Invest just five
minutes a day,
and your faith will deepen and
grow
—a day at a time.
Today's "Take Five for Faith" can be found on the front page of the St Francis web site.
Today's Scripture Readings can be found at
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/today.shtml
Wednesday, February 17
Ash Wednesday
Readjust your priorities
The season of Lent is here, and that means doom-and-gloom and giving stuff up, right? Not so! Prayer, fasting, and almsgiving are three ways the church encourages us to enter into Lent. This season is a time of preparation. It is a time to free ourselves from the things that are not helpful in our lives and move into a deeper relationship with God, our family and friends, and the church community. It is a time to celebrate the gifts God has given us, to examine how well we live those gifts, and to clear away the things that prevent us from being the gifted person we are. Take time today, right now, to consider how God is inviting you to be free and more present to God and to all the people in your life.
"Return to the Lord, your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger."
Thursday, February 18
Thursday after Ash Wednesday
Losing it
What does it mean to "lose one’s life" for the sake of Jesus? In certain times and places it could literally mean martyrdom. But for many of us the phrase might involve something a little different. Lent is a good time to consider a bit of healthy self-denial as one path we can take toward greater awareness of Jesus and his inspiring message. Something as simple as the proverbial giving up of chocolate can serve as a reminder of our deeper spiritual hunger. Acts of charitable service also help. As we get outside our small world and connect with those in great need, we just might find the road to salvation.
"Those who lose their life for my sake will save it."
Friday, February 19
Friday after Ash Wednesday
Not so fast!
Lent is just getting under way, a good time to carefully consider one of its key traditions: fasting. What can fasting mean in our health-conscious culture? The fasting of Lent is not about eating less for its own sake. In the Book of Isaiah, God addresses the mistake of settling for the outward trappings of penance. "Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free . . . ? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover them, and not to hide yourself from your own kin? Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up quickly; your vindicator shall go before you, the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard." Now that’s fasting!
"Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?"
Saturday, February 20
Saturday after Ash Wednesday
The mark of the sinner
The checkout clerk looked at you kind of funny. "You’ve got something on your forehead," she said, unaware of Ash Wednesday. We spend the day with a mixture of pride and embarrassment. We’re proud to be Catholic, but we’re a little uneasy about appearing in public wearing such a strange sign. Some think the ashes mark the righteous, those who go to church. But in reality it expresses our need for repentance. Jesus calls those who need the mercy and compassion of God so that the life-changing power of forgiveness might be experienced. Lent is a time for us to become familiar with that saving power.
"I have come to call not the righteous but sinners to repentance."
Sunday, February 21, 2010
First Sunday of Lent
These 40 days
Fasting for a day can seem an eternity. Imagine doing so for 40! To say Jesus was "famished" at the end of that time is an understatement. Some of us use that phrase to describe how we feel when dinner is late. The lessons Jesus learned in the wilderness stayed with him throughout his ministry. He knew keenly and personally how hunger makes us weak and susceptible to temptation. Is that why he chose the eucharistic feast to share his presence with us? Fast on Fridays. Feast every day.
"He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over, he was famished."
Monday, February 22
Feast of the Chair of Peter, apostle
Thou art Peter
The church celebrates a couple of feast days for buildings, but today is the only one dedicated to a piece of furniture! Of course the "chair" of Peter is a symbol of the pope’s authority, much like a "chairperson" has charge of a meeting. Peter and his successors, the popes, ensure the unity of the church. Because the pope is the "rock" of Matthew’s gospel, it is he who affirms what is believed. He holds the "keys to the kingdom" in that he teaches the world the way of life that leads to fulfillment.
"You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church."
Tuesday, February 23
Feast of Polycarp, bishop, martyr
Living memory
We can be sure that the practice of venerating the relics of saints began very early in the church. The first evidence for it comes from a letter dated around 150 A.D. concerning the martyrdom of Polycarp. The letter relates that following Polycarp’s execution the Romans refused the Christians his body, deciding rather to burn it. The Christians then gathered together his bones, "being more precious than the most exquisite jewels, and more purified than gold." They put these bones in a place of distinction where they would gather together and revere them, especially on the anniversary of Polycarp’s martyrdom. Remember the sacrifices of Christian martyrs and give yourself wholeheartedly to a life of faith.
"My word . . . shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and succeed in the thing for which I sent it."
Wednesday, February 24
Lenten weekday
The sign of Jonah
Jesus comparing himself to Jonah may sound a little mysterious to modern ears, but his original audience would have known what he was talking about pretty quickly. You remember Jonah, don’t you? Rescued by God from the belly of a great fish after three days and nights (sound familiar?). Sent by God to read the riot act to the wicked city of Nineveh. Walked around the place crying, "Forty days more, and Nineveh will be overthrown!"—and lo and behold everyone from the king on down repented as fast as they could, and God decided to spare them. Jonah was so spectacularly successful that he got mad—wasn’t this supposed to be harder? Like Jonah, Jesus calls his hearers to change their lives and return to God. Lent could not have a better goal.
"The people of Nineveh believed God."
Thursday, February 25
Lenten weekday
As good as gold
The Golden Rule of "do unto others," the ethic of reciprocity Jesus summarizes in the gospel, shows up in one form or another in many cultures and religious traditions. Perhaps that happens because it seems to be such a logical and self-evident truth—who among us does not wish to be treated with respect, fairness, dignity, and kindness? Why, then, is it so hard at times to do the same for others? Evidence, perhaps, that each of us is a work in progress. Pray for a generous heart today.
"In everything do to others as you would have them do to you."
Friday, February 26
Lenten weekday
Beyond the law
Jesus was a master at turning ideas upside-down and inviting folks to see things from a new perspective. His teaching on reconciliation is a good example. People knew that they should follow the law "you shall not kill." But Jesus took it further. He urged people to do more than follow laws in order to be free. He urged them to heal divisions, to reconcile with one another so as not to be held captive by anger or vengeance. That can be a very challenging thing to do. It requires us to face the hurt or bad feelings that we have and move forward in our relationships, finding healing and freedom. Consider your own relationships and ask God for the grace to right a broken one.
"If . . . your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled."
Saturday, February 27
Lenten weekday
Honk if you love your enemies
Surely Jesus’ most radical command is to love our enemies. But exactly how are we supposed to do that? One way to begin is by learning from the example of others. A man was waiting in his car at the window of a drive-up Starbucks. His order was taking some time and eventually the person behind him began impatiently blowing his horn. Instead of becoming angry himself, the first man paid for the second one’s drink and drove away. With this profoundly simple but powerful act he set off a chain reaction that lasted the entire day. Today may we pray to offer a loving response to anyone who tries to cause us grief.
"For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have?"
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Second Sunday of Lent
See beyond the surface
Peter gets the Transfiguration wrong, as he does so many things at first. Upon seeing a glimpse of Jesus’ glory, his impulse is to mark the spot, to memorialize it with a shrine. We can understand that, though today we take digital photos and videos, vainly trying to capture a place, a person, or a moment that can never be held—except in the heart. In Lent we remember that our faith is not only a matter of medals, holy cards, a rosary hung from the car’s rearview mirror or worn as a necklace. These do not sum up our faith any more than children are their photographs. Tokens remind us of someone or something important; at their best, they move us to an act of love. Those in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults process are not supported only by browsing through photos in our parish directory but by seeing faith in action: on the street, at work, in the homes of believers.
"Brothers and sisters, join in imitating me, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us."
Monday, March 1
Lenten weekday
Tell it like it is
The biggest saints were often some of the biggest sinners. The difference between them and us may be that they sought liberation through confessing their wrongdoing. Holding onto sin means letting it hold onto us, or as Saint Alphonsus Liguori said, "After we have offended God, the devil labors to keep the mouth closed." The sixth-century monk John Climacus was even more picturesque about it: "Eggs warmed in dung hatch out. Unconfessed evil thoughts hatch evil actions." Don’t let the spirit of jealousy, resentment, or dishonesty hatch out! Run, don’t walk, to the sacrament that liberates!
"Ah, Lord, great and awesome God . . . we have sinned and done wrong."
Tuesday, March 2
Lenten weekday
Understanding God
Although the Pledge of Allegiance has been around since 1892, the words "under God" were not officially added by Congress until 1954. While some have criticized the move as breaching the church-state divide, the notion that we are all under a Supreme Being in fact encourages the egalitarian spirit the United States is known for. The idea that no one is above God reinforces the American belief that no one is above the law either. The sense that we are a people living under God can help us see each other as brothers and sisters and motivate us to work for greater equality and justice for all.
"You have one teacher, and you are all students."
Wednesday, March 3
Feast of Katharine Drexel, virgin
The best of both worlds
Katherine Drexel (1858-1955) went beyond herself in many ways. Beyond her economic class—she gave away millions of dollars of her inheritance to charities. Beyond her race—she founded a religious order of women to help African Americans and Native Americans. When she was 77, however, her life of service changed to one of quiet and prayer after she suffered a heart attack. Katherine’s story shows the importance of both prayer and service, contemplation and action. Find that balance in your own life.
"Whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant."
Thursday, March 4
Lenten weekday
Be a good steward of yourself
In the season of Lent, tradition calls on Christians to fast. Fasting has a long history, going all the way back to biblical times. Jesus fasted in the wilderness before embarking on his ministry. As a spiritual discipline fasting points to a period of preparation—in Lent, preparation to celebrate the Easter mysteries. It reminds you to clear away distractions and look more closely at yourself and where things come from and where they go. Think of all the "resources" in your life: time, money, food, possessions, even love. Are you using them well? Now’s the time to find out.
"I the Lord test the mind and search the heart, to give to all . . . according to the fruit of their doings."
You may be tempted to believe you have "failed" Lent; you might have relaxed your resolutions or Lenten practices. But you should not think that your Lent is over the instant you stumble. The third- and fourth-century church father Saint John Chrysostom reminds us that our task is rather simple: "Have you sinned? Mourn and annul the sin. How toilsome is this? . . . I am not telling you to cleave the oceans, or to navigate slowly into port from the high seas, or to march, or to depart on an endless journey . . . Then what? Mourn the sin." Always be willing to reevaluate your goals for this Lent, keeping in mind that repentance is all that is asked of you.
"Jesus said to them, ‘Have you never read in the scriptures: The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone?’ "
Saturday, March 6
Lenten weekday
Restrain a prodigious appetite
The gospel story of the "prodigal son" provides a vivid illustration of the limits of acquisitiveness and self-indulgence. The son first demands his inheritance from his father while his father is still alive (ouch!). If that weren’t enough, he then quickly runs through it in the biblical equivalent of a Las Vegas weekend splurge. Only when he hungers to fill his empty stomach does he come to his senses. In a similar way, feeling a bit of hunger—the effect of the traditional Lenten discipline of fasting—might help us reflect on our own shortcomings and make adjustments and amends as necessary. Consider skipping a meal today for the sake of your spirit.
"He would gladly have filled himself with the pods that the pigs
were eating."
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Third Sunday of Lent
The sweet smell of prayer
We tend to pray for the people we like. Or at least we pray for family and friends, even—or especially—if they’re troublesome. Maybe for Lent we should try praying for the people we don’t like, those at work or school or in the neighborhood who just rub us the wrong way. They are like the unfruitful trees in the gospel story: We encounter them hoping for something sweet, but we get something sour. Our prayers for them are like . . . well, fertilizer. A season of prayer would do them—and us—a world of good.
"Sir, let it alone for one more year, until I dig around it and put manure on it. If it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down."
Monday, March 8
Feast of John of God, religious
Love first and ask questions later
Saint John of God (1495-1550) had a habit of jumping in to help whenever he saw the need. During a hospital stay he got up to care for the other patients around him. On another occasion, when the same hospital was on fire, he dropped what he was doing, raced to the scene, and rushed into the burning building to carry out patients on his back and then again to try to save the structure. A prayer to John says: "Saint John, help us to act out of love as soon as we feel the promptings of the Holy Spirit." Have you ever held back when you could have helped? Promise yourself you’ll leap at future chances to do something good.
"Go, wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored and you shall be clean."
Tuesday, March 9
Feast of Frances of Rome, religious
Give it up for Frances
Frances was born in Rome in 1384 to wealthy parents. At an early age she wanted to be a nun, but her parents arranged a marriage instead. She would lose two children to the plague, which sensitized her to the needs of the less fortunate. With her sister she visited the poor and took care of the sick, inspiring other wealthy women to do the same. Frances can serve as our inspiration to practice a little good-old-fashioned Lenten almsgiving.
"Should you not have had mercy on your fellow slave, as I had mercy on you?"
Wednesday, March 10
Lenten weekday
Each one, teach one
God bless those who take the time and trouble to teach! The neighbor who shares the secret to flaky pie crust; the guy at the hardware store who explains the mysteries of doorknob mechanisms; and the high school history teacher who opens up a love for the treasures of the past—all give us something wonderful for the road ahead. The greatest teachers are those who instruct us not only in how-to-do but who-to-be: loving, compassionate, responsible, and just children of God. Consider the best lessons you’ve been taught and pass them along.
"Whoever [keeps these commandments] and teaches others to do the same, will be great in the Kingdom of heaven."
Thursday, March 11
Lenten weekday
It’s up to you
Lent’s traditional fasting, prayer, and almsgiving can help us slow down and consider whether the thousands of choices we make in a day are in tune with God. In prayer we listen in silence for God’s perspective on how to live. Fasting prods us to abandon quick, self-indulgent answers to life’s questions and problems. Almsgiving asks what we value and whether we are generous. Tuned in to our often automatic decision-making, we may realize how much each choice matters. The amazing ability of a computer is actually the result of myriad "switches," each set at either one or zero. Change only one, and the result changes. So also we, by paying attention to our choices, may choose to undo some of our scatteredness, our noisiness, our sadness—and soften a stony heart.
"Whoever is not with me is against me."
Friday, March 12
Lenten weekday
Now hear this
When challenged by the scribes to name the most important of the commandments, Jesus begins by quoting the prayer that is known as the Shema Yisrael for its opening words: "Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone." To this day observant Jews consider the Shema their most important prayer, reciting it twice daily, and it is traditional for Jews to recite it as their last words. If we want to understand the life and times of Jesus, a good place to start is to learn about Judaism. Study up today!
"You are right, Teacher; you have truly said that ‘he is one, and besides him there is no other.’ "
Saturday, March 13
Lenten weekday
Lent, here and now
How’s Lent going for you? Has it been easy to enter into this year, or has it not even been on your radar screen? Wherever you are, it’s OK. Today is a new day. If you’re having difficulty, look to the prophet Hosea. Hosea gives us two things on which to focus our attention and efforts. First, he calls us to be persons of steadfast love. We can express steadfast love by attending a Lenten celebration with our parish community, reaching out to someone in need, or doing something especially considerate for our loved ones. Second, Hosea calls us to knowledge of God; not simply to know about God but to know God, to be in relationship with God. We can do that by being aware, right now, that we are in God’s presence.
"For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings."
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Fourth Sunday of Lent
The Prodigal Father’s parable
Accused of hanging out with sinners, Jesus tells one of his best stories. "A man had two sons," the elder (oh-so-good) and the younger (not-so-much). It’s a story about extravagance and wastefulness—prodigality—but not the son’s. The "prodigal father’s" affection and forgiveness go overboard, a spendthrift with his love. The parable closes with a party dad throws for his son who "once was lost and now is found" but the older son refuses to join the celebration, so that the father has to beg him to go beyond his joyless (self-)righteousness. The father actually runs out to meet a son twice: once to kiss the errant, broken younger one and then to bring into the warmth that stubborn elder one. Jesus still "consorts with sinners," no manner which kind we are.
"This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them."
Monday, March 15
Lenten weekday
Yes we can, with God’s help
Our faith might be more conditional than we’d like to admit. We may expect it to magically solve all our problems, perhaps by way of miraculous signs and wonders such as the Galileans expected of Jesus. It’s understandable, but that is not how faith always works. It’s not only about a miracle fix but rather about facing and resolving life’s challenges with confidence that we do not face them alone—God is at our side. So rather than hope for a miracle today, work on resolving a problem yourself, with confidence and serenity that God is with you.
"The Galileans welcomed him, since they had seen all that he had done in Jerusalem at the festival."
Tuesday, March 16
Lenten weekday
Healing is within reach
What do you do when what you need is beyond your grasp? That was the problem for the man who’d been waiting by the healing pool of Bethesda for 38 long years. The waters were only beneficial if you reached them when the angel had stirred them. At the pace this poor fellow moved, someone always beat him to it. The arrival of Jesus changed the rules of the game. No more did healing depend on special moments, healing mediums, or preferential considerations. The word of Jesus sufficed to make the sick man whole. His word remains the one that saves.
"Immediately the man got well; he picked up his mat and started walking."
Wednesday, March 17
Feast of Patrick, bishop
Get a strong start
"Saint Patrick’s Breastplate," an Irish morning prayer from the eighth century, is a testament to Patrick’s almost palpable sense of closeness to God: "Christ shield me this day . . ./ Christ with me,/ Christ before me,/ Christ behind me,/ Christ in me,/ Christ beneath me,/ Christ above me . . ." and on the litany goes. Just as Jesus describes how he cannot do anything except through the Father, so Patrick prays that anything he does goes through the Son. Jesus is Patrick’s protector, his friend, and above all, Patrick believes that it is Jesus whom he will encounter through "every eye that sees" him each day. What breastplate can you fashion today that will help strengthen your faith? Perhaps you can begin with a morning prayer.
"Whatever the Father does, the Son does likewise."
Thursday, March 18
Feast of Cyril of Jerusalem, bishop, doctor of the church
Hat trick
There aren’t many saints venerated by Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, and Anglicans alike, but Cyril of Jerusalem (313-386) is one. If that weren’t enough of a distinction, Cyril is also honored as a doctor of the church. Why so special? He was a key voice in resolving a number of doctrinal disputes in the early church and helped advance the belief that the consecrated bread and wine are not mere symbols but the actual body and blood of Christ. The next time you receive Communion, give a nod of thanks to Cyril for helping illuminate the experience. You’ll be in good company doing so.
"There is another who testifies on my behalf."
Friday, March 19
Solemnity of Joseph, husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Just do it
Although Saint Joseph does not say a word in the gospels, we know that he was both a deeply spiritual and an immensely practical person. How else could he have managed to take Mary on that difficult and dangerous journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem, find shelter, help her give birth to their son, change plans, transport his family safely to Egypt in the middle of the night, and support them in exile for years until it was finally safe to return to Nazareth? Joseph’s actions speak volumes. Reflect on these words of Leonardo da Vinci: "Knowing is not enough, we must apply. Being willing is not enough, we must do."
"I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me."
Saturday, March 20
Lenten weekday
Not what you had planned
The path from plan to reality can be rough and sometimes goes off in unexpected directions. That’s especially true when people insist something has to be so because that’s the way they want it or can’t imagine anything different. Jesus found himself in this situation when people were arguing about whether he fit the description of who they thought the Messiah or a prophet was supposed to be. Unfortunately this discussion blinded them to actually believing in him. Try to get past always seeing how things are supposed to be (and frequently aren’t) to how they really are.
"Search and you will see that no prophet is to arise from Galilee."
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Fifth Sunday of Lent
Here’s a little secret
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow once observed: "If we could read the secret history of our enemies we should find in each man’s life sorrow and suffering enough to disarm all hostility." While we cannot always know or understand the circumstances of our enemies’ lives, we are nevertheless called to forgive them, as Jesus forgave the woman caught in adultery—and every other sinner he encountered. To know the secret lives of others is really God’s purview. Yet, because God forgives everyone (ourselves included!), who are we to hold a grudge?
"Neither do I condemn you. Go your way, and from now on do not sin again."
Monday, March 22
Lenten weekday
Take a shine to it
Few words in the English language have as many positive connotations as light. Pull out your dictionary and see for yourself: "radiance or illumination," "daybreak or dawn," "a person who is an outstanding leader—a leading light," "a gleam or sparkle, as in the eyes," "to brighten with animation or joy," "spiritual illumination or awareness." We begin to see the wisdom of describing Jesus as the light of the world, the one who brings the light of life. That’s good news to brighten any day. Let it brighten yours!
"Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness."
Tuesday, March 23
Feast of Toribio de Mogrovejo, bishop
Downwardly mobile
Born in 1538 in Spain, Saint Toribio was a professor and well-known judge. His leadership qualities, however, attracted attention and led to an unexpected development: appointment as archbishop of the far-flung territory of colonial Peru. Though he asked to be excused from the task, he nonetheless set off for the New World, where he roamed the vast diocese, teaching, bringing the sacraments, building churches and hospitals, and learning the many languages of the native people he served—and whom he tried to protect from abuses at the hands of the conquistadores. If you ever feel called to forsake prestige for service, accept the challenge with gratitude and enthusiasm.
"The people spoke against God and against Moses, ‘Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness?’ "
Wednesday, March 24
Lenten weekday
Let Lent work
"You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." These words provoked intense controversy when Jesus said them because his hearers—who already believed in him—didn’t consider themselves unfree! People who are addicted often have no awareness of their disease. They think everyone else has the same compulsions and desires as they do. Often it takes a serious shock, even an intervention, to help the person see the truth and start heading toward freedom. If we are allowing Lent to do its work of shedding light, of holding our lives against the plumb-line of the gospel, we may at first feel sad or shocked or afraid of what we find, but on the other side is freedom.
"If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples."
Thursday, March 25
Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord
God’s favor rests on you
How do you get God’s favor? Start by becoming "full of grace." It’s not as unlikely as it sounds. Grace means divine help. If we rely on God and not on people and things—all of which are passing—we’re as good as there. When our reliance is truly on God there won’t be room for those nagging second thoughts. Imagine a life free of anxiety, fear, doubt, and moral paralysis! That was the life Mary of Nazareth knew, trusting every day that the divine promises to her would be fulfilled. Go on: Take a daily step farther into grace.
"The angel said to her, ‘Don’t be afraid, Mary; God has been gracious to you.’ "
Friday, March 26
Lenten weekday
Don’t take sides
Jeremiah and the prophets often spoke out against the injustices of their day, be they injustices against God or the people. Sometimes we can identify with those who are oppressed because we’ve had experiences of being oppressed. And, as uncomfortable as it may be to consider, sometimes we can identify with the oppressors. It can be we who denounce, who enact revenge, who pick up stones against others. This Lent, be conscious that Jesus invites us to know the full truth about ourselves and take concrete steps—small ones and big ones—to be reconciled with ourselves, with others, and with God.
"O Lord of hosts . . . you see the heart and the mind."
Saturday, March 27
Lenten weekday
Let’s reframe the question
People often ask why the Jewish leaders didn’t believe in Jesus. A gospel story gives us one explanation: to do so would have brought destruction down on them from the Romans. The empire tolerated the Jewish religion, but they weren’t going to allow a new religion. So for the leaders it was either eliminate Jesus or lose the nation. Hmm . . . not exactly a win-win calculation. What impossible situations have presented themselves to you? Lent is a good time to reframe the questions you face, and with the help of prayer and scripture find just and life-giving solutions.
"If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and destroy both our holy place and our nation."
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion
Called to serve
The prophet Isaiah’s four "servant songs" (Isaiah 42:17; 49:1-6; 50:4-9; 52:13-53:12) describe the qualities of the ideal servant leader. To begin with this person is the "chosen one with whom I am pleased, upon whom I have put my spirit; he shall bring forth justice to the nations" (42:1b). It’s not surprising that the early Christians saw in the servant songs a remarkable similarity to Jesus’ life and ministry. The third song (which is proclaimed today) talks of a suffering servant. This passage helped Jesus’ followers understand his death on the cross in a new and hopeful way. We are all God’s servants; how is this truth expressed in your life?
"The Lord God helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced."
Monday, March 29
Monday of Holy Week
Honestly assess your motives
It’s good to keep in mind that Jesus chose a thief to be one of his 12 apostles. Otherwise we might think Jesus chose us because we’re so good! It’s also ironic that Judas’ false protest that the money spent to anoint Jesus should have been given to the poor elicited this famous rebuke from Jesus: "You will always have the poor with you." We use that quote today to put off giving to the poor. In reality the money we possess has been entrusted to us to help the needy. When we refuse to do so, we are thieves like Judas. There’s one week left to repent.
"He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief."
Tuesday, March 30
Tuesday of Holy Week
Look to yourself
We move into Holy Week with a sober reminder of our imperfect nature, exemplified by predictions of Judas’ betrayal and Peter’s denial of Jesus. It would be easy to point a finger at their failings while denying our own potential to do the same. At one time or another we all disappoint those who count on us for support. Today is a good day to make some amends for past shortcomings or betrayals. Then you can move toward Easter with a lighter spirit and a more joyful heart.
"Very truly, I tell you, one of you will betray me."
Wednesday, March 31
Wednesday of Holy Week
Listen up
As Holy Week continues you might stop to think about the importance of listening for your Lenten journey. In prayer you listen for the Spirit of God and the promptings of your own heart. In almsgiving you listen for the voices of those in need and then respond. In fasting you listen to your own spiritual and physical hungers to sort out what is truly important. In these last few days of Lent take some time to listen.
"The Lord God has opened my ear."
Thursday, April 1
Holy Thursday
Live the memory
The liturgy of Holy Thursday is rich in symbolism and meaning. The stories of the first Passover and of Jesus celebrating the Passover with his friends contain images foundational to our self-understanding as Christians, images that for centuries have inspired our prayer, art, imagination, and theology. Today we do not merely remember the story of the Last Supper and the washing of feet; we open ourselves to God’s presence here and now, which we experience in communion with our family and friends over a meal, during a liturgy, and by caring for one another and for those in need. May Holy Thursday be nourishing to you this day and may you find ways to make present the reality of God’s deep love for you and for the world.
"This day shall be a day of remembrance for you."
Friday, April 2
Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion
Allow yourself to be raised up
On this most solemn of days we focus on the Passion and death of Jesus. But remember what happens tomorrow night: resurrection. The story is not over until that happens. Beyond the darkness of Good Friday will shine Easter light. God reaches out a hand to raise us up out of suffering, sin, even death, and calls us back to God. And the crucified Jesus shows us God’s love: "No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends," Jesus says in the Gospel of John (15:13). Jesus is the human hand of God; all we need to do is grasp it.
"See, my servant shall prosper; he shall be exalted and lifted up."
Saturday, April 3
Vigil in the Holy Night of Easter
Nothing but the truth
In a world that so often teeters between white lies and damnable ones, God speaks the truth. God is truth, so when God says, Let there be light, prepare to be dazzled! And when Jesus says, I am the light of the world, trust that we can follow him through the dark valley of death and find our way. Jesus also says to his friends: You are the light of the world—which means it’s up to us now to carry "Christ our light" higher than the darkest deceptions of our times. He is risen! Who needs to hear this message tonight?
"Then God commanded, ‘Let there be light’—and light appeared."
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