2025
Ash Wednesday Focuses on three areas of Life!
Dear Friends, as we begin this Lenten journey, let us open our hearts to conversion. Today, as we receive ashes on our foreheads, we are reminded of our need for conversion. Lent is a time to turn back to God, to renew our hearts, and to live the Gospel more fully. This year, let us reflect on three areas where we may need a deeper conversion: journeying with others, being synodal, and having hope.
First, journeying with others. Faith is not just personal; it is communal. Jesus calls us to walk with one another, to support each other, especially those who are struggling. Lent is a time to ask: Do I journey with others in love, or do I focus only on myself?
Second, being synodal. “Synod” means walking together in unity, listening to one another, and discerning God’s will as a Church. Am I open to listening and learning from others, or do I insist on my own way? Lent invites us to grow in humility and communion.
Finally, having hope. The ashes remind us of our mortality, but they are also a sign of renewal. Lent is not just about sorrow; it is about hope, hope in God’s mercy, hope in new beginnings. Do I live with trust in God, even in difficult times? Let us walk together, listen to one another, and trust in the hope of Christ. “Repent and believe in the Gospel.” Amen.
Day 2
Luke:9:22-25
The gospel calls us to reflect deeply on the meaning of discipleship and sacrifice. Lent is a season of repentance, fasting, and almsgiving. Jesus asks us to deny ourselves, not just in small sacrifices, but in a daily commitment to follow Him, even when it is difficult. This may mean letting go of selfish ambitions, pride, or material attachments in order to fully embrace the life God calls us to live.
The world often promises happiness through success, wealth, or power, but Jesus warns us: What good is it to gain everything yet lose our soul? Lent is a time to examine what we are pursuing—are we seeking temporary rewards, or are we truly surrendering to God’s will?
As we journey through Lent, let us ask for the grace to carry our crosses with faith and trust. May we be willing to lose our lives in service, love, and sacrifice so that we may find the fullness of life in Christ.
Luke:9:22-25
The gospel calls us to reflect deeply on the meaning of discipleship and sacrifice. Lent is a season of repentance, fasting, and almsgiving. Jesus asks us to deny ourselves, not just in small sacrifices, but in a daily commitment to follow Him, even when it is difficult. This may mean letting go of selfish ambitions, pride, or material attachments in order to fully embrace the life God calls us to live.
The world often promises happiness through success, wealth, or power, but Jesus warns us: What good is it to gain everything yet lose our soul? Lent is a time to examine what we are pursuing—are we seeking temporary rewards, or are we truly surrendering to God’s will?
As we journey through Lent, let us ask for the grace to carry our crosses with faith and trust. May we be willing to lose our lives in service, love, and sacrifice so that we may find the fullness of life in Christ.
Day 3
Mathew:9:14-15
Lent is a season of fasting, prayer, and reflection, a time when we recognize the absence of the bridegroom and prepare our hearts for His resurrection. Jesus’ words remind us that fasting is not merely a ritual but a response to our spiritual hunger for God. It is an act of love and devotion, drawing us closer to Christ by detaching us from worldly distractions.
As we journey through Lent, let us ask ourselves:
• Are we fasting with a purpose, seeking a deeper relationship with Christ?
• Do we recognize the presence of Jesus in our lives, even in times of sorrow and longing?
• How can our fasting and sacrifices make room for joy in the resurrection?
May this season of Lent be a time of renewal, where our fasting leads us not just to sorrow, but to a greater longing for the presence of Christ in our lives.
Day 4
Luke:5:27-32. Day-4
Today’s gospel highlights Jesus’ mission of mercy—He seeks out those who recognize their need for Him. During the holy season of Lent, this passage challenges us to reflect on our own need for repentance. Jesus does not reject sinners but invites them to transformation. Are we willing, like Levi, to leave behind anything that keeps us from fully following Christ? Are we welcoming toward others who seek God’s mercy, or do we, like the Pharisees, judge them? Lent is a time to examine our hearts, embrace God’s call to conversion, and extend His love to others.
Day 5
Luke:4:1-13. (Day-5)
The gospel present Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness, where the devil tests Him in three key ways—each deeply relevant to the themes of materialism, power, and glory.
Lent is a season of self-examination, fasting, and prayer—mirroring Jesus’ time in the wilderness. The temptations He faced reflect the struggles we all encounter:
• Materialism: Seeking physical comfort over spiritual growth
• Power: Pursuing control rather than serving others
• Glory: Chasing validation instead of embracing humility
By resisting these temptations, Jesus shows us the path of faithfulness. This Lent, may we follow His example—choosing God over materialism, humility over power, and obedience over fleeting glory.
Day 6
Mathew:6:7-15 (Day-7)
Today’s Gospel calls us to deepen our prayer life, focusing on humility, trust, and forgiveness. Jesus warns against vain repetitions, reminding us that prayer is not about impressing others but about a heartfelt conversation with God. This challenges us to examine our own prayers—are they routine and mechanical, or do they reflect true dependence on God?
The Lord’s Prayer itself is a blueprint for our Lenten journey:
• “Our Father” reminds us of our relationship with God and each other.
• “Thy will be done” encourages surrender to God’s plan, a key Lenten theme.
• “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors” highlights the importance of mercy, echoing Jesus’ call to forgive as we have been forgiven.
Lent is a time of renewal, and this passage invites us to pray with sincerity, seek God’s will, and cultivate a forgiving heart. As we fast, give alms, and pray, let us do so not for recognition, but to grow closer to God.
Day 7
Mathew:7:7-12 (Day-9)
Today’s gospel encourages us to trust in God’s generosity and to persist in seeking Him. Just as a loving parent provides for their child, God provides for us when we seek Him with sincerity. Lent is a time of knocking—on the door of God’s mercy, seeking His presence, and asking for the grace to grow spiritually. It is also a time to reflect on how we treat others. Jesus reminds us of the Golden Rule: we are to love and serve others as we would want to be loved and served.
As we journey through Lent, let us:
1. Ask God for guidance and strength in our struggles.
2. Seek His presence through prayer, scripture, and acts of love.
3. Knock on the door of mercy, trusting that He welcomes us with open arms.
May this holy season help us not only to receive God’s grace but also to share His love with those around us.
Day 8
Luke;11:29-32 (Day-8)
During Lent, we are invited to examine our hearts, repent, and return to God. In this passage, Jesus rebukes the people for seeking miraculous signs instead of recognizing the truth already before them. The holy season of Lent challenges us to reflect: Are we waiting for proof of God’s work in our lives, or are we responding in faith? Are we open to God’s call to repentance, or do we resist transformation? The Ninevites, despite their sinfulness, repented when they heard Jonah’s message. How much more should we respond to Jesus, who offers us salvation?
This passage urges us to stop looking for extraordinary signs and instead open our hearts to the grace already present. Lent is a time to humble ourselves, seek God’s wisdom, and turn away from sin. Let us not miss the presence of Christ in our daily lives, but instead, embrace His call to conversion with open hearts.
Day 9
Mathew:7:7-12 (Day-9)
Today’s gospel encourages us to trust in God’s generosity and to persist in seeking Him. Just as a loving parent provides for their child, God provides for us when we seek Him with sincerity. Lent is a time of knocking—on the door of God’s mercy, seeking His presence, and asking for the grace to grow spiritually. It is also a time to reflect on how we treat others. Jesus reminds us of the Golden Rule: we are to love and serve others as we would want to be loved and served.
As we journey through Lent, let us:
1. Ask God for guidance and strength in our struggles.
2. Seek His presence through prayer, scripture, and acts of love.
3. Knock on the door of mercy, trusting that He welcomes us with open arms.
May this holy season help us not only to receive God’s grace but also to share His love with those around us.
Day 10
Mathew:5:20-26 (Day-10)
Jesus challenges His followers to go beyond mere obedience to the law and instead embrace a righteousness that comes from the heart. Lent is a holy season of repentance, self-examination, and reconciliation. This passage reminds us that true righteousness is not just about external observance but about inner transformation.
1. Examine Your Heart – Are there lingering grudges or unresolved conflicts in your life? Jesus warns that anger and contempt can be as harmful as physical violence. Lent is a time to seek healing and let go of bitterness.
2. Prioritize Reconciliation – Jesus teaches that before we approach God in worship, we must make peace with others. This Lent, who do you need to forgive? Who do you need to ask for forgiveness?
3. Live Out True Righteousness – The Pharisees followed the law outwardly, but Jesus calls us to a deeper holiness—a righteousness that flows from love, mercy, and humility. Instead of just avoiding sin, we are called to actively love and restore relationships. During this holy Lent, let’s strive for a heart that not only follows God’s laws but also embodies His love and grace.
Day 11
Mathew:5:43-48 (Day-11)
Lent is a time of deep reflection, repentance, and transformation. This passage challenges us to move beyond the natural human tendency to love only those who love us. Jesus calls us to a radical love—one that extends even to our enemies.
Loving our enemies and praying for those who hurt us is not easy. It requires humility, forgiveness, and a heart transformed by God’s grace. Jesus himself exemplified this love on the cross, praying for those who crucified him. During Lent, we are invited to examine our hearts. Are there people we struggle to love? Are we holding onto grudges or resentment? Jesus calls us to imitate God’s perfect love, which is not conditional or selective.
To love as God loves means to see others—friends and enemies alike—as His children, worthy of mercy and grace. This Lent, let us strive to love beyond our comfort zones, pray for those who challenge us, and seek the perfection of love that Christ calls us to.
Day 12
Luke:9:28-36 (Day-12)
Today’s gospel is about the Transfiguration of Jesus on the mountain, where Peter, James, and John witness Christ’s divine glory.
Transfiguration calls for 3things:
1. A Call to Prayer and Transformation
Jesus takes His disciples up the mountain to pray. Lent is a time of deeper prayer, where we ascend spiritually, seeking to encounter God. Just as the disciples see Jesus in a new light, Lent invites us to be transformed—shedding sin and growing in holiness.
2. Facing the Cross with Strength
Moses and Elijah speak of Jesus’ coming suffering. This reminds us that Lent is a journey toward the Cross, where we contemplate Christ’s sacrifice and prepare our hearts for Easter.
3. Descending to Serve
The disciples cannot remain on the mountain; they must return to their mission. Likewise, our Lenten journey is not just about personal growth but about carrying Christ’s light into the world through love and service.
May this holy Season of Lent be a time of true transfiguration, drawing us closer to Christ and preparing us for the joy of His Resurrection.
Day 13
Luke10:1-12,17-20 (Day-13)
During Lent, we journey with Christ, preparing our hearts for His passion, death, and resurrection. In the gospel, Jesus sends out seventy-two disciples ahead of Him, instructing them to proclaim peace, heal the sick, and declare that “the kingdom of God has come near” (v. 9). This reminds us that Lent is not just a time of personal reflection but also a call to go forth and live out the Gospel.
Jesus warns them that they will face rejection, yet they are to shake the dust off their feet and move forward. This is a lesson for us—sometimes, our faith will not be welcomed, yet we are called to remain faithful, trusting that God is at work.
When the disciples return, rejoicing that even demons submitted to them, Jesus reminds them that their greatest joy should not be in power but in the fact that their “names are written in heaven” (v. 20). Lent invites us to examine where we find our joy. Is it in earthly success or in the eternal life Christ offers?
This passage encourages us to trust in God’s provision, remain steadfast in our mission, and find true joy in our relationship with Christ. As we fast, pray, and give this Lent, let us also remember that we are sent out to proclaim God’s love in word and action.
Day 14
Mathew:23:1-12 (Day-14)
In the gospel Jesus warns against hypocrisy, particularly among the religious leaders of His time—the scribes and Pharisees. He criticizes their tendency to place heavy burdens on others while failing to live by those same standards. Instead of seeking humility and service, they desire recognition, honor, and status.
During Lent, this message calls us to examine our own hearts. Are we living with integrity? Do our actions reflect true humility and service, or are we more concerned with appearances? Jesus teaches that the greatest among us is the one who serves, and those who exalt themselves will be humbled.
As we journey through Lent, let us focus on sincere faith, humility, and a spirit of service. May we seek not recognition but a deeper relationship with God, living out our faith with love and authenticity.
Day 15
Mathew:1:16, 18-21,24 ( Day -15)
Solemnity of St. Joseph
Today we celebrate the solemnity of St. Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus. He is a great example for all of us because of his humility, silence and courage.
Humility – Putting others first: Do you know what is the whole idea of Humility? It simply means thinking of others before yourself. He was a humble man. He never thought of himself as the most important. How can we practice this virtue of St. Joseph in our lives:
*Helping the needy and the poor.
*Sharing our talent and gifts with our friends and others.
*Always say thank you and appreciating what we have.
Silence- Listening to God and others: St. Joseph never speaks a single word in the Bible, but his actions show his love and trust in God. He listened to God in his heart and obeyed, even when things were difficult. How can we be silent like St. Joseph:
*Praying quietly and listening to God in our hearts.
*Thinking before we speak, so we say kind words.
*Spending time with Jesus and our dear ones.
Courage- Trusting in God’s Plan: St. Joseph showed great courage when the angel told him to take Mary and baby Jesus to Egypt. He didn’t complain or get scared; he just trusted God and protected his family. How can we brave like St. Joseph:
*Doing the right thing, even when it’s hard.
*Trusting in God when we are afraid.
*Standing up for others when they need help.
J – Just and righteous, always doing God’s will.
O – Obedient to God’s plans, even in uncertainty.
S– Silent but strong, leading with actions more than words.
E– Example of faith, humility, and hard work.
P – Protector of the Holy Family and all in need.
H– Humble servant, trusting fully in God’s guidance.
Day 16
Luke:16:19-31 (Day-16)
During Lent, we are called to examine our hearts, repent, and realign our lives with God’s will. The parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus challenges us to reflect on our attitudes toward wealth, suffering, and compassion.
Jesus presents a stark contrast: a rich man who lives in luxury and a poor man, Lazarus, who suffers outside his gate. The rich man is not condemned for being wealthy but for his indifference to Lazarus’ suffering. Do we notice those in need around us, or do we, like the rich man, live in self-indulgence while ignoring their pain?
The rich man begs for Lazarus to warn his family, but Abraham replies that they have Moses and the prophets. This emphasizes that God has already given us what we need—His Word. Do we heed Scripture’s call to love, serve, and repent, or do we wait for dramatic signs?
The gospel urges us to open our eyes to suffering, practice mercy, and use what we have to serve others. During Lent, let us fast not only from food but also from indifference, choosing instead to be generous and compassionate, preparing our hearts for the hope of Easter.
Day 17
Mathew:21:33-43,45-46 (Day-17)
This passage, often called the Parable of the Wicked Tenants.
God’s Generosity and Patience:
The landowner provides everything the tenants need to thrive. Likewise, God has given us countless blessings—our lives, faith, and opportunities for growth. Yet, like the tenants, we can take these gifts for granted or misuse them. Lent invites us to reflect: Are we grateful stewards of God’s gifts? Lent calls us to humility and repentance, to acknowledge where we have resisted God’s will and turn back to Him. As we journey through Lent, let us turn away from selfishness and toward a deeper relationship with Jesus, the cornerstone of our salvation.
Day 18
Luke:15:1-3,11-32 (Day-18)
Lent is a time of turning back to God, much like the prodigal son who realizes his need for his father’s love. At times, we, too, stray—whether through sin, neglect, or choosing worldly distractions over our relationship with God. Like the son in the story, we may find ourselves spiritually empty, longing for something more. But the heart of this parable is not just about human failure; it is about divine mercy. The father’s response is not anger or punishment but unconditional love. He runs to embrace his lost son, celebrating his return. This is how God welcomes us when we repent. No matter how far we have wandered, His mercy is greater.
Lenten Challenge:
• In what ways do I need to return to God this Lent?
• Do I truly believe in and accept God’s mercy for myself?
• Am I willing to extend that same mercy to others?
Day 19
Luke:13:1-9 Day-19)
The parable of the barren fig tree represents our lives when we fail to produce spiritual fruit—acts of love, kindness, and faithfulness. God, like the vineyard owner, expects us to grow and bear fruit. However, in His mercy, He grants us time to change, just as the gardener pleads for another year to nurture the tree.
Lent is that “extra year” given to us—a time to allow God’s grace to work in us so that we may bear fruit. It is a call to repentance, to examine our lives, and to cultivate our relationship with God through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
The question for us this Lent is: Are we bearing fruit, or are we just taking up space? God is patient, but there will come a time of accountability. Let us not waste this season of grace. Instead, let us allow God to “dig around us and fertilize us” with His Word, Sacraments, and love, so we may grow into faithful disciples who bring life and goodness to the world.
Day 20
Luke:4:24-30 (Day-20)
In the gospel Jesus reminds the people that “no prophet is accepted in his hometown” and references how God’s blessings were extended to outsiders in the time of Elijah and Elisha. Instead of rejoicing in His message, the people become enraged and attempt to drive Him out.
During Lent, this passage challenges us to examine our own openness to God’s truth. Are there ways in which we reject Jesus because His message challenges our expectations? Do we struggle to recognize God’s work when it comes in unexpected ways or through unfamiliar people? The passage also reminds us of God’s expansive love—His mercy is not limited to a select group but reaches all people. As we journey through Lent, may we let go of pride, embrace humility, and open our hearts to God’s will, even when it challenges our comfort. How might God be calling you to greater openness and faith this Lent?
Day 21
Luke:1:26-38 (Day-21)
Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord.
The Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord presents a beautiful moment for reflection, as it brings together the themes of divine obedience, trust, and God’s plan for salvation.
Mary’s Yes: Lent is a season of surrender and trust in God’s plan. Just as Mary surrendered herself to God’s will, we are called to do the same in our Lenten journey—whether through fasting, prayer, or acts of charity.
God’s Invitation in Our Lives: Just as God invited Mary into His plan for salvation, He invites us daily to cooperate with His grace. Are we open to His call? Do we trust Him even when we do not fully understand His plans?
Embracing Humility and Faith: Mary’s humility is a model for us. During Lent, we are invited to cultivate a heart like hers—one that is open, trusting, and willing to serve. Our fasting and sacrifices help us detach from self-reliance and grow in reliance on God.
Day 22
Mathew:5:17-19 (Day-22)
Today’s gospel passage invites us to reflect on Jesus’ relationship with the Law and how we live out God’s commandments in our daily lives. Jesus does not reject the Old Testament Law but fulfills its deepest purpose—drawing people closer to God through love, mercy, and justice.
Three Questions:
1. How do I see God’s commandments—as burdensome rules or as a path to holiness?
2. Am I truly living out the teachings of Christ, or do I sometimes ignore parts that are inconvenient?
3. How can I use this Lenten season to deepen my commitment to God’s word and teachings?
During this Lent, let us strive not just to know God’s commandments but to embody them in our actions. Through prayer, fasting, and acts of love, may we grow in obedience to God’s will and be counted among those who are “great in the kingdom of heaven.”
Day 23
Luke:11:14-23 (Day-23)
Today’s gospel challenges us to examine our hearts. Are we fully with Christ, or are we divided in our faith? It is easy to be amazed by God’s works but harder to commit wholeheartedly to Him. Sometimes, like the crowd, we may question or resist God’s work in our lives.
Lent is a time to cast out the “demons” that keep us from God—doubt, sin, distractions, or complacency. Jesus invites us to choose: Are we gathering with Him, or are we scattering? This season calls us to reaffirm our faith, trust in His power, and stand firmly on the side of Christ. How can you actively align yourself with Jesus today? What distractions or doubts do you need to surrender to Him?
Day 24
Mathew:12:28-34 (Day-24)
During Lent, we are called to examine our hearts and align ourselves with God’s kingdom. Lent is a time to acknowledge God’s work in our lives. Are there areas where we resist His power? Are we open to the Holy Spirit transforming us? Just as Jesus warns that a house divided cannot stand, we too must not be divided in our faith—half-trusting God while clinging to sin or doubt.
Lent also invites us to examine what “fruit” we are producing. Are our words filled with love, truth, and encouragement, or do they reveal bitterness, judgment, or hypocrisy? Let this Lenten season be a time of inner cleansing, where we allow the Spirit of God to drive out whatever separates us from Him. May we bear good fruit and live as true witnesses of His kingdom.
Day 25
Luke:18:9-14 (Day-25)
This parable calls us to examine our hearts and attitudes toward God and others. The Pharisee’s pride blinds him to his own need for mercy. He sees himself as superior, forgetting that righteousness comes not from our own deeds but from God’s grace. The tax collector, however, embodies the true spirit of Lent—humility, repentance, and a deep awareness of his sinfulness.
Humility Over Pride: Lent is a time to recognize our own shortcomings rather than point out the faults of others. Are we more like the Pharisee, confident in our spiritual practices, or like the tax collector, aware of our need for God’s mercy?
True Repentance: The tax collector’s prayer, short but sincere, is a model of true repentance. As we journey through Lent, how often do we pause to sincerely acknowledge our sins and seek God’s forgiveness?
God’s Response to Humility: Jesus concludes that the humble tax collector goes home justified rather than the self-righteous Pharisee. This reminds us that God exalts the humble and brings low the proud.
Day 26
Luke:15:1-3,11-32 (Day-26)
The Parable of the Prodigal Son, is a powerful story of repentance, forgiveness, and unconditional love. As we journey through Lent, this parable challenges us to examine our own hearts through the perspectives of the three main characters: the younger son, the elder son, and the merciful father.
The Younger Son: A Journey from Rebellion to Repentance
The younger son embodies human weakness—selfishness, impulsiveness, and the desire for independence. During Lent, we often confront our own “younger son” moments—times when we have strayed from God, seeking fulfillment in worldly desires. The son’s decision to return home reflects the Lenten call to repentance. His confession, “I have sinned against heaven and before you,” (Luke 15:21) invites us to humble ourselves, acknowledging our need for God’s mercy.
The Elder Son: The Challenge of Self-Righteousness
The elder son represents those who are faithful yet harbor resentment and self-righteousness. Lent calls us to reflect on our own attitudes toward forgiveness. Are we holding grudges, or are we willing to welcome back those who have hurt us? The elder son’s struggle challenges us to let go of pride and embrace God’s generous grace.
The Merciful Father: The Image of God’s Unconditional Love
The father’s response to his wayward son is nothing short of astonishing. Running to embrace his son, he disregards cultural norms, prioritizing love over dignity. His actions reflect God’s boundless mercy—always ready to welcome us back, no matter how far we have wandered.
During Lent, the father invites us to both receive and reflect God’s forgiveness. Are we willing to forgive as the father does, or do we cling to past hurts? Can we accept God’s forgiveness without feeling unworthy or resentful of His mercy toward others?
Day 27
John:4:43-54 (Day-27)
In the gospel, the official, desperate and humble, seeks Jesus’ help. Jesus tells him, “Go; your son will live” (John 4:50), and the man believes without seeing immediate proof. Later, he learns that his son was healed at the exact moment Jesus spoke.
This story challenges us to examine our faith during Lent. The royal official moves from desperation to faith, trusting Jesus’ word before seeing results. In our Lenten journey, we are called to deepen our faith, trusting in God’s promises even when we cannot see the outcome.
Sometimes, like the official, we come to God only when we are desperate. Lent invites us to transform that crisis-driven faith into a consistent, trusting relationship. The official’s belief was not based on signs but on Jesus’ word—an example of true faith.
Day 28
John:5:1-3,5-16 (Day-28)
During Lent, we reflect on our own spiritual paralysis—those places where we feel stuck, helpless, or hopeless. Sometimes we, too, wait for an external change or miracle while Jesus is offering healing directly to our hearts. This passage invites us to consider how Jesus sees beyond our excuses and offers us freedom from whatever binds us.
Are we sometimes like the Pharisees—so focused on rules or traditions that we miss the grace of God at work? Or are we like the man, lying at the pool’s edge, resigned to our struggles without realizing that Jesus is already there, offering healing?
Lent calls us to examine our lives and to let go of the burdens that keep us from walking in newness. Jesus invites us to rise from our places of stagnation, to carry our stories with us, and to walk freely into the life He offers. As we journey through Lent, may we not only seek healing but also embrace the freedom that comes with truly encountering Jesus, the Lord of the Sabbath and the healer of hearts.
Day 29
John:5:17-30 (Day-29)
Jesus speaks about His relationship with the Father and the authority given to Him. During Lent, we are called to reflect on our relationship with God and our willingness to do His will. Jesus’ words remind us that His actions were never separate from the Father’s purpose. Just as Jesus remained aligned with God’s will, Lent challenges us to assess whether our lives reflect a similar commitment.
Jesus speaks of giving life and executing judgment. As we journey through Lent, we are invited to reflect on how Christ gives life to our souls through repentance and grace. Are we allowing His life-giving words to transform us, or are we stuck in patterns that distance us from His love? This passage encourages us to examine how closely our lives are intertwined with God’s work and whether we are open to His transformative power.
Day 30
John:5:31-47 ( Day-30)
Today’s gospel calls us to examine the themes of testimony, belief, and the authority of Jesus. In this passage, Jesus speaks to the Jewish leaders about the validity of His testimony and the witnesses that confirm His divine mission: John the Baptist, His miraculous works, God the Father, and the Scriptures themselves.
During Lent, we are invited to recognize how God’s works in our lives testify to His presence. Are we attentive to the ways God reveals Himself through Scripture, creation, and our faith community?Lent challenges us to examine our own hearts. Are we more concerned with human praise than with seeking God’s truth? Are we willing to let go of pride and humbly seek Jesus, even when it challenges our preconceived notions?
As we journey through Lent, we are called to deepen our faith by reflecting on our willingness to accept Jesus as the central witness of God’s love and truth. Let us ask for the grace to embrace His testimony wholeheartedly, setting aside pride and opening our hearts to the transformative power of the Gospel.
Day 31
John:7:1-2, 10, 25-30 ( Day-31)
During Lent, we are called to reflect on the courage and purpose of Jesus. Despite threats and danger, Jesus remains committed to His mission. He does not let fear deter Him from proclaiming the truth. This is a powerful reminder for us to live our faith with courage, even when faced with opposition or misunderstanding.
The passage also challenges us to examine how well we truly know Jesus. The people thought they knew where Jesus was from, but their understanding was limited. Lent invites us to go deeper, moving beyond superficial knowledge to a more profound relationship with Christ. Are we open to recognizing Him in unexpected ways and places?
Day 32
John:7:40-52 (Day-32)
During Lent, we are called to examine our perceptions and judgments. Just as the people and Pharisees in the passage question who Jesus truly is, we might also have preconceived notions or biases that prevent us from recognizing God’s work in our lives. The people in the crowd argue over whether Jesus can be the Messiah because of where He comes from. They are so focused on external details that they miss the essence of His message. Similarly, we might overlook God’s presence when it doesn’t align with our expectations or when it challenges us.
Nicodemus, despite being a Pharisee, shows openness and courage by advocating for a just hearing. His attitude reminds us to be open-minded and just, even when it’s uncomfortable or risky. Lent encourages us to challenge our assumptions and to listen for God’s voice in unexpected places and people.
Day 33
Mercy Triumphs over Judgement
John:8:1-11 (Day -33)
Today is the fifth Sunday of Lent. We are getting close to the paschal feast. In other words, we are gradually moving away from the zone of suffering to the zone of glory. The Gospel for the fifth Sunday of Lent continues to offer lessons about God’s mercy and forgiveness. Last Sunday we heard the Parable of the Prodigal Son from the Gospel of Luke. Today we hear not a parable, but the report from John’s Gospel of an encounter among Jesus, the scribes and Pharisees, and a woman caught in adultery. In John’s Gospel, the conflict between Jesus and the scribes and Pharisees occurs much earlier than in the Synoptic Gospels. Jesus’ cleansing of the Temple in Jerusalem is reported at the beginning of John’s Gospel. Even after this event, Jesus continues to teach in the Temple. After returning to Galilee for a time, Jesus again enters Jerusalem and cures a man on the Sabbath. From this point forward in John’s Gospel, the Pharisees are described as making plans for Jesus’ arrest and seeking his death.
Today’s Gospel begins by reporting that Jesus is again teaching the crowds in the vicinity of the Temple. The scribes and the Pharisees approach Jesus, bringing a woman who has been caught in the act of adultery. They put to Jesus the question of what ought to be done in this case. The gospel presents one of the most powerful stories of mercy in the Bible – the story of the woman caught in adultery. The scribes and Pharisees bring a woman caught in adultery before Jesus, hoping to trap Him. Jesus’ words resonate through the ages: let the one among you who is without sin be first to throw a stone at her. In the gospel Jesus invites us to look inward before judging others. Lent is a time of repentance and conversion. Yet how often do we act like the Pharisees – quick to judge, eager to point out others faults while ignoring our own? Today’s gospel challenges us to drop the stones we hold – stones of judgement, condemnation and self-righteousness.
In our world, we often see a rush to judgement, both in personal relationships and on public platforms like social media. We are quick to cast stones without acknowledging our own imperfections. In our families, communities and workplaces, how often do we hold grudges, speak harsh words, or condemn those who falter? Forgiveness changed that woman’s life. Mercy and misery embraced. Mercy and misery met there, and the woman’s life changed. The Lord wants us, his disciples, his Church, likewise, to become tireless witnesses of reconciliation. Witnesses of a God for whom the word irredeemable does not exist, a God who always forgives. We truly know him when we experience his forgiveness, and when, like the woman in the Gospel, we discover that God comes to us through our inner woundedness. That is indeed where the Lord loves to make himself known, for he came not for the healthy but for the sick (Mt 9:12). Today, that woman, who found mercy amid her misery and who went away healed by Jesus’ forgiveness, invites us, as Church, to return to the school of the Gospel, to learn from the God of hope who never ceases to surprise us. If we imitate him, we will not be inclined to focus on condemning sins, but on setting out with love in search of sinners. In the church today, Pope Francis continuously calls for a culture of encounter rooted in mercy. He reminds us of that God never tires of forgiving us; we are the ones who tire of seeking his mercy. As Christians we are called not only to receive forgiveness but to extend it to others, fostering reconciliation rather than division. Today we are challenged to become apostles of mercy and forgiveness rather than instruments of judgement. Amen
Day 34
John:8:12-20 ( Day-34)
As we journey through Lent—a season marked by self-examination, prayer, and repentance—Jesus’ words cut through like a beacon: “I am the light of the world.” In a time when we intentionally confront the darkness in our own hearts, this promise offers both challenge and comfort.
Lent often feels like a descent into shadow—acknowledging sin, brokenness, and our need for grace. But here, Christ reminds us: even in the valley, we are not abandoned. His light is not only a guide; it is life itself. To follow Him is to walk out of shame and into freedom.
Dear friends, let us spend some time today in silence with a candle lit in front of us . Reflect on where we are still walking in darkness—fear, resentment, distraction—and invite Christ’s light into those places. Pray for the courage to follow Him more deeply, even when the path is uncertain.
Day 35
John:8:21-30 (Day-35)
Lent invites us to pause and examine what keeps us from recognizing Christ in our own lives. The Pharisees couldn’t see past their assumptions and pride. How often do we do the same?
Jesus says, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He.” This points to the cross — the heart of Lent. The crucifixion reveals His identity and love. It’s a call to believe not just in ideas about Jesus, but in Him — the living “I AM,” present even in suffering.
Lent is a journey toward the cross, but also toward clarity — toward seeing Jesus as He truly is. If we resist that, we risk spiritual blindness, like those who heard Him but did not listen.
Day 36
John:8:31-42(Day-36)
If you remain in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. During Lent, we are called to examine what we are enslaved to. Jesus reminds us in this passage that true freedom doesn’t come from status, heritage, or self-sufficiency—it comes from remaining in His word. The truth He speaks of isn’t just intellectual knowledge, but a deep, transformative relationship with Him.
The Jews in this passage claim they are already free because they are descendants of Abraham. But Jesus challenges them—and us—to look deeper. Is our identity truly rooted in God, or in something else? Are we holding onto religious heritage or cultural comfort, thinking it’s enough, while our hearts remain resistant to real change?
Day 37
John:8:51-59 (Day-37)
Lent is a time of return—returning to God, to humility, to truth. In this passage, Jesus calls us to a radical trust in Him, one that transcends even death. As we journey through Lent, reflecting on our mortality and need for grace, His promise—“will never see death”—isn’t just about avoiding physical death. It’s about a deeper, eternal life, one grounded in obedience, intimacy with Christ, and belief in who He truly is.
But the crowd’s reaction is telling. They resist. They argue. They pick up stones. Sometimes we do the same. The call to follow Jesus, especially in Lent, often confronts our pride, our assumptions, and our desire to stay in control.
Jesus’ declaration “I AM” echoes through Lent as a reminder: He is not just a wise teacher, but the eternal God who entered our suffering, who walks with us in the wilderness, and who offers life beyond death.
Day 38
John:10:31-42. (Day-38)
In today’s Gospel, people are angry with Jesus. They even pick up stones to throw at Him! Why? Because He told them the truth about who He is – the Son of God. Jesus was doing good things: healing the sick, helping the poor, teaching about love – but still, some didn’t believe Him.
Sometimes, when we try to do the right thing, others might not understand us either. Maybe we speak up for a friend, or choose to be kind when others are not – and people might laugh or get upset. But just like Jesus didn’t stop loving or doing what was right, we are called to keep trusting God and doing good.
Lent is a special time to get closer to Jesus. When it’s hard to be kind, honest, or forgiving, we can remember how brave Jesus was. He didn’t give up – and He promises to be with us, helping us every step of the way.
Day 39
John:11:45-56 (Day-39)
As we reflect on this gospel passage during Lent, this moment invites us to ask: how do we respond when Jesus disrupts our expectations? The leaders feared losing control, status, and stability. Sometimes, like them, we resist change when God challenges our comfort zones.
During Lent, this passage reminds us that the path to new life often goes through the cross. The very act of rejection and suffering will be the doorway to salvation. Let us use this season to open our hearts, even when it’s uncomfortable, and trust that God is working resurrection through every sacrifice.
Palm Sunday
Today we are all gathered to celebrate Palm Sunday – the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. In the Gospel of Luke, we see the crowd rejoicing, spreading cloaks on the road, and praising God: “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord”! (Lk 19:38). It is a moment of joy, but also a moment heavy with meaning. Jesus comes not to conquer by the sword, but to conquer through love and self-giving. In contrast to the powers of the world, His kingship is humble, merciful, and rooted in truth. Today, as we remember Christ’s entry into Jerusalem, we do so in a world marked by conflict, division, and war. From Ukraine and Gaza to Sudan and countless unseen corners of the globe, we see violence, displacement, and suffering. Nations rise against nations, and ideologies pit brother against brother. Pope Francis, in Fratelli Tutti, reminds us that “every war leaves our world worse than it was before. War is a failure of politics and of humanity, a shameful capitulation, a stinging defeat before the forces of evil”.
Jesus, the Prince of Peace, enters Jerusalem to lay down His life, while the powers of the world cling to domination and violence. He invites us to a new kind of kingdom – one where power is service, where peace is not imposed but given, where love triumphs over fear. St. John Chrysostom, preaching in a time of imperial unrest, said: “Do you want to honour Christ’s body? Then do not scorn him when he is naked. Do not honour him here in the church building with silks, only then to neglect him outside where he is cold and ill-clad.” In our time, Christ’s body is wounded in every refugee, every orphan of war, every family broken by bombs and bloodshed. If we are to honour Christ this Holy Week, we must not only wave palms, but also take up the cross of justice, mercy, and reconciliation.
St. Luke ends today’s Gospel with the Pharisees telling Jesus to silence His disciples. But Jesus replies: “If they keep silent, the stones will cry out!” (Lk 19:40) Today, in the rubble of cities, in the silent cries of children, the stones are indeed crying out. Will we listen? As St. Augustine wrote, “Peace is the tranquillity of order.” But that order must be rooted in justice and truth, not imposed by violence or domination. The Church, as a sign and instrument of peace, must be prophetic – never aligning with the powerful when they perpetuate war, but standing always with the crucified. Palm Sunday is not just a remembrance, it is a call. As we walk with Christ into Holy Week, we are invited to enter into the suffering of the world, to bear witness to the cost of love, and to work for peace, beginning in our hearts and extending into our families, communities, and nations. Let us pray for the courage to be peacemakers. Let us resist the temptation of indifference or despair. Let us lift high not just palms, but the radical hope of the Gospel. For “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God (Mt:5:9). Dear friends, as we journey through this passion Week, let us take a moment to unite in prayer – not just for ourselves but for the world. May peace blossom in every corner of the world and may the hearts of world leaders be touched by the radiant spirit of Christ Jesus. May they be guided by His wisdom, compassion and unwavering love. Let their decisions reflect Jesus’ grace, always striving for justice, harmony and the well being of all people. During this time let us believe in the power of prayer and the promise of resurrection that even in the darkest hour, light will prevail. Amen.
John:12:1-11 ( Monday of Holy Week)
In this passage, Jesus visiting the home of Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead. As they gather for a meal, Mary anoints Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume and wipes them with her hair—a tender and powerful act of humility and love.
Mary’s gesture is not only deeply personal but profoundly symbolic. By kneeling at Jesus’ feet, she displays total surrender, self-giving love, and reverence. Her action reminds us that true love is never calculating—it pours itself out, even at great cost. The perfume, worth a year’s wages, represents the depth of her sacrifice. Her humility is shown in how she lowers herself, using even her hair—her glory—to serve.
Meanwhile, Judas criticizes her, masking greed with the pretense of concern for the poor. Jesus, however, honors Mary’s action, knowing it foreshadows His burial and ultimate sacrifice.
Let Mary’s act challenge us to move beyond routine religion and embrace a love that costs something—love that humbles, love that gives, and love that prepares us to walk with Jesus to the cross.
John:13:36-38 ( Tuesday of Holy Week)
During Holy Week, we journey with Jesus through His passion, betrayal, and ultimately, the cross. In this moment between Jesus and Peter, we see something very human—good intentions that crumble under pressure. Peter, full of boldness and love, insists he’s ready to lay down his life for Jesus. But Jesus gently reveals a hard truth: Peter’s love, though sincere, is not yet strong enough to withstand fear and failure.
How often are we like Peter? We want to follow Jesus closely. We make promises. We commit to prayer, kindness, forgiveness. But when life gets hard—when we face fear, doubt, or rejection—we sometimes step back, deny, or fail to act on our faith.
Yet, Jesus doesn’t reject Peter. He doesn’t shame him. He looks at him with love, knowing that even our failures can lead to growth. After the resurrection, Jesus restores Peter and gives him a mission.
Holy Week invites us to face our weakness honestly—not to despair, but to remember that Jesus walks with us through it all. Even when we fall, He offers mercy, not condemnation. The cross is not the end. There is forgiveness, transformation, and new life.
Mathew:26:14-25 ( Wednesday of Holy Week)
This passage brings us into a moment of deep betrayal cloaked in intimacy. What makes this passage even more poignant is that Judas sits at the table with Jesus afterward, sharing a sacred meal. Jesus, fully aware of the betrayal in Judas’s heart, still welcomes him, still offers him bread, and still calls him “friend.”
During Lent, we are invited to examine our own hearts. How often do we, like Judas, betray Jesus—not with silver, but with our silence, our compromises, our selfishness, or our refusal to love as He does? And yet, there is grace in this passage too. Jesus does not expose Judas in anger. Instead, He gives him—and us—one more opportunity to turn back. Lent is exactly that: a season to return, to repent, and to sit once again at the table of mercy.
To Love and Serve as He Did (Holy Thursday)
Tonight, we enter into the sacred Triduum, beginning with this Mass of the Lord’s Supper. It is a night full of meaning, full of grace, and full of mystery. Tonight, Jesus gives us three gifts: The Eucharist-His presence among us. The Priesthood-His ministers to serve and sanctify. The Commandment of Love-to wash one another’s feet, literally and figuratively.
The Institution of the Holy Eucharist: The Eucharist is not merely a symbol; it is the real presence of Christ-His body, blood, soul, and divinity. The Eucharist is the summit of God’s love. In it, Christ gives us not something, but Himself. Every time we receive the Eucharist; we are drawn into that act of total self-giving love which He showed on the Cross.
The Institution of the Sacred Priesthood: Vessels of Christ’s Love: The priesthood is born in the Upper Room, in the breaking of bread, in the pouring out of love. St. John Vianney said: “The priesthood is the love of the heart of Jesus.” Without priests, there would be no Eucharist. The priest, by the anointing of the Holy Spirit, is signed with a special character and so configured to Christ the Priest that he can act in the person of Christ the Head. Tonight, we pray in gratitude for the priesthood and ask the Lord to raise up new servants who will offer their lives in love and in sacrifice for His people.
The Call to Humble Service: Jesus kneels. He washes. He dries. The Eternal Son of God becomes the servant of all. In doing so, He gives us a model-not just for clergy, but for every Christian. “I have given you an example,” He says, “that you also should do as I have done to you.” Service is not optional. It is the Christian way of life. St. Augustine, said: “Pride does not wash another’s feet; only humility does that.” As Catholics, we are not called to comfort or prestige, but to humble service-feeding the hungry, visiting the sick, forgiving enemies, and defending the dignity of the poor and vulnerable. The Eucharist we receive must become the life we live. Let us be nourished at the table of the Lord and recommit ourselves to be His presence in the world. As we keep watch with Him in Gethsemane later tonight, may we say: “Lord, I am with you. I will love, serve, and follow you. To the Cross, and beyond, into the glory of the Resurrection.” Amen
The Silent Cry of the Cross (Good Friday)
Today, we stand at the foot of the Cross. The world is silent. Heaven seems still. And Christ, innocent and pure, hangs between heaven and earth. Good Friday is a day drenched in sorrow, yet shining with the hope of redemption-a paradox only the Cross can hold. Jesus Christ, the sinless Lamb of God, was betrayed, mocked, condemned, and crucified. St. Augustine reflects on this mystery, saying, “God judged it better to bring good out of evil than to suffer no evil to exist.” The Cross is not God’s defeat-it is His ultimate victory over evil and sin through love. And yet, it remains a scandal-a stumbling block for the proud, and a mystery to the suffering. How many times in our families, in society, and in our personal lives do we encounter innocent suffering? In these sufferings, we echo Christ’s own cry: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” And yet, even in that cry, there is a thread of hope.
Jesus was misunderstood by His own. His disciples fled. The crowds who once cried “Hosanna” now shout “Crucify Him.” His love was met with betrayal, His truth with denial, His mercy with violence. And this, too, we see in our lives. St. John Chrysostom reminds us that “He who loves more, suffers more.” True love opens us to misunderstanding. The parent who disciplines out of love may be called harsh. The friend who speaks the truth may be rejected. Even within the Church, we may find ourselves misunderstood when we follow Christ faithfully. The Cross is not the end-it is the beginning of a deeper union with God. It strips us of our pride, our illusions, and even our need to be understood. In that nakedness, Christ meets us.
Through His Passion, we are not merely saved-we are invited to participate. “Take up your cross and follow Me.” This is not a call to glorify pain, but to redeem it. St. Irenaeus teaches that “The glory of God is man fully alive”, and that life is found when we unite our suffering with Christ’s. Your personal pain, the wounds in your family, the injustices in society-they are not forgotten. On the Cross, Christ gathers all these and transforms them.
The Church, born from the pierced side of Christ, walks with the suffering. She is mother to the misunderstood, refuge to the rejected, and healer to the broken. The saints and Fathers of the Church bear witness to this with their lives. St. Cyprian once wrote, “None can have God as Father who does not have the Church as Mother.” Just as Christ gave His Mother to John at the Cross, He gives the Church to us-so we are never alone, even in our darkest hour.
Today, the veil of the temple is torn. The barriers between God and man, between suffering and meaning, are broken. The Cross does not take away pain-but it gives it purpose. So, if you are misunderstood, if you suffer innocently, if you carry a hidden cross-know that Christ has walked before you. He is with you now. And through the mystery of the Cross, your pain can become prayer, your wounds become worship, and your suffering, salvation. Let us venerate the Cross-not merely as a symbol, but as a lifeline.
Pilgrims of Hope in a World That Yearns for Resurrection (Sunday of the Resurrection)
Christ is risen! Alleluia! On this most holy day, the Church exults in the glory of the Resurrection. In this Jubilee Year of Hope, the Church calls all her children not only to celebrate the Resurrection, but to become living witnesses to its power in our time. We Walk our pilgrimage in an age where faith is increasingly seen as irrelevant, or even a burden. Secularism and modernity often promise liberation, but instead they lead many to isolation and confusion. The dignity of the human person is too often reduced to utility or autonomy, rather than being rooted in the Imago Dei-the image of God. St. Augustine once wrote, “You have made us for Yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You.” But our modern world has grown deaf to that restlessness. Instead of seeking the living God, we are tempted to seek satisfaction in fleeting pleasures or ideologies. The Resurrection is not just a historical event-it is our compass. As pilgrims of hope, we must resist the seductions of secularism not with anger, but with radiant joy-the joy that can only come from knowing that death is not the end.
Around us, the tombs of war are being filled again: in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, and many forgotten places. The groaning of creation-the suffering of the innocent, the displaced, the oppressed-rises like incense before God. These conflicts reveal the depth of humanity’s need for redemption. And we, the Church, must respond not with passivity, but with compassion and action. The early Christians lived in turbulent times too, yet they stood out as communities of hope, where peace and charity flourished amid violence. Tertullian wrote, “See how they love one another!” This must be said of us again today.
One of the more painful signs of our times is the rise of legislation promoting assisted death. Under the guise of compassion, laws are being enacted that quietly redefine human dignity. The most vulnerable-the sick, the elderly, those suffering from mental illness-are at risk of being treated not as bearers of divine worth, but as burdens. The Church cannot and will not remain silent. True compassion does not eliminate the sufferer-it walks with them, as Christ walks with us, even into our darkest nights. We are Easter people-we believe in life, even in suffering, even in mystery. We are called to uphold the dignity of every person, from conception to natural death.
This Jubilee Year is not just symbolic. It is a real and urgent invitation: to renew our faith, to become sanctuaries of mercy, and to proclaim boldly the good news that Christ is alive. Pope Francis calls us to be pilgrims of hope-not tourists in faith, but people on a mission: a mission to heal, to reconcile, and to carry the light of the Resurrection into every darkened corner of our world. Go out like the women at the tomb-afraid, perhaps, but filled with joy. Go out and proclaim, not just with words but with lives that shine with Easter hope. Dear friends, the stone is rolled away. Christ lives. But so too must we rise-rise above fear, despair, complacency. Let us walk this Jubilee year as pilgrims of hope, proclaiming that no night is too dark for the light of Christ, no wound too deep for His mercy, and no death final for those who trust in His Resurrection.
Christ is risen! He is truly risen! Alleluia!
2024 Reflections
❤️ “Eat whatever you want for Easter, the sacrifice is not in the stomach, but in the heart. They refrain from eating meat, but don’t talk to their siblings or relatives, don’t visit their parents or bother them to attend to them. Don’t share food with the needy, forbid children to see their father, forbid grandparents to see their grandchildren, criticize other people’s lives, beat their wife, etc.. A good barbeque or beef stew won’t make you a bad person, just like a fish fillet won’t turn you a saint. Better seek to have a deeper relationship with God through better treatment of others 🙏🏻 Let’s be less arrogant and more humble at heart. ❤️ ✝️Pope Francis ✝️
❤️ “Eat whatever you want for Easter, the sacrifice is not in the stomach, but in the heart. They refrain from eating meat, but don’t talk to their siblings or relatives, don’t visit their parents or bother them to attend to them. Don’t share food with the needy, forbid children to see their father, forbid grandparents to see their grandchildren, criticize other people’s lives, beat their wife, etc.. A good barbeque or beef stew won’t make you a bad person, just like a fish fillet won’t turn you a saint. Better seek to have a deeper relationship with God through better treatment of others 🙏🏻 Let’s be less arrogant and more humble at heart. ❤️ ✝️Pope Francis ✝️
Lent is to be concrete, the first step is to desire to open our eyes to reality. The cry of so many of our oppressed brothers and sisters rises to heaven. Let us ask ourselves: Do we hear that cry? Does it trouble us? Does it move us?
Pope Francis
During these weeks of Lent, let us make space for the prayer of silent adoration, in which we experience the presence of the Lord like Moses, like Elijah, like Mary, like Jesus.”
“Let us not be afraid to strip ourselves of worldly trappings and return to the heart, to what is essential,” he said.
Pope Francis reflected on Jesus’ words in the Gospel of Matthew: “When you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret” (Matthew 6:4).
He quoted advice from St. Anselm of Canterbury, an 11th-century Benedictine monk and doctor of the Church, who wrote in 1078: “Escape from your everyday business for a short while; hide for a moment from your restless thoughts. Break off from your cares and troubles and be less concerned about your tasks and labors. Make a little time for God and rest a while in him. Enter into your mind’s inner chamber. Shut out everything but God and whatever helps you to seek him; and when you have shut the door, look for him. Speak now to God and say with your whole heart: I seek your face; your face, O Lord, I desire.”
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day7
Day 8
Day 9
Day 10
Day 11
Day 12
Day 13
Day 14
Day 15
Day 16
Day 17
Day 18
Day 19
Day 20
Day 21
Day 22
Day 23
Day 24
Day 25
Day 26
Day 27
Day 28
Day 29
Day 30
Day 31
Day 32
Day 33
Day 34
Day 35
Day 36
Day 37
Day 38
Day 39
Day 40 Palm Sunday
Maundy Thursday
Good Friday
Easter
Peace be to you!
According to an ancient Russian Orthodox tradition, the day before Easter was devoted to telling jokes. Priests would join the people in telling their best jokes to one another. The reason was to reflect the joke, God pulled on the devil in the Resurrection. Satan thought he had won on Friday, but God had the last laugh on Easter Sunday. Easter is the most joyful day in the Christian year. This is the day when Christians proclaim that death is not the end. The resonance of this event, twenty centuries ago, continues to resound in the Church. Right down to our own time, even in these days of advanced communications and technology the faith of Christians is based on that same news, on the testimony of those sisters and brothers who saw firstly the empty tomb and the mysterious messengers who testified that Jesus, the Crucified, was risen. The resurrection of Christ is not the fruit of assumption or mystical experience: it is an event. Just as the sun’s rays in springtime cause the buds on the branches of the trees to sprout and open up, so the radiance that streams forth from Christ’s resurrection gives strength and meaning to every human hope, to every expectation and every plan. Hence the entire cosmos is rejoicing today, caught up in the springtime of humanity, which gives voice to creation’s silent hymn of praise.
The Easter Sunday invites us to seek the things of light, things that are noble, true, just and things that glorify God. We must seek heavenly things by living like free people and citizens of heaven. The resurrection is a cosmic event, which includes heaven and earth and links them together. It is God’s definitive answer to death. Through Resurrection, God has conquered both sin and death. It is the Risen Jesus Christ who grants us peace. It is He who gives Himself to us in the Eucharist. He forgives us our sins in the Sacrament of Confession and speaks to us through the Sacred Scriptures and through His Church. It is He, who is the Way, the Truth and the Life and He says to us what He said to the Apostles on the First Easter: Peace be to you. It is I. Do not be afraid! (John 20: 19-23).
Easter gives us the guarantee of our own resurrection. Jesus assured Martha at the tomb of Lazarus: “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me will live even though he dies” (Jn 11:25-26). Easter is a feast which gives us hope and encouragement in this world of pain, sorrows and tears. It reminds us that life is worth living. It also gives us strength to fight against temptations and freedom from unnecessary worries and fears. Risen Christ invites us to become transparent Christians, radiating the Risen Lord around us in the form of selfless and sacrificial agape love, mercy, compassion, and a spirit of humble service. The risen Christ is journeying ahead of us towards the new heavens and the new earth (Rev 21:1), in which we shall all finally live as one family, as sons of the same Father. He is with us until the end of time. Let us walk behind him, in this wounded world, singing Alleluia. In our hearts there is joy and sorrow, on our faces there are smiles and tears. Let us faithfully carrying out our task in this world with our eyes fixed on heaven.
Happy Easter to all my dear brothers and sisters!
