be able to save just one…what joy for us for that one to know the joy in finding Jesus. Do your part and Jesus will do the rest. Remember, he is the Christ we are waiting for...
Some in the crowd who heard these words said, ‘This is truly the Prophet.’ Others said, ‘This is the Christ.’” Jn 7:40-41
April 1, 2022: Friday of the Fourth Week of Lent
In Wisdom 2:1a, 12-22, the wicked spoke of Jesus in a rude way. They gathered if Jesus was the Son of God, he should be defended and delivered from the hands of his foes. How many generations of wicked souls have mocked and tested Jesus that when crucified, he should be able to save himself, to come down from the cross.
Have you ever tested Jesus?
Have you ever sought to prove him wrong?
I pray not for consequences would be dire. I cannot imagine such an act. In the desert we are tested to turn from Jesus, to mock him, to torture him, to crucify him by our continued sins. O the horror the state our souls would be in. Let us not remain in the desert. Go forward-his light.
Brothers and sisters, we know Jesus; we know he is from the Father, and we know the Father sent him.
Our Lenten journey is “rounding the corner,” two more weeks. What have we not done yet to truly repent? Jesus in his gentleness receives us with his crucified body, his opened arms. That act of being so close forgiving our wickedness; receiving the surrender of our broken hearts. Sing in praise that God is our Father and Jesus is who the Father sent to save us. Hallelujah!
So they tried to arrest him, but no one laid a hand upon him, because his hour had not yet come. Jn 7:30
March 31, 2022: Thursday of the Fourth Week of Lent
When Moses interceded for his sinful people, God spared them of his wrath. Once again, we are a sinful people. Who continues to come between us and the mighty hand of our Almighty Father?
Jesus Christ, himself.
How many golden calves have we placed or traded for Him? The Second Pentecost is not far. This Lenten season affords us to release those false images of worship, those idols that we carry around our necks that make us bow to their obsession.
These forty-days remind us of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice with every nail that pierced his hands and feet; with every whipping, kicking, spitting, mocking, and death he took to forgive us of the false worship through our repentance. We must continue to repent. He offered himself as the lifeboat to our drowning in the raging waters of sin. He rescued us through his intercession. He told his Father to let him be the one to save us, help us, teach us, to be the ONE for us, the many.
Look to the works Jesus did in days of our ancestors on behalf of the Father, our Father. Believe. Scripture gives so many examples of his mission-Salvation for humanity. Pray and meditate today’s Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary-his Baptism, the changing of water to wine, proclamation of the Kingdom of God, his Transfiguration and institution of the Eucharist. Wow.
We must go to Jesus Christ in our deserts; accept him as our Savior. Praise him. Adore him. Console him. If we continue to place those golden calves during Lent before him, fear the wrath of God my brothers and sisters; for who then will intercede for you? If you do not believe what’s written of the Son through the prophets, how will you believe in Jesus Christ when he calls you?
Let us pray: Almighty God, may our offering of fasting, prayers and alms giving be reparation for the sinful golden calves in our souls during this dry journey. Grant us mercy to remain your people, Father, and keep our covenant with you. Free us from all blame, our guilty consciences by the forgiveness of our sins through our repentance, through the knowledge of the forthcoming Salvation; the knowledge of Jesus Christ in our lives for all time. Father, we are a work in progress. Please be patient and merciful.
The works that the Father gave me to accomplish, these works that I perform testify on my behalf that the Father has sent me. Jn 5:36.
March 30, 2022: Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Lent
Jesus, your Passion is nearby. Many continue to condemn you. They never leave the desert. I pray for these enemies for they know not what they do. Forgive them. Comfort them. Help us be faithful to you for you are love. Remind us to fast for the reparations of our sins. Jesus, we need you now. We need your cross. Forget us not.
Jesus answered the Jews: “My Father is at work until now, so I am at work.” For this reason they tried all the more to kill him, because he not only broke the sabbath but he also called God his own father, making himself equal to God. Jn 5:17-18
March 29, 2022: Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Lent
O Jesus, I am blind. My soul sees not your light ahead. My soul is crippled by the sins I carry. I am not alone in this desert walk. Many others nearby, we journey in darkness, in struggles. Your cross seems out of reach. Heal me. Heal us. I repent so I may take up my mat and walk. Bring me to the pool of your Living Water so I may be washed cleaned.
The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; while I am on my way, someone else gets down there before me.” Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your mat, and walk.” Jn 5:7-8
March 28, 2022: Monday of the Fourth Week of Lent
Why do we need signs and wonders to believe? Do we need them during our desert walk? Don’t we believe in the power of Gods mercy? His forgiveness?
In the Apostle’s Creed we pray I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible. Do not forget to keep this oath. He is listening.
Let’s us ask our Blessed Mother, Mary for the courage to offer up to the cross doubt; to help us see, believe in the miracles Jesus performed and miracles in our lifetime.
…Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will not believe. Jn 4:48
March 27, 2022: Fourth Sunday of Lent
When I heard the parable of the Prodigal Son in today’s liturgy, I remembered a family of two sons with the youngest who brought the parable to life. He chose to leave his father’s house and rules and was given no inheritance for his journey except for love. He ran off to find freedom in his free will. He was welcomed by his friends and their families who sheltered him, until he wore out the welcome mat. Along the way he borrowed money and slept on park benches, parking lots and hid in nooks no one knew existed.
He would call his father on several occasions asking to return. Of course, his father said, “I did not make you leave. You did that on your own. Your room is still here, and the safety of our family waits for you. And yes, my rules still apply for I did not change, you did.” No, he did not return.
As time passed, he tired of his vagabond days and came home. There was a BBQ feast with friends and family to celebrate love and hope, and his father was pleased.
Fast forward, this young man flourishes in employment, marriage and family. As a retired military veteran, he realized his father’s teachings to be true; how important the house rules are from the father.
Think about it my brothers and sisters, how many times have we left our Heavenly Father’s house in our lifetime? Every time we sinned. Were his rules, his commandments, teachings too much for us? Every time we sinned.
How many times were we prodigal sons and daughters? Too many times? What a wonderful feeling to be welcomed back by our Lord and what a relief each time.
This Lenten journey, do we find ourselves away from home? Let us quench our dryness, ask for our Father’s welcome. He will be so pleased.
March 26, 2022: Saturday of the Third Week of Lent
My Lord, you love me no matter what. You know my walk in my dryness. So much obstacle. So much distraction. Take my heart, fill me with humility. I wish not to exalt myself or boast. This journey is near to closure. I see your light. I welcome repentance. I seek your mercy for when I raise my eyes to your cross, then will I see.
…everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted. Lk 18:14
Proclaim God’s greatness in you through a small act of kindness for a stranger.
March 25, 2022: The Annunciation of the Lord
This morning I reflected on my Lenten walk. I also thought of a different journey a young woman undertook when she said “yes” to being the Mother of a child she would name Jesus. A woman. A virgin so pure, she entrusted herself, her life to God and the child Christ. She prepared for nine months a joy a mother knows, the birth of her child. She knew challenges and trials, all she shared with her spouse and son.
During my and your forty-day flight in the desert, our challenges, obstacles and trials, we are not alone. The Child Jesus, the God-Man, the Living Spirit accompany us. Let us entrust ourselves to Him; surrender to the Repentance of sin and a holy life.
In such contrast, we prepare now for the journey toward Mt. Calvary. How Mary’s heart broke to see her only Son be crucified and die on a cross for so many. Again, she said yes. She would also know the joy of his resurrection. Let us journey with her especially during Jesus’ Passion. Let us not abandon him and be joyful in our declaration, He is Risen.
To do: Pray the Angelus or a prayer of your choice today for the courage to place your trust in God’s providence as did the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Mary said, ‘Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. may it be done to me according to your word.’ Then the angel departed from her. Lk 1:38
March 24, 2022: Thursday of the Third Week of Lent
The fork in the road of life to Salvation is a personal decision God hopes you pick the right path in your free will. This choice is easy and difficult at the same time as the devil has a stake in your thinking. With that said, ask the Holy Spirit to help you, because you cannot do it on your own.
If you choose the wide path, are you against God?
If you choose the narrow path, are you with God?
Jesus had but one road. It included:
Teaching his Way
Separating the lie from Truth, and
Suffering and Death to give Life.
He was all these.
This Lent Season, make the right choice. Choose Jesus Christ.
Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. Lk 11:23
March 23, 2022: Wednesday of the Third Week of Lent:
A testimony: Around 9:00a.m. today, I began to read Prayer for the Morning in the Magnificat App. I came upon Psalm 119:93-94. The first-person point of view affirmed to never forget God’s precepts as these teachings gave oneself life. The author declared to belong to God and to save him for he valued His principles.
As I read those two lines in Ps. 119, I heard a soft and gentle voice say, “And you will not forget them either.”
I was moved to prayer: Jesus, I know your precepts are in me and excited to be your disciple for there is much work to be done.
My brothers and sisters in Christ, keep God’s laws in you. They are simple, but with much discipline of obedience required. Glorify God by teaching his commandments. Be an example of our Lord’s precepts.
Today, pray and teach. Pray and pray again for someone’s conversion and let that walk shine God’s greatness in them.
Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do so will be called least in the kingdom of heaven. But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Mt 5:19
March 22, 2022: Tuesday of the Third Week of Lent
Forgiveness is a strong word and a powerful act.
In our lifetime how many times have we forgiven? Seven times as Peter asked Jesus. Have we achieved the seventy-seven times of forgiveness as Jesus answered in Mt 18:21-35? Both Matthew and Luke give us the Golden Rule in their gospels:
Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. This is the law and the prophets. Mt 7:12
Do to others as you would have them do to you. Lk 6:31
My brothers and sisters in Christ, this Lent season, forgive unto others seventy-seven times as you would want them to forgive you seventy-seven times. It is a challenging season. Don’t hold on to old hurts, old pains for they jeopardize our own forgiveness. Pray with me today the Act of Contrition for our past sins. Focus on every word and let us forgive as Jesus instructed.
March 21, 2022: Monday of the Third Week of Lent
Holy Spirit, as a disciple of Christ, I may or may not be welcomed in my hometown as I present the Good News. Increase my hope in my outreach to bring conversion to those who’ve lost their way in their faith. Give me the understanding to why many have strayed and the wisdom to share with them to return. I am but a poor sinner Holy Spirit. Give me the words to enlighten the Body of Christ to repent, to see Jesus’ light. Help me increase in others trust in God’s infinite mercy, grace and love. Without Him, our journey on this 17th day of Lent is meaningless. Hear me Holy Spirit, in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
And he said, “Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place. Lk 4:24
March 20, 2022: Third Sunday of Lent
In Exodus, Moses delt with cries of complaint from the flock he led in the desert. Thirst was one main concern for fear of death without water. God gave them the spiritual drink from the Spiritual Rock-the Christ that accompanied them. Yet many were not satisfied and God delt with them in the desert. Many continued to grumble and they suffered death by the destroyer. These examples and warnings found in the Word of God…let us heed them.
We walk our own exodus like our ancestors. Let us all stop our complaints. Yearn the Living Water to satisfy the dryness in our lives. Don’t think we stand safe. Our journey for the spiritual water from the Spiritual Rock—the Christ is obtainable. Let us not stumble my brothers and sisters. Repent not just for these forty-days, but for thereafter. If not, we will surely die as our descendants did during their exodus in their desert.
My brothers and sisters, pause today; offer prayers of Praise and Thanksgiving to God. Appreciate his love and blessings He has poured upon you. Offer up your trials, pains, sorrows, tragedies to the Father. Through the Spiritual Rock-his Son, Repentance and Forgiveness will flow out, for our journey is on-going. God bless you all.
I AM has sent me to you. Ex 3:14
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
March 19, 2022: Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary
At first Joseph was troubled by the news of Mary’s pregnancy, but when the angel came to him with an important message, he felt peace and trust. This Lenten season, we will have gone through many trials in our personal desert. Is our trust and peace of soul diminished thinking we will fail in our walk these forty-days? I pray not. Let us ask St. Joseph who endured many trials help us persevere.
Let us pray: St. Joseph, teach me to obey God’s laws, to trust in his forgiveness and mercy for my sins. When I stumble, pick me up and guide me in my walk of dryness.
Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. Mt 1:20
March 18, 2022: Friday of the Second Week of Lent
Jesus has been humanity’s rock. When the stone was rejected, it was the rejection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Have we rejected Jesus with all our sins? Let us in our forty-day journey make an act of faith in Jesus, the cornerstone. Pray the Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible. I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages. God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father; through hm all things were made. For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven,
(Bow your head) and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate, he suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and his kingdom will have no end.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. I believe in one, holy catholic and apostolic Chruch. I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins, and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.
Did you never read in the scriptures: The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; by the Lord has this been done, and it is wonderful in our eyes? Mt 21:42
March 17, 2022: Thursday of the Second Week of Lent
In Lk 16:19-31, we learn of a disheartening scenario of a rich man throwing food scraps to a poor man. Lazarus, covered in sores took to the little that was tossed at him. After death, the rich man is in the netherworld because of what he did not do. No compassion. No mercy. Wallowed in his worldly possessions. Sadly, he begs for Lazarus who is in the kingdom of God, be sent to warn his family so their fate is not like his.
Which one have we become? Are we covered in sinful sores? Would you have listened or turned from such a warning? The season of Lent is the now time to repent, to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. A time to confess and ask for forgiveness. A time for personal conversion. Walk in Jesus Christ. Time is ticking down.
Let us pray: Come, Holy Spirit. I permit you to look inside my soul. Where I lack your gifts, fill me. Wisdom and Understanding I need. Increase in me these gifts to turn from the wider path. Let me not be like the rich man and refuse compassion, mercy and love toward my brethren. Help me to hear the wisdom of conversion. Help me to bless even the least. Amen.
Then Abraham said, ‘If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead. Lk 16:31
March 16, 2022: Wednesday of the Second Week of Lent
Jesus served his life and death with great humility. He was a man of key attributes. Loving and caring, merciful and forgiving, a great listener and humble.
View the dryness in your Lenten walk with modesty. Repentance requires a great deal of humbleness. Revelations of us will be eye openers. Avoid being a slave to excessive desires of sinful ambition and power. Don’t let it trap and cloud your walk in the desert.
Live a sacrificial love. Suffer for Jesus with humility and renew your commitment to Him for a path of happiness and peace. Pray for salvation by the forgiveness of your sins. In return, let us serve him with evangelizing those who have lost their way. I know you know someone who has difficulty seeing the light of Jesus.
Pray the Memorare or a prayer for those who suffer and are in great need of God’s mercy.
But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave. Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many. Mt 20:26-28
March 15, 2022: Tuesday of the Second Week of Lent
Brothers and sister in Christ, forget not we have one father. The one who breathed life into us. The one who sacrificed his only Son, Jesus Christ to give you and me eternal life. What an all giving father. His caring love, his Word, the map to walk his Son’s Way, receive the Truth and be filled with Life with him. Live with humility. Boast not with pride. Let us extend kindness as our Father extends to us. Be charitable. Be merciful to others, even a stranger, it just might bring a conversion.
Allow this Lenten journey to become closer to God, our Father. Talk to him, he waits for you to invite him home, your heart and soul. Although he may know what you need, let him know you need him. He extends his loving arms in hopes you will extend yours and embrace him with all your love. Forget him not.
God our heavenly Father bless you this day and every day.
Call no one on earth your father; you have but one Father in heaven. Mt 23:9
March 14, 2022: Monday of the Second Week of Lent
Has the world stopped forgiving?
Stopped being merciful?
Does it continue to judge and condemn?
In today’s Gospel, St. Luke noted a powerful teaching Jesus gave. Be merciful, just as [also] your Father is merciful. Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you. Lk 6:36-38
Stay awake in this walk and I hope you are still with me. Let our hearts be opened to forgive with kindness more often, be merciful to the soul that judges and condemns us. Pray and offer up for those in darker darkness the Chaplet of Divine Mercy for conversion. Ask our Heavenly Father to increase compassion and love in you and me and in our enemies.
Be transformed in Christ for the power of prayer is real.
March 13, 2022: Second Sunday of Lent
Can you believe we are nearing the halfway mark through our Lenten walk? Has it been tough? Hard to fast? Difficult to sacrifice a favorite food or treat…junk food? You bet it’s been tough. Yes, I too am weak, but it’s more than giving up “ice cream.”
It’s a time of self-reflection of our soul, of our good, bad and ugly. It’s a precursor to the Illumination of Conscience before the big reveal. Let’s take inventory of our sins now. Fill your day with prayer and scripture and meditate on it. Repent, ask Jesus for forgiveness. Trust in his mercy. Long ago, mankind needed his arrest and his sacrifice on the cross. You and I need this Lenten journey, need his arrest, need his sacrifice on the cross. We need him in the desert in our lives.
If you think about it, what would the world look like now if Jesus put off his fasting in the desert? If he allowed the temptation? If he changed his mind in the Garden of Gethsemane? Did not agonize over the upcoming events in his life?
Let us pray: Heavenly Father, hear our cries in the desert; through your Living Spirit, create in us a clean heart. Renew us this season. Let us not dismiss these forty days. In Jesus name, we pray.
Then from the cloud came a voice that said, ‘This is my chosen Son; listen to him.’” Lk 9:35-36
My brothers and sisters in Christ, I pray you hear His voice.
March 12, 2022: Saturday of the First Week of Lent
How many of us fall into the sinful pit of hating our enemy and feel no love loss?
We are a sacred and chosen people of God. And yet, we are flawed. When someone wrongs us through their selfishness, noisy distractions, hurtful gossip, and much more, we wish them ill. In the back of our mind, we mutter they’ll get what’s coming to them. O’ how often we stumble.
The challenge of a good Christian is to love our enemy with forgiveness. Which one comes first? Love, then Forgiveness? Or Forgiveness, then Love? I believe they are in unison. Yes, it’s hard and I’ve had moments myself. What comes to mind…I know what Jesus would do. I know his mission. Would a disciple of his behave this way? I clearly think not. Remember, we do have free will. Let us not allow the evil one to manipulate us towards hatred.
Let us pray: Jesus, you came to save the sinner. You came for me. You know my pitfalls and they will be tested this Lent season. The dryness of my soul will yearn for your living water. Help me to be like you Jesus, to be compassionate and forgive. Help me to pray for my enemy that he may have conversion. My Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me, a poor sinner. Forgive me Jesus.
You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, Mt 5:43-44
March 11, 2022: Friday of the First Week of Lent
One morning this week, frustration set in when multiple tasks piled more than I expected, and my first cup of coffee went cold. I had not begun my prayers for the day; had not looked to the Gospel Readings, just a woe is me in my mind.
An hour later I began my praying.
Rereading a short closing prayer, I saw these words appear over it. I heard my voice in unison with a greater voice and knew Jesus wanted me to listen. My Lord said to me, “I came to live among you and gave you my life, now let go of your selfish way and follow me. Live my laws, for I am pleased you are my disciple.”
I wrote his words in my journal and reflected on my morning attitude and repeated Jesus’ words. I felt remorse for I did not want to disappoint my Jesus with my selfishness that morning. His message, not only for me, but I know for you as well, for everyone. How appropriate for today’s Readings: Ez 18:21-28 and Mt 5:20-26. Please, read them and come back to the message Jesus spoke to me and you. Are you, his disciple? Heed his request.
Let us pray: Jesus, I am your disciple. This Lenten season you reveal in me what I must not harbor in my soul. O my Lord, I want to hear you. Send your Advocate to guide me and make clearer your voice every moment of my life.
leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Mt 5:24
March 10, 2022: Thursday of the First Week of Lent
Recently the Holy Spirit encouraged me to check on a church friend on her half of a ministry project since I had completed mine. Sadly, she had not begun on hers. Overwhelmed with multiple office tasks, I offered to finish her portion. The work required translation from Spanish to English and removal of any duplicate entries. A daunting task for sure. Relief fell upon her face at my offering and knew her prayer was answered. I’m positive my friend asked for the Holy Spirit’s help to complete all her responsibilities especially this ministry project. And it was given to her.
Let us pray: O great Advocate, you continue to speak to me through God’s Word. Pour your Fruits of Generosity and Kindness upon me as the answer to someone’s needs. Give me the Gift of Wisdom to find what I seek and the Fruit of Goodness to be someone’s opened door when I hear their knock. Holy Spirit, walk with me and my brethren during our Lenten journey, transform us to perform God’s greatness through the smallest acts of kindness for a stranger or a friend.
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. Mt 7:7
March 9, 2022: Wednesday of the First Week of Lent
My brothers and sisters in Christ, the Prophet Jonah, through his obedience to God and guidance, preached a message of repentance to the people of Nineveh. Hearing of God’s wrath, the Ninevites believed. Denouncing their evil and violent ways, they turned to prayer and fasting. This Lenten season, we too must pray and fast, and atone for our sins. Together we can discover our meaning and purpose with how Jesus lived, meditate on his Passion, mourn his Death and rejoice in his Resurrection proclaiming, “I Believe. He is Risen.”
Let us pray: Holy Spirit, today’s generation is filled with confusion that leads a path in the wrong direction. Help us to see the wide roads of our souls, to heed the signs of repentance as we sort through the pileup of sin. Create in us as messengers Holy Spirit, to speak of returning to God and of his outpouring graces, love, compassion and mercy. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
While still more people gathered in the crowd, he said to them, “This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it, except the sign of Jonah. Just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so will the Son of Man be to this generation. Lk:29-30
March 8, 2022: Tuesday of the First Week of Lent
Grudges…one person alone can carry a lifetime of them. If unattended, layers and layers of bitterness crusts our hearts and stifle love and friendships. These resentments line the inside of our souls blocking out the fiery love and light of the Holy Spirit. Imagine every person on this earth attached to just one grudge in their heart with no forgiveness. What happens to the Light? This Lenten journey calls us to face them, peel them from our lives with forgiveness. How many do you carry?
Let us pray: Holy Spirit, you clearly see the layers of grudges rooted in my heart and soul. Not yet released, someone did not meet my expectation on a promise, failed to help, and disappointment clouded my vision of a true friendship. Because someone’s stress spewed an ill attitude, I allowed it to breach my heart placing distance. Did I trade the Light for Darkness pretending I’d get over it? Holy Spirit, this walk in the desert exposes my inner self, accompany me in my journey to forgive and reconcile for the grudges I hold releasing them now. Amen.
If you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. Mt. 6:14
March 7, 2022: Monday of the First Week of Lent
We are sheep and goat. Choose to follow God’s second greatest commandment, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Let us examine our conscience so to better serve and grow in love toward our brethren. In doing so, be blessed for the Kingdom of God, for eternal life with Him.
Heavenly Father, throughout my life, may the smallest acts of love and deeds of mercy for my brethren, without complaint or interruption to my day, be a blessing to the needs of the least and be an example of your greatness in me through you Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
He will answer them, ‘Amen, I say to you, what you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me.’ And these will go off to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.” Mt 25:45-46
March 6, 2022: First Sunday of Lent
O Jesus, once again my Lenten journey takes me to the desert of my life. My forty days does not compare to the forty years Moses led your people to freedom. Contemplation on the sins I carry has parch my soul. Will I be tempted to take the easy way out and rely on the world? I trust you Jesus to walk alongside me on my right while the evil one leans in and snickers on my left with his lies. Be my fortress, my strength to persevere against any temptation for I need you Jesus. I yearn your Living Water to rejuvenate my soul with your mercy and grace. I know you will not reject or abandon me during those long nights when I feel so alone. Reveal to me your light in my darkness Jesus, send me your Holy Spirit so I may be transformed. I know you will not fail me for I am in you, and You are in me. Amen.
Filled with the holy Spirit, Jesus returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the desert for forty days, to be tempted by the devil. Lk 4:1-2
March 5, 2022: Saturday after Ash Wednesday
O my Jesus, I, a poor sinner, you call on me to follow you, forgive me of my transgressions. Pour your mercy on me. I will follow you all my life.
I have not come to call the righteous to repentance but sinners. Lk 5:32
March 4, 2022: Friday after Ash Wednesday
I ushered in this Lenten season with your forthcoming Passion, Jesus. Remembering how you prepared your apostles for your departure; I knew I had my work cut out. You taught them to prepare others with the necessary teachings so they would not be without.
Jesus, as I walk parched in my soul, you prepare these forty days with nourishment for my soul with your love and mercy. I know I am not alone, for I will mourn your sacrifice with fasting, then be joyful of your return.
Jesus answered them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast. Mt 9:15
March 3, 2022: Thursday after Ash Wednesday
Jesus, you were cast out, humiliated, spat on, denied by so many who were afraid of the truth-You. They obeyed the desires worldly possessions gave. Still today, many reject and deny you, spit on you by their foul words, declare you false and idolize worldly possessions.
Jesus, these forty days in the desert, I journey with all my crosses. My sins shackle my soul. I repent. Help me to meditate on your Word. I will follow you all my life.
Then he said to all, “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. Lk 9:23-24
March 2, 2022: Ash Wednesday
Heavenly Father, there is much to ponder during these forty days of Lent. Send your Holy Spirit to open my soul to your voice. Assist me into more vocal prayer. Persevere my will to sustain frequent fasting along with good works for others. May my Lenten sacrifices help those who struggle to repent. Here in my inner room, I sit with you. My Lord Jesus Christ, hear my prayer.
When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners so that others may see them. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you. Mt 6:5-6
Scripture texts in this work are taken from the New American Bible, revised edition © 2010, 1991, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, D.C. and are used by permission of the copyright owner. All Rights Reserved. No part of the New American Bible may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the copyright owner.