Good Friday, April 22:

Yet it was our infirmities that he bore, our sufferings that he endured, while we thought of him as stricken, as one smitten by God and afflicted. But he was pierced for our offenses, crushed for our sins; upon him was the chastisement that makes us whole, by his stripes we were healed. We had all gone astray like sheep, each following his own way; but the LORD laid upon him the guilt of us all. Though he was harshly treated, he submitted and opened not his mouth; like a lamb led to the slaughter or a sheep before the shearers, he was silent and opened not his mouth. Oppressed and condemned, he was taken away, and who would have thought any more of his destiny? When he was cut off from the land of the living, and smitten for the sin of his people, a grave was assigned him among the wicked and a burial place with evildoers, though he had done no wrong nor spoken any falsehood. But the LORD was pleased to crush him in infirmity. If he gives his life as an offering for sin, he shall see his descendants in a long life, and the will of the LORD shall be accomplished through him.

Holy Thursday, April 21: by Greg H

Before the feast of Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to pass from this world to the Father. He loved his own in the world and he loved them to the end. The devil had already induced Judas, son of Simon the Iscariot, to hand him over. So, during supper, fully aware that the Father had put everything into his power and that he had come from God and was returning to God, he rose from supper and took off his outer garments. He took a towel and tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and dry them with the towel around his waist. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Master, are you going to wash my feet?” Jesus answered and said to him, “What I am doing, you do not understand now, but you will understand later.” Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “Unless I wash you, you will have no inheritance with me.” Simon Peter said to him, “Master, then not only my feet, but my hands and head as well.” Jesus said to him, “Whoever has bathed has no need except to have his feet washed, for he is clean all over; so you are clean, but not all.” For he knew who would betray him; for this reason, he said, “Not all of you are clean.” So when he had washed their feet and put his garments back on and reclined at table again, he said to them, “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.”

Especially in the midst of our own suffering and turmoils, it can be easy to forget all that Christ did for us. As well as all that He gave up for us. Had He chosen, he could have avoided all the suffering, all the indignities and pain. Instead, he performed the ultimate act of love by giving up His own life for ours and taking on all our sins. He loves us not only in spite of our sins and flaws, but in the midst of them. All He asks in return, especially in this Lenten season, is our love in return. Small price to pay for all He gave us.

CHALLENGE: Take 3 minutes today to reflect on what it means that God would humble Himself so much to wash the dirty feet of His disciples (the same men that Jesus knew would deny knowing him and who were nowhere to be found hours later when he was arrested)

Wednesday, April 20: by Sarah B.

The Lord GOD has given me a well-trained tongue, that I might know how to speak to the weary a word that will rouse them. Morning after morning he opens my ear that I may hear; And I have not rebelled, have not turned back. I gave my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who plucked my beard; my face I did not shield from buffets and spitting. The Lord GOD is my help, therefore I am not disgraced; I have set my face like flint, knowing that I shall not be put to shame. He is near who upholds my right; if anyone wishes to oppose me, let us appear together. Who disputes my right? Let him confront me. See, the Lord GOD is my help; who will prove me wrong?


We must taste the bitter if we are to enjoy the sweet. Scripture, on this last day before the beginning of the Triduum, allows us to see what will happen to us if we choose to follow Christ’s mission. This passage sets the tone for what begins tomorrow evening with the feast of the Lord’s Supper. In this passage Isaiah is describing the humble ministry of Christ as the suffering servant. Isaiah describes his mission to “…speak to the weary a word that will rouse them.” Who are the weary? The weary are those who at times turn away from Christ, those who do not fully believe that God has his hand in every second of our life. We are ALL the” weary” in whom this passage is referring to. But what is the “word” that will rouse us? It is our hope in God.
Isaiah feels the pains of humiliation and persecution that he undergoes for the sake of God’s word. Those he loves turn away from him, but he somehow finds strength, he is steadfast in the mission that God gave him because of his faith in God. Like Isaiah we will be condemned if we choose to follow Christ, we may lose hope at times. In the midst of all pain and suffering which this decision might incur, we must remember that in the midst of it, the fight has already been fought. A man moved by love and compassion, offered himself as a sacrifice in our place. Like Isaiah we do not deserve or earn the humiliation that we receive for being Christians. But just as Isaiah, we are called to love, serve, honor, and obey the One who gives us hope and saved us.

CHALLENGE: Take a few minutes after mass or communion this weekend to really think of the sacrifice that we were just brought into. Meditate on Christ resting inside of you and the strength that he has just bestowed on you through the Eucharist. Thank Him in a new way for all that he has given you and ask Him to reveal to you the mission he has for in his plan of salvation. Do you
have the strength to boldly speak to the “weary” about Christ in today’s world?

Tuesday, April 19: by Kathy H.

Hear me, O islands, listen, O distant peoples. The Lord called me from birth, from my mother’s womb he gave me my name. He made of me a sharp-edged sword and concealed me in the shadow of his arm. He made me a polished arrow, in his quiver he hid me. You are my servant, he said to me, Israel, through whom I show my glory. Though I thought I had toiled in vain, and for nothing, uselessly, spent my strength, yet my reward is with the Lord, my recompense is with my God. For now the Lord has spoken who formed me as his servant from the womb, that Jacob may be brought back to him and Israel gathered to him; and I am made glorious in the sight of the Lord, and my God is now my strength! It is too little, he says, for you to be my servant, to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and restore the survivors of Israel; I will make you a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.


Thoughts: God created you and has called you. From the very moment of your conception, he has known you. He has great plans for your life. Throughout the Gospel you can hear the call of Jesus to take up your cross and follow him. It is a call to take all the bad stuff, all the sin in life and offer it back up to God to attain freedom. It is to offer up the pain and suffering life brings so you can live in joy and peace. It is his desire for you to live a full life – having fun – celebrating this precious gift he has given. In this way, you will be a true light to the world, loving and living in joy even through the suffering. Blessed Mother Theresa said, "Life is the most beautiful gift of God."

Prayer: Dear God, please help me to see my life as the gift that it is. Thank you for loving me and creating me. Please help me to be your good and faithful servant, and to so in joy, bringing your light to the world. Amen

Challenge: cover your hands in dirt (or charcoal) and rub them together to release the excess dirt. Look at all the lines in your hands and your finger prints. (dirt/charcoal helps you see the it better) Know God designed you just the way you are. He knows every line and curve. Not even identical twins have the same finger prints.

Mediation song: its about Christians just having fun.
http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=FBB10JNU

Monday, April 18: by Paul C

Thus says God, the LORD, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spreads out the earth with its crops, who gives breath to its people and spirit to those who walk on it: I, the LORD, have called you for the victory of justice, I have grasped you by the hand; I formed you, and set you as a covenant of the people, a light for the nations, to open the eyes of the blind, to bring out prisoners from confinement, and from the dungeon, those who live in darkness.


Reflection: The victory of justice? A light for the nations? It seems as if God is asking the impossible. After all, I'm just one person and my efforts can't amount to much. But remember that God doesn't see us the way we do. Remember God uses those whom we would call weak to shame the strong. All we have to do is try. We are not the judge our efforts. We do the best we can and trust the Lord to use us in His plan.

CHALLENGE: Don't dismiss the power of a kind word or just a smile. Smile at someone you don't know well or greet them by name, even if their first name is the only thing you know about them. It can really make someone's day,: and yours, too.

Saturday, April 16: by Chip S.

No longer shall they defile themselves with their idols, their abominations, and all their transgressions. I will deliver them from all their sins of apostasy, and cleanse them so that they may be my people and I may be their God. My servant David shall be prince over them, and there shall be one shepherd for them all; they shall live by my statutes and carefully observe my decrees. They shall live on the land that I gave to my servant Jacob, the land where their fathers lived; they shall live on it forever, they, and their children, and their children’s children, with my servant David their prince forever. I will make with them a covenant of peace; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them, and I will multiply them, and put my sanctuary among them forever. My dwelling shall be with them; I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Thus the nations shall know that it is I, the LORD, who make Israel holy, when my sanctuary shall be set up among them forever.


This passage was written by Ezekiel during the Babylonian Exile – when the Jews were being held captive in Babylon and unable to return to the Promised Land of Israel.  Through Ezekiel, the Lord reaffirms His love for them (“…they may be my people and I may be their God.”) and reminds them that they remain His chosen people who will one day return to the land He promised them. We too are living in exile: sin holds us captive and prevents us from living in the Eden (Paradies) that God created for us.  However, unlike the Jews of Babylon, we’re no longer waiting for our Savior.  We have access to Heaven on Earth because Jesus chooses to be truly present to us in the Eucharist!
 
Challenge:  A soul free from sin knows true joy, which is perhaps the best glimpse we can get of Heaven while on Earth.  When was the last time you went to confession?  There are still plenty of opportunities to get there before Easter!

Friday, April 15: by Nate

I hear the whisperings of many: “Terror on every side! Denounce! let us denounce him!” All those who were my friends are on the watch for any misstep of mine. “Perhaps he will be trapped; then we can prevail, and take our vengeance on him.” But the LORD is with me, like a mighty champion: my persecutors will stumble, they will not triumph. In their failure they will be put to utter shame, to lasting, unforgettable confusion. O LORD of hosts, you who test the just, who probe mind and heart, Let me witness the vengeance you take on them, for to you I have entrusted my cause.


Sometimes when things aren't going our way it is easy to feel alone, abandoned.  Jeremiah finds himself in one of those spots in this reading as he cries out to God for help.  In just one week we will celebrate Good Friday where we remember Christ's death on the cross for us.  In his death, he joins with us in the worst of our suffering and he joins us in our cry to God for help.  He lets us know that we are never alone in those moments but that even in that aloneness, he is there.

Challenge:  Are you feeling alone or hurting?  Spend some time thinking of Christ on the cross and thank him for being so near even when he feels so far.  Do you know someone who is alone or hurting?  Be Christ to them by spending time with them.  Join your prayers with theirs and with Jeremiah's awaiting God's redemption.

Thursday, April 14: by Christina M.

When Abram prostrated himself, God spoke to him: “My covenant with you is this: you are to become the father of a host of nations. No longer shall you be called Abram; your name shall be Abraham, for I am making you the father of a host of nations. I will render you exceedingly fertile; I will make nations of you; kings shall stem from you. I will maintain my covenant with you and your descendants after you throughout the ages as an everlasting pact, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you. I will give to you and to your descendants after you the land in which you are now staying, the whole land of Canaan, as a permanent possession; and I will be their God.” God also said to Abraham: “On your part, you and your descendants after you must keep my covenant throughout the ages.”

God promises to be faithful to Abraham and to honor the covenant he has made.  He promises to bless him in abundant ways.  However, in return he asks Abraham to keep his part of the deal.  It can often be hard to follow through with our commitments.  Whether it is finishing a task for our parents, completing our homework before we do other things, or even making sure we pray during the day, it sometimes seems like it's hard to be responsible.  Part of growing in holiness is being a man or woman of our word and following through with our commitments, no matter how small or large they may seem.  

Challenge:  Identify some of your commitments/responsibilities as a student, friend, and being part of a family.  Think of some of the promises you've made to people in the past that have been hard for you to keep.  Pick one and work on being faithful to that commitment for the next couple of days.  

Wednesday, April 13:by Brian

Jesus said to those Jews who believed in him, “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.” They answered him, “We are descendants of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How can you say, ‘You will become free’?” Jesus answered them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin. A slave does not remain in a household forever, but a son always remains. So if the Son frees you, then you will truly be free. I know that you are descendants of Abraham. But you are trying to kill me, because my word has no room among you. I tell you what I have seen in the Father’s presence; then do what you have heard from the Father.”


“The truth will set you free.” What does it mean to be free? Is freedom the ability to do whatever you want, whenever you want? How can sin be slavery if sin is always a free choice? When Jesus talks about the slavery of sin, is He just talking about major sins or just everybody else’s sins? The fact is that sin ALWAYS leads to slavery. We often commit sin thinking that it is just a one-time deal that we can just choose to commit once and then go on with our day. Think of one habitual sin that you regularly commit. Why do you keep choosing this sin over and over? Why haven’t you stopped already? Jesus offers us freedom, but we have to choose to be free.

CHALLENGE: Take a minute and think of one sin that you regularly commit; think of one that you keep coming back to over and over. Do you really want to be free? Ask God to bring you FREEDOM in that area of your life. Take a minute to imagine what it would be like to live in freedom without that sin. Ask God for the grace to be free from attachment to that sin. Thank God for coming to make us free.

Tuesday, April 12: by Sarah McM.

In punishment the LORD sent among the people saraph serpents, which bit the people so that many of them died. Then the people came to Moses and said, “We have sinned in complaining against the LORD and you. Pray the LORD to take the serpents away from us.” So Moses prayed for the people, and the LORD said to Moses, “Make a saraph and mount it on a pole, and whoever looks at it after being bitten will live.” Moses accordingly made a bronze serpent and mounted it on a pole, and whenever anyone who had been bitten by a serpent looked at the bronze serpent, he lived.

This passage is later interpreted in Wisdom where it explains that it was not the serpent who healed the people, but rather the mercy of God. The serpent was a sign of the salvation he offers to all people. The serpent was raised by Moses as a symbol of Christ who was to be risen on a cross for our salvation. When Christ is raised above all things he naturally becomes the focal point. Is this something you do in your own life?

CHALLENGE: Today I would challenge you to reflect on the position Christ holds in your life. Is he behind you? Is he next to you? Or is he raised up in front of you so that you and all those around you are drawn to him? If he isn't held in the highest place in your life what is one thing you can do to get him there?

Monday, April 11: by Gigi A.

Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. But early in the morning he arrived again in the temple area, and all the people started coming to him, and he sat down and taught them. Then the scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery and made her stand in the middle. They said to him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. Now in the law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?” They said this to test him, so that they could have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and began to write on the ground with his finger. But when they continued asking him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Again he bent down and wrote on the ground. And in response, they went away one by one, beginning with the elders. So he was left alone with the woman before him. Then Jesus straightened up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She replied, “No one, sir.” Then Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on do not sin any more.”

John 8:7 "Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone"
Sometimes, conciously or unconciously, we are like the Scribes and the Pharisees who look down on others. Let us for a minute reflect on that. Do we throw big stones at others? Isn't the mere act of stoning uncharitable whether we do it inconspicuously or throw a small stone? Do we sugarcoat, justify or minimize our condemnations? What about our own sins? Do we continue to "beat ourselves up" after having received His forgiveness in the Sacrament of Reconciliation? Jesus was very clear with His message. Show love and mercy. This is not easy and we can't do it with our own will and strength. Let us ask Him to give us the grace to detest the sin and to love the sinner.
 
Challenge: Today, let us be aware of one thought or act of condemnation and try to look at the person through Jesus' eyes. Oh! and try to go to Penance Service tonight at 7:30 in the Worship Center. He is awesome and merciful.
John 8:11 Then Jesus said, "Neither do I condemn you. Go, from now on do not sin anymore."
 

Saturday, April 9: by Robyn H

I knew their plot because the LORD informed me; at that time you, O LORD, showed me their doings. Yet I, like a trusting lamb led to slaughter, had not realized that they were hatching plots against me: “Let us destroy the tree in its vigor; let us cut him off from the land of the living, so that his name will be spoken no more.” But, you, O LORD of hosts, O just Judge, searcher of mind and heart, Let me witness the vengeance you take on them, for to you I have entrusted my cause!

Reflection:  This reading is from the prophet Jeremiah after the Lord has instructed to him to speak to Judah about their wrongdoings and how they've turned from the Lord. It can be daunting to stand up for what's right whether we're an Old Testament prophet or a high school student. But, when we pursue truth and goodness and place our trust in the Lord, He will not fail us. As David says in Pslam 27 "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom do I fear?"
 
 
 
Challenge: Honestly ask yourself today "Do I trust in the Lord"?
If yes, tell Him: "Jesus, I trust in you."  If no, talk to Him about what's holding you back. The Lord is a great listener.
 

Friday, April 8: by Rebecca Black

Jesus moved about within Galilee; he did not wish to travel in Judea, because the Jews were trying to kill him. But the Jewish feast of Tabernacles was near. But when his brothers had gone up to the feast, he himself also went up, not openly but as it were in secret. Some of the inhabitants of Jerusalem said, "Is he not the one they are trying to kill? And look, he is speaking openly and they say nothing to him. Could the authorities have realized that he is the Christ? But we know where he is from. When the Christ comes, no one will know where he is from." So Jesus cried out in the temple area as he was teaching and said, "You know me and also know where I am from. Yet I did not come on my own, but the one who sent me, whom you do not know, is true. I know him, because I am from him, and he sent me." So they tried to arrest him, but no one laid a hand upon him, because his hour had not yet come.


Jesus must’ve seemed crazy. He went from being a humble carpenter to being a wanted man that had to sneak into Jerusalem. But once He rolls into town, He doesn’t hide out or keep quiet. He goes to the Temple, the center of the city, and CRIES OUT fearlessly. Why? Why didn’t He just lay low and wait till He was in a safer place or a town that appreciated Him more? He steps out and risks His life because He will stop at nothing to let people know what God is all about. He isn’t content with just preaching to people who admire Him, He is just as passionate about reaching those that want to take His life. He wants to cry out in Fairfax today, especially in those neighborhoods, homes, and hearts that most badly need to know who He is. And just like He was sent from the Father on a mission, so too are we sent out at the end of every mass. Do we really believe that we are sent, or do we just try to keep out of trouble from Sunday to Sunday?

CHALLENGE: Cry out once today. I don’t mean that you need to scream, but that would be cool I guess. Cry out by sharing the truth with one person today. Maybe that means you tell someone about your own faith even if it’s awkward and uncomfortable. Maybe it means that you let someone know that they are valuable even when everyone else seems to treat them otherwise. The time is now. After all, you’re on a mission.

Thursday, April 7: by MaryClaire G

“I do not accept human praise; moreover, I know that you do not have the love of God in you. I came in the name of my Father, but you do not accept me; yet if another comes in his own name, you will accept him. How can you believe, when you accept praise from one another and do not seek the praise that comes from the only God? Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father: the one who will accuse you is Moses, in whom you have placed your hope. For if you had believed Moses, you would have believed me, because he wrote about me. But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words?”


Keeping our faith and trust alive in God can be very difficult in the secular world we live in and many times, we feel as if He has abandoned us. However, as this passage tells, that is not the case. God always has a plan to each and every one of us. Even if you go through harsh situations and carry heavy burdens, believe and trust that God is and forever will be there for you. He does not put us through things without reason and He will always take care of us. I've personally been through low points of my life where I felt that what God put me through was completely unfair and unnecessary but now as I reflect back to those times, I realize why I had to have those experiences in order to made myself a better person. Unfortunately, we do experiences horrible things because sin exists in the world but keep in mind that God will never put us through things that we cannot handle. Remember that as the passage states, God's love is even stronger than that of a mother. He will never forget us or stop loving us.

Challenge:
Take time today to think about and reflect on what you think God is calling you to do. Pray about your worries and anxieties for the future and ask God to help you through them. If you are currently battling anything in your life and have a hard time seeing a good outcome, know that God is with you and understands what you are going through. Also, if you see anyone around you that has hit a low point, try to comfort them and let them know that God is with them and has not forgotten them.

Wednesday, April 6: by Shannon K.

They shall not hunger or thirst, nor shall the scorching wind or the sun strike them; For he who pities them leads them and guides them beside springs of water. I will cut a road through all my mountains, and make my highways level. See, some shall come from afar, others from the north and the west, and some from the land of Syene. Sing out, O heavens, and rejoice, O earth, break forth into song, you mountains. For the LORD comforts his people and shows mercy to his afflicted. But Zion said, “The LORD has forsaken me; my Lord has forgotten me.” Can a mother forget her infant, be without tenderness for the child of her womb? Even should she forget, I will never forget you.


In this passage, Jesus is telling us how often we are blind to the Lord. We must rely on His forgiveness and love to open our eyes to Him. Jesus tells us that we are not able to do this alone, and therefore rely on Him alone to guide us. So often we live our life believing in so much other than our actual God, even listening to those who love the Lord, yet we do not believe in Him on our own. How can we only listen to the words of the past, yet not seek the guidance of our Lord now? We should witness our experiences that He presents us, as He is prominent in our surroundings. God is inviting us to open our eyes and our hearts to the work that Jesus has done, and to tell the world of these great things. With prayer and worship, we should strive to see Him in full glory through Jesus.

CHALLENGE: Try to find God's work around you today, don't let something else blind you. He has done marvelous work and is always surrounding us, so pray to let your eyes be opened so you may witness His love. Let someone know how He has helped you today, either your family, friend, or even a stranger. For we all lack the ability to find every single work of His throughout our day, but by relying on Jesus and His writings we will be able to open our eyes. He does so much everyday since the beginning of time, and continues to amaze us.

Tuesday, April 5: by Michelle O

There was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is in Jerusalem at the Sheep Gate a pool called in Hebrew Bethesda, with five porticoes. In these lay a large number of ill, blind, lame, and crippled. One man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had been ill for a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be well?” 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.” Immediately the man became well, took up his mat, and walked.


Reading this passage, of course we focus on Jesus healing the sick man. Thirty-eight years the man had been ill. Thirty-eight years. That’s plenty of time to become hopeless and demoralized. But Jesus loved and pitied the man and immediately healed him, and so we learn that God helps the hopeless. But what about those left behind? the “large number of ill, blind, lame, and crippled”? How many times have we felt hopeless and demoralized, and NOT received immediate healing? How many times have we needed comfort, hope, an answer, a miracle…and God felt so far away? But He has assured us that he is always near and will always provide. “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father takes care of them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” (Matthew 6:26). Still, when we seek help we must be prepared to accept God’s help in His way, on His timeline. Jon Acuff writes on StuffChristiansLike: “I kept qualifying my cry of ‘help me.’ What I was actually saying was, ‘help me in one of the following ways that I’m used to and have tried before and understand and approve of.’” But that’s not how God works, and approaching our problems in that manner will only frustrate us more. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9) The good news? God doesn’t just offer solutions; he offers a savior.

Challenge:

Think of a struggle in your life right now in which you need God’s help. Invite Christ into that problem. Thank God for the times in your life when he has delivered you from suffering, and trust that He can, and will, do it again—as He sees fit. Be still in His presence, and trusting, wait for His reply. “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.” (Isaiah 26: 3-4)

Monday, April 4: by Leah P.

Thus says the LORD: Lo, I am about to create new heavens and a new earth; The things of the past shall not be remembered
or come to mind. Instead, there shall always be rejoicing and happiness in what I create; For I create Jerusalem to be a joy
and its people to be a delight; I will rejoice in Jerusalem and exult in my people.


So the part of this passage that sticks out to me, is "the things of the past shall not be remembered or come to mind." To me that means, the messed up things we've done will be forgiven. I still remember how bad it hurt to hear that my best friend had been spreading rumors about me in 6th grade, 7 years later and I still remember the sting of her betrayal. It wasn't crazy for me to forgive her, but asking me to forget about an event that ended our friendship, no way. Forgive always, forget never.

But God doesn't work like that. He forgives, and He places our sin “as far as the east is from the west” away from us. He doesn’t hold your past over your head, He forgives and loves you like He has from the beginning. You are His crown jewel, His prized possession, the apple of His eye. You are His and He is mad crazy in love with you. Asking Him to forgive your sins and not hold them against you just seems too good to be true, but its not.

Today's Challenge: go to confession this week. You will be forgiven and your sins will be long gone.

Saturday, April 2: by Alison R.

“Come, let us return to the LORD, it is he who has rent, but he will heal us; he has struck us, but he will bind our wounds. He will revive us after two days; on the third day he will raise us up, to live in his presence. Let us know, let us strive to know the LORD; as certain as the dawn is his coming, and his judgment shines forth like the light of day! He will come to us like the rain, like spring rain that waters the earth.”

Today's verse implores us not to give up on God. Our world today is super secular, except for when we need someone to blame, and it's all too easy to let this way of thinking become ours. This reminds us that He will never test us beyond our measure, and that we need to trust Him. Jesus trusted His Father when He was tempted in the desert for 40 days, when He asked the Father to change His mind in the Garden of Gethsemane, and even on the cross. Giving our whole selves to God means our trust and our hope. If we do this, striving to know the Lord, we will feel Him come to us.

CHALLENGE: Today, notice where God is absent in your life. Is there an aspect that you have particular trouble handing over to Him? When these moments appear today, say a prayer asking for God's help in turning them over to Him, and remind Him and yourself that He will make things better.

Friday, April 1: by Gigi A.

Thus says the LORD: Return, O Israel, to the LORD, your God; you have collapsed through your guilt. Take with you words,
and return to the LORD; Say to him, “Forgive all iniquity, and receive what is good, that we may render as offerings the bullocks from our stalls. Assyria will not save us, nor shall we have horses to mount; We shall say no more, ‘Our god,’ to the work of our hands; for in you the orphan finds compassion.” I will heal their defection, says the LORD, I will love them freely; for my wrath is turned away from them.

How many times have I given in to my sins and guilt instead of simply returning to Him? How many times have I been self-reliant, focused on my moral strength or lack thereof and not on Him? In my darkness and woundedness, with arms outstretched, He constantly calls my name offering compassion, mercy, healing and unconditional love.

CHALLENGE: This Lenten season, may I learn to live without the distractions of my wants and needs and rest on His love for me instead.

Thursday, March 31: by Nate S.

Jesus was driving out a demon that was mute, and when the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke and the crowds were amazed. Some of them said, “By the power of Beelzebul, the prince of demons, he drives out demons.” Others, to test him, asked him for a sign from heaven. But he knew their thoughts and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste and house will fall against house. And if Satan is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that it is by Beelzebul that I drive out demons. If I, then, drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your own people drive them out? Therefore they will be your judges. But if it is by the finger of God that I drive out demons, then the Kingdom of God has come upon you. When a strong man fully armed guards his palace, his possessions are safe. But when one stronger than he attacks and overcomes him, he takes away the armor on which he relied and distributes the spoils. Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.”



Christ's words have a way of cutting to the core.  While his statement that "every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste" shows that he is acting on behalf of God when he casts out demons, it carries a deeper call within it for those present then and for us today.  He gently reveals to them that although they are God's people, they are making God's kingdom to be a "kingdom divided" as they oppose Jesus and his ministry.   But they don't have to be this way.  He offers them the freedom to rise above all that holds them back from following him fully.  He offers us the same grace today.

Challenge:  Spend a few minutes in prayer asking God if there are any parts of your life that you have been holding back from him.  In what ways have you been "a kingdom divided" as you seek Him?  Knowing that He wants you to be free to follow Him completely, ask Him for the grace to follow him more closely in this area of your life.

Wednesday, March 30: by Annie Y.

For what great nation is there that has gods so close to it as the LORD, our God, is to us whenever we call upon him? Or what great nation has statutes and decrees that are as just as this whole law which I am setting before you today? “However, take care and be earnestly on your guard not to forget the things which your own eyes have seen, nor let them slip from your memory as long as you live, but teach them to your children and to your children’s children.”

How blessed we are that God is constantly reaching out to us. And often every day we fail to notice His presence, or we notice and then forget. We forget answered prayers (as well as those thankfully unanswered prayers.) We forget those times when we grudgingly follow His laws, and end up being better off for it. Yet those are the things that God asks us to remember. As his children, He wants us to see and remember so that we will continue to call out to and stay close to Him. So let us be aware of God’s loving presence in our lives and “be on…guard not to forget” how he cares for us.
 
Challenge: On a piece of paper, write down at least one way that God was present to you today. Place the piece of paper in a place where you will see it tomorrow.  

Tuesday, March 29: by Deb T

Azariah stood up in the fire and prayed aloud: “For your name’s sake, O Lord, do not deliver us up forever, or make void your covenant. Do not take away your mercy from us, for the sake of Abraham, your beloved, Isaac your servant, and Israel your holy one, to whom you promised to multiply their offspring like the stars of heaven, or the sand on the shore of the sea. For we are reduced, O Lord, beyond any other nation, brought low everywhere in the world this day because of our sins. We have in our day no prince, prophet, or leader, no burnt offering, sacrifice, oblation, or incense, no place to offer first fruits, to find favor with you. But with contrite heart and humble spirit let us be received; As though it were burnt offerings of rams and bullocks, or thousands of fat lambs, so let our sacrifice be in your presence today as we follow you unreservedly; for those who trust in you cannot be put to shame.

As we look at this passage, we should clearly see that really when it comes right down to it, what can we give to God? What great sacrifice? Maybe some of us feel like we've got nothing to give because we've given it all to those around us. But what God really wants more than sacrifice is a contrite and humble heart; a heart that trusts in God. We trust our very lives to Him and he will not disappoint us. He's promised that.
 
Challenge: Today, surrender something in your life to God that He would definitely deal with better than you.

Monday, March 28: by Carly B

Naaman went down and plunged into the Jordan seven times at the word of the man of God. His flesh became again like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean. He returned with his whole retinue to the man of God. On his arrival he stood before him and said, “Now I know that there is no God in all the earth, except in Israel.”

Last week, Deacon Marques spoke about the significance of water in the church. Water cleanses, nourishes and rejuvenates. When we enter the church, we use holy water when making the sign of the cross to remind us of the day when we were freed of original sin. Water purifies our bodies, minds and spirits. We all have crosses to bear. As humans, we are expected to sin, despite our greatest attempts to live for our Lord. Fortunately, we are blessed enough to have the opportunity to purge ourselves of the weight on our shoulders. Like Naaman, we should strive to keep our flesh like the flesh of a child, new and clean. Especially during Lent, we need to take advantage of the chance to refresh ourselves and be made new.


Challenge: If you haven't been to Confession yet this Lent, go this week. When you go into the church, take an extra moment when making the sign of the cross with holy water. Appreciate the opportunity to start over new with Him. Despite your darkest days, know that He will always be waiting for you to return.

Saturday, March 26: by Nick S.

Shepherd your people with your staff, the flock of your inheritance, that dwells apart in a woodland, in the midst of Carmel. Let them feed in Bashan and Gilead, as in the days of old; As in the days when you came from the land of Egypt, show us wonderful signs. Who is there like you, the God who removes guilt and pardons sin for the remnant of his inheritance; Who does not persist in anger forever, but delights rather in clemency, and will again have compassion on us, treading underfoot our guilt? You will cast into the depths of the sea all our sins; You will show faithfulness to Jacob, and grace to Abraham, as you have sworn to our fathers from days of old.


Forgiveness is an integral part of Christian spirituality. We are, or at least should be, forgiving people just as God Himself is forgiving as shown in today’s passage. Each of us is called by Our Lord to forgive, especially when we really don’t want to forgive someone. While this act of Charity can be hard to perform, we ought to forgive even when the other person does not ask for it. Through this, we can become much closer to God and also become good Christian witnesses in our schools and workplaces.

Challenge: Be forgiving of everyone you meet today, especially your family.

Friday, March 25 (Solemnity of the Annunciation): by Sarah M.

The Lord spoke to Ahaz, saying: Ask for a sign from the Lord, your God; let it be deep as the nether world, or high as the sky! But Ahaz answered, “I will not ask! I will not tempt the Lord!” Then Isaiah said: Listen, O house of David! Is it not enough for you to weary people, must you also weary my God? Therefore the Lord himself will give you this sign: the virgin shall be with child, and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel, which means “God is with us!”


For some people, asking a question, asking for help or offering to help can be done without a second thought. But for others, this is quite a heavy task. In this particular instance, Ahaz, out of fear, refuses to ask for a sign from the Lord. But the prophet Isaiah speaks up: "... His name shall be Emmanuel, which means ‘God is with us!” If God is with us, what could stand against us? And if our God is for us, who could stop us? These words reassure us to place our complete faith and trust in God.

CHALLENGE: Today the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Annunciation, when Mary gave her “Yes!” to God. Afterward, she immediately went to help her cousin, Elizabeth. Today, when someone asks us to do something or for help, say “yes” and then do it right away.

Thursday, March 24: by Eric H.

Thus says the LORD: Cursed is the man who trusts in human beings, who seeks his strength in flesh, whose heart turns away from the LORD. He is like a barren bush in the desert that enjoys no change of season, But stands in a lava waste, a salt and empty earth. Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose hope is the LORD. He is like a tree planted beside the waters that stretches out its roots to the stream: It fears not the heat when it comes, its leaves stay green; In the year of drought it shows no distress, but still bears fruit. More tortuous than all else is the human heart, beyond remedy; who can understand it? I, the LORD, alone probe the mind and test the heart, to reward everyone according to his ways, according to the merit of his deeds.



Reflection: "Cursed is the man who trusts in human beings". Sounds pretty grim, doesn't it? Aren't we taught from a young age to trust others--your parents, your friends, your teachers? Of course we are--and we should when it is appropriate. The point of this passage is not "trust no one" but rather to emphasize that the basis of our trust must be in the Lord above all. One who ONLY trusts in other people will ultimately be disappointed. It may work for you for a little while, but eventually your life will be like the barren and empty world the verse describes. Only through trust in God will we truly thrive and bear fruit in good times and bad.

Challenge: "Let go and let God". Think of one thing in your life that you are "holding back" from trusting God with--a relationship, a fear, a desire--and pledge to give it up to God by offering a prayer and telling God that you are letting go of that specific thing.

Wednesday, March 23: by Bobby C.

Jesus summoned them and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and the great ones make their authority over them felt. 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.”


How often have we felt superior to someone else? How often have we put ourselves above someone else? Have we ever thought, "I can do that better than him" or "I can do this better than her." There is a human tendency to be competitive and want to be the best but Jesus asks us to go beyond our broken human nature and instead, be a servant. How can we serve another today?

CHALLENGE: Try to commit an act of service for someone that won't be expecting it.

Tuesday, March 22: by Dylan S

Hear the word of the LORD, princes of Sodom! Listen to the instruction of our God, people of Gomorrah! Wash yourselves clean! Put away your misdeeds from before my eyes; cease doing evil; learn to do good. Make justice your aim: redress the wronged, hear the orphan’s plea, defend the widow. Come now, let us set things right, says the LORD: Though your sins be like scarlet, they may become white as snow; Though they be crimson red, they may become white as wool. If you are willing, and obey, you shall eat the good things of the land; But if you refuse and resist, the sword shall consume you: for the mouth of the LORD has spoken!

Ever since the beginning, even back to Adam and Eve, the Lord has continually reminded his people to listen to his instructions. 'Cease from doing evil, learn to do good.' Even as he does these things, he knows none of us is blameless, and therefore gives us a way to set things right, 'if you are willing, and obey.' Through this statement, God reminds us that we don't have to wait, that our sins can be set right immediately if we are willing.

CHALLENGE: Take a few minutes today to think of the ways that you have turned away from Him in sin, then thank God for His forgiveness.

Monday, March 21: by Maddy B

Jesus said to his disciples: “Be merciful, just as 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.”

What if your teacher handed you the first two pages to your physics final with the answers already calculated and said, study this. Now to make it even better, you also know that it is not cheating, because the teacher gave it to you. What would you do? If you wanted to get a good grade on the test, you would study it. No questions. You would memorize it, and pray that the remaining pages were not that difficult.



In this reading, that is what God has given us. He has literally taken a few of the pages out of His “Steps To Get To Heaven” book and given them to us and said, “study this!” However, because nothing is ever that easy, He has also challenged us to “live this.” In reality, we should look at this as an enormous gift, rather than a difficult struggle. Yes, it will be challenging, because every time someone hurts you, it will be your job to forgive them. And yes, it will be challenging, because every time someone wrongs you, it will be your job to show them mercy and not retaliate. But think of how wonderful the reward will be. Actually, we cannot fully comprehend how wonderful the reward will be, because as finite beings, we cannot grasp the infinite wonders of heaven. But it, our reward, will be better than anything we have ever experienced. Viktor Frankl, a WWII concentration camp survivor, upon reflection of his time under Nazi rule said, "In some ways suffering ceases to be suffering, the moment it finds a meaning.” That is to say, although being merciful in the face of wrong-doing or forgiving when you have been intentionally hurt is difficult and sometimes painful, these “sufferings” cease to be so painful, when we attribute meaning to the suffering, in the promise of heaven.



CHALLENGE: I challenge you today, to think beyond school, to think beyond your homework, to think beyond what you will wear tomorrow and what people will think about it. Even if it is only for a moment, think about what you “suffer” for. The goal of this passage is not only to give us instructions to live our lives full of meaning and purpose, but also to give us something to think about living for. It gives us the promise of something beyond this world.

Saturday, March 19: Solemnity of St. Joseph: by Christina M

Brothers and sisters: It was not through the law that the promise was made to Abraham and his descendants that he would inherit the world, but through the righteousness that comes from faith. For this reason, it depends on faith, so that it may be a gift, and the promise may be guaranteed to all his descendants, not to those who only adhere to the law but to those who follow the faith of Abraham, who is the father of all of us, as it is written, I have made you father of many nations. He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into being what does not exist. He believed, hoping against hope, that he would become the father of many nations, according to what was said, Thus shall your descendants be. That is why it was credited to him as righteousness.


Abraham believed, 'hoping against hope' that he would become the father of many nations. His hope led him to a true faith in God: that God was who he said he was and that he would be faithful to the promises he had made to Abraham. St. Joseph also trusted God with his entire life and hoped against hope in God's faithfulness and provision when he accepted Mary into his home and agreed to be the father of Jesus. Both men did not exercise faith by denying their fears or weaknesses, but but recognizing them and submitting them to God. In what ways is God asking you to trust him more fully? In what areas have you given up hope in his promises and in his power and desire to do good things in your life?

CHALLENGE: Spend some time thinking about the courage and faithfulness of St. Joseph. Identify at least one area/struggle that you are having trouble trusting God with and say a prayer to St. Joseph, asking for his intercession and example of true faith and true hope

Friday, March 18: by Rachel M

Jesus said to his disciples: “I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter into the Kingdom of heaven. “You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment. But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment, and whoever says to his brother, Raqa, will be answerable to the Sanhedrin, and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ will be liable to fiery Gehenna. Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift.


Christ uses the beautiful metaphor of leaving gifts for God at the altar. I think a lot of times we assume that God is too busy to deal with our petty problems and worries, but He yearns for us to reach out to Him. Bring everything that is on your mind to prayer and just offer everything to God, even if it seems silly or totally random God wants to hear it from you.

Challenge:
If you are anything like me, then you say sarcastic stuff to your friends or siblings that can be kind of mean. While your intentions probably aren’t to hurt anyone’s feelings, you never know how the other person is going to react to what you say. Today try to not make any negative side-comments or ridicule any one else (even if your joking). When we speak positively we tend to feel positive too, so the next time you want to say something negative or mean just bite your tongue (not literally cause that would kind of hurt).

Thursday, March 17: by Peter M

Jesus said to his disciples: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Which one of you would hand his son a stone when he asked for a loaf of bread, or a snake when he asked for a fish? If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good things to those who ask him. “Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. This is the law and the prophets.”

In this gospel, Jesus clearly tells us to ask for help from God. He also says that God will give us what we ask for. However, Gods gifts often come in surprising and un-looked for guises. Many of the little things that we take for granted are in reality gifts, gifts that many don't have. As we become more aware of these things, we also become more aware of larger things, things that we notice, but never react to, because in our minds we deserve only the best.

Challenge: Today find at least 5 things to be thankful for. These don't have to be large things, rather go for the little things, thanking people for things that they never would expect to be thanked for.

Wednesday, March 16: by Samantha H

The word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time: “Set out for the great city of Nineveh, and announce to it the message that I will tell you.” So Jonah made ready and went to Nineveh, according to the LORD’s bidding. Now Nineveh was an enormously large city; it took three days to go through it. Jonah began his journey through the city, and had gone but a single day’s walk announcing, “Forty days more and Nineveh shall be destroyed,” when the people of Nineveh believed God; they proclaimed a fast and all of them, great and small, put on sackcloth. When the news reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, laid aside his robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in the ashes. Then he had this proclaimed throughout Nineveh, by decree of the king and his nobles: “Neither man nor beast, neither cattle nor sheep, shall taste anything; they shall not eat, nor shall they drink water. Man and beast shall be covered with sackcloth and call loudly to God; every man shall turn from his evil way and from the violence he has in hand. Who knows, God may relent and forgive, and withhold his blazing wrath, so that we shall not perish.” When God saw by their actions how they turned from their evil way, he repented of the evil that he had threatened to do to them; he did not carry it out.

Trusting in what God says or tells us, even though we may not like the idea of it can prove to be what’s best. The people of Nineveh believed what God had said and they prepared for the destruction of the city, and ultimately God rewarded them for their belief and did not destroy them. So even when we do not understand God’s ways, if we trust in what He’s doing and obey Him, things will turn out for our best.

Challenge: when small challenges arise today face them with humility and obedience to God and try not to get discouraged or frustrated.

Tuesday, March 15: by Robyn

Thus says the LORD: Just as from the heavens the rain and snow come down and do not return there till they have watered the earth, making it fertile and fruitful, giving seed to the one who sows and bread to the one who eats, so shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth; It shall not return to me void, but shall do my will, achieving the end for which I sent it.

Like the rain and the snow, God's words have the power to make life grow. When we share the message of God's love with others we can share in that too: changing our world for the better, one word at a time. Even though you may never witness the effects yourself, remember that when speaking the truth, your words are never in vain.

Challenge: Use your words only for goodness and truth, don't tease anyone or use sarcasm for the entire day.

Monday, March 14: by Kathy H

Jesus said to his disciples: “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit upon his glorious throne, and all the nations will be assembled before him. And he will separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. Then the king will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.’ Then the righteous will answer him and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and welcome you,
or naked and clothe you? When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?’ And the king will say to them in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.’ Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you accursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the Devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, a stranger and you gave me no welcome, naked and you gave me no clothing, ill and in prison, and you did not care for me.’ Then they will answer and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or ill or in prison, and not minister to your needs?’ 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.”

Some thoughts: Who are the ”least” in your life? There are the homeless and those who are monetarily poor, but there is also another type of poverty, a poverty of spirit and a hunger for love. Many go starving every day, in their own prison of sadness. I know, I’ve be one of them. A smile and hello, inviting them to eat lunch with you so they don’t have to eat lunch alone. Trust me, it means a lot. These are small ways you can care for “Jesus” who you see every day at school. There can be also poor in your very own home or extended family. Blessed Mother Teresa said, “There is a terrible hunger for love. We all experience that in our lives - the pain, the loneliness. We must have the courage to recognize it. The poor you may have right in your own family. Find them. Love them.” Live your life in love – Loving God – directly through your worship, and through your actions of love towards others. And, if you are the one starving for love, Give Love – there is always someone we can give to – and pray Jesus will send someone to you..

Let us Pray: God thank you for loving me unconditionally. Please help me to love as you love. Please help me to love you more, giving and loving those you bring into my life. Please let me see you in them. May my life give Glory to you, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit who was in the beginning, who is and ever shall be, a world without end. Amen.


CHALLENGE: Look for a least person in your life, pray for them and do unto them as you would to Jesus. (say hello, buy them a soda, give your mom a hug) Be the answer to some one’s prayer.

Meditation: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sd6U5ci_uB8&feature=related

Saturday, March 12: by Tim T

Jesus saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the customs post. He said to him, “Follow me.”
And leaving everything behind, he got up and followed him. Then Levi gave a great banquet for him in his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were at table with them. The Pharisees and their scribes complained to his disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” Jesus said to them in reply, “Those who are healthy do not need a physician, but the sick do. I have not come to call the righteous to repentance but sinners.”

The lesson we see in today's passage is definitely one we've seen before: essentially, help out those in need. A lot of times, we hear about reaching out to the "kid at school with no friends," or the "girl who eats by herself," and we feel nervous about these dramatic actions. But you don't have to reach out to a total stranger for your actions to be meaningful. I bet there's lots of people you call friends at school that are just outside your "close friends." You'll say hi to these people in the hallway, and ask the usual, "Hey, how's it going?" and everything's cool.
CHALLENGE: Next time you have one of these encounters, maybe today, or maybe Monday at school, I challenge you to show you're there for them. That doesn't mean you have to say, "Hey, man. I'm always here for you, whenever you need me." No, no, no... too dramatic. Just ask a 1 or 2 extra questions about their lives. Just by asking what they're looking forward to, what they're nervous about, what they enjoy doing, if there's anything they're really excited about, you really will make a difference -- trust me, that's all it takes.

Friday, March 11: by Dan B

Thus says the Lord GOD: Cry out full-throated and unsparingly, lift up your voice like a trumpet blast; Tell my people their wickedness, and the house of Jacob their sins. They seek me day after day, and desire to know my ways, like a nation that has done what is just and not abandoned the law of their God; They ask me to declare what is due them,
pleased to gain access to God. “Why do we fast, and you do not see it? afflict ourselves, and you take no note of it?” Lo, on your fast day you carry out your own pursuits, and drive all your laborers. Yes, your fast ends in quarreling and fighting, striking with wicked claw. Would that today you might fast so as to make your voice heard on high! Is this the manner of fasting I wish,
of keeping a day of penance: That a man bow his head like a reed and lie in sackcloth and ashes? Do you call this a fast,
a day acceptable to the LORD? This, rather, is the fasting that I wish: releasing those bound unjustly, untying the thongs of the yoke; Setting free the oppressed, breaking every yoke; Sharing your bread with the hungry, sheltering the oppressed and the homeless; Clothing the naked when you see them, and not turning your back on your own. Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your wound shall quickly be healed; Your vindication shall go before you, and the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer, you shall cry for help, and he will say: Here I am!

A lot of people think that Lent is about giving something up. They view it as that time of the year when they have to stop their urge to have something they like just because that’s what they’re supposed to do. In this reading, the Lord is trying to tell us that that’s not the kind of fasting he wants. What he wants is for us to do what we can to help our fellow man, to be just, generous, and kind. He wants for us to be better Christians, and ultimately better people. Giving
something up for Lent is a way to keep that in mind; a reminder to do what you can to be the best that you can be. When we do this, God heals us and we please him. When we do the right thing and help others, he will be there to protect us and to shelter us.

CHALLENGE: find someone in need today and be generous to them. Maybe you'll need to be generous with your time, your money, your listening, your patience, whatever. Just be generous.

Thursday, March 10: by Chip

Jesus said to his disciples: “The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised.” 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. What profit is there for one to gain the whole world yet lose or forfeit himself?”


All the elements necessary for our Lenten journey seem to be contained in this one passage from Luke: “deny yourself”, “take up your cross”, “lose yourself.” The most important, though is “follow me.” By making daily sacrifices for the sake of others we can mirror – in a very small way – the great sacrifice Jesus made for us. We “lose our life” when we put the needs of others before our own needs and desires. And in doing so we will begin to discover the true life He calls us to – a life of generosity and love; a life focused on the people around us instead of on ourselves.

CHALLENGE: Today, so something special for someone close to you. Maybe you empty the dishwasher without being asked, carry in the groceries, walk the dog, or make time for a conversation you’ve been putting off. And as you make that small sacrifice today, offer a quick prayer to Jesus that He will help you see additional opportunities to “deny yourself” and follow Him throughout Lent.

Lord, help me to love the people around me today, and in sacrificing my desires for the needs of others lead me to a better understanding of the sacrifice you made for me. Amen.

Ash Wednesday, March 9: by Perry

Jesus said to his disciples: “Take care not to perform righteous deeds
in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father.
When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets
to win the praise of others. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, so that your almsgiving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.
“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. “When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites. They neglect their appearance, so that they may appear to others to be fasting. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you may not appear to be fasting, except to your Father who is hidden. And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you.”

Today is the start of Lent, a season of sacrifice and repentance leading up to Easter. We live in a world that is so focused on what we can get that sometimes that spirit of sacrifice for others gets lost. God calls us to sacrifice for him in the same way Jesus did, prayerfully and without complaint. Remember throughout this lent to quietly and humbly turn our sacrifice toward heaven, and to always keep looking forward to the great sacrifice of Christ that saved us.

CHALLENGE: Do one thing for someone else today without being asked, and without looking for thanks.