share
To see the day’s scripture reading and reflection, click the arrow next to the date.
The second Sunday of Lent – March 16, 2025
Join with others in being imitators of me, brothers and sisters,
Philippians 3:17-20
and observe those who thus conduct themselves
according to the model you have in us.
For many, as I have often told you
and now tell you even in tears,
conduct themselves as enemies of the cross of Christ.
Their end is destruction.
Their God is their stomach;
their glory is in their “shame.”
Their minds are occupied with earthly things.
But our citizenship is in heaven,
and from it we also await a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
By Marivel Ramirez Miranda, Associate, Nuevo Chimbote, Peru
Join with others in being imitators of me, brothers and sisters,
Philippians 3:17-20
and observe those who thus conduct themselves
according to the model you have in us.
For many, as I have often told you
and now tell you even in tears,
conduct themselves as enemies of the cross of Christ.
Their end is destruction.
Their God is their stomach;
their glory is in their “shame.”
Their minds are occupied with earthly things.
But our citizenship is in heaven,
and from it we also await a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
The apostle Paul urges the Philippians to imitate his example and that of other believers who live according to the teachings of Christ. This reminds us how important it is to have examples that inspire us and guide us along the path of faith and mercy but also warns of those who live focused on earthly pleasures, causing damage to humanity and our Mother Earth. This should remind us to examine our personal motivations and make sure that we are not falling into the same attitude.
We might ask ourselves, who are we imitating in our Christian lives? Are we following the example of Christ and of those who live according to his teachings?
May our personal reflection motivate us to live according to our Christian identity and always seek out the eternal values that we find in the gospel.
Day 13 – Monday, March 17, 2025
By Sister Sharon Kerrigan, Chicago, Illinois, United States
We have sinned, been wicked and done evil; we have rebelled and turned from your commandments and your laws.
Daniel 9:5-6
We have not obeyed your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes, our ancestors, and all the people of the land.
But to you who hear I say, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
Luke 6:27-30
To the person who strikes you on one cheek, offer the other one as well, and from the person who takes your cloak, do not withhold even your tunic.
Give to everyone who asks of you, and from the one who takes what is yours do not demand it back.
Today’s readings center around the role of the prophet Daniel and Jesus. In the first reading, Daniel acknowledged the Israelites sinfulness because they disregarded God’s commandments (Dan.9:5-10). He pleaded with them to mend their ways and return to their compassionate and forgiving Lord (Dan. 9:9). They refused (Dan. 9:13).
In the Gospel reading, Jesus teaches his disciples a new way to encounter God beyond just observing the commandments. He instructs them to love their enemies and to do good to those who hate them. Luke repeats this teaching three times (Lk. 6:27-30, 32-34, 35). The evangelist seems to understand this practice to be a hallmark of every Christian.
Luke further instructs his community not to judge others, and they will not be judged (Lk. 6:37). In addition to improving one’s relationship with God this practice could bring peace within oneself and the world around an individual. This is Jesus’ challenge to each of us today. How will I respond?
Day 14 – Tuesday, March 18, 2025
By Sister Lillian Jordan, Belmont, North Carolina, United States
Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying,
Matthew 23:1-5
“The scribes and the Pharisees
have taken their seat on the chair of Moses.
Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you,
but do not follow their example.
For they preach but they do not practice.
They tie up heavy burdens hard to carry
and lay them on people’s shoulders,
but they will not lift a finger to move them.
All their works are performed to be seen.
As a youngster I credited my wise mother with the proverb “Practice what you preach,” only to find later that it had its origins in the Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 23, today’s reading. In the gospel Jesus warns against the power demonstrated by the scribes and pharisees who were in the habit of using the power that was rightfully theirs to oppress rather than free, a power exercised over others rather than a power for building them up.
It occurs to me that each of us has been gifted with personal power. That power that enables us to make a difference for good in our families, communities and world. My personal power enables me to lift up rather than tear down, to bring hope rather than discouragement, to be an agent of change for a better world. How I use my power is an object of my daily reflection.
In this divided world in which we live, in this world of inequalities where the rich get richer and the poor get poorer, discrimination is rampant; lack of respect for our planet and its people is a matter of course; violence is prevalent; and the vulnerable are disregarded. I am moved to action. My framework is our Mercy Critical Concerns; my challenge is to commit myself to be intentional in furthering them. Uniting in prayer, participating in dialogue, encouraging and influencing involvement in outreach to those in need and political action are all possibilities, among many others.
May we continue our Lenten journey aware of our power and responsibility to make good.
Solemnity of Saint Joseph – Wednesday, March 19, 2025
By Sister Angela Perez, Hagåtña, Guam
“Joseph, son of David,
Matthew 1:20-24
do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home.
For it is through the Holy Spirit
that this child has been conceived in her.
She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus,
because he will save his people from their sins.”
When Joseph awoke,
he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him
and took his wife into his home.
There is no word written or spoken by St. Joseph. The silence of St. Joseph’s exemplary life proclaims the good news of God’s love for us! Noted in this scriptural account is Joseph’s significant contribution—the realization of the Word made flesh! In the words of Pope Francis: “He is a man of silence and strength. Even when he is asleep, he is taking care of the Church!”
During my childhood years, St. Joseph was a prominent saint in my family. We annually made the trip to the distant St. Joseph Parish in Inalåhan to pray at the Festal Mass, enjoy fiesta food and time with relatives, and celebrate with the entire village in games, competitions, races and end with a big parade. My parents never said a word about St. Joseph, but their devotional practice spoke volumes of their closeness to the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph.
Reflecting on the exemplary life of St. Joseph and the salvific life of Jesus manifesting
God’s love and mercy, I pray to be like St. Joseph when summoned to not be afraid, to believe in the Holy Spirit and to do as the Lord has commanded. I continue to ponder on the gaze Jesus shared with Joseph. Biba, San Jose!
Day 16 – Thursday, March 20, 2025
By Jennifer Lesenger, Associate, Gastonia, North Carolina, United States
And he cried out, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me.
Send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am suffering torment in these flames.’
Abraham replied, ‘My child, remember that you received what was good during your lifetime while Lazarus likewise received what was bad; but now he is comforted here, whereas you are tormented.He said, ‘Then I beg you, father, send him to my father’s house, for I have five brothers, so that he may warn them,
Luke 16:24-25, 27-29
lest they too come to this place of torment.’
But Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the prophets.
Let them listen to them.’
While the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus might seem harsh as the rich man has no chance for salvation, it is necessary because it teaches us about priorities. Like the rich man, some of us focus on worldly wealth and give little thought to the emptiness of our souls. However, when the day of judgement comes, we will not be awarded for our monetary ambition or prestigious titles; we will be judged by the way we treated those of us who have very little. Not only did the rich man live his own life with skewed priorities, but he also modeled his way of living to his brothers. Because of this, his brothers will most likely end up in flames alongside him. When we live by God’s instruction, it is not only for our sake but for the sake of others that we may model a life lived in Christ. During this Lenten season, let us be mindful of the life we are modeling for others.
Day 17 – Friday, March 21, 2025
By Sister Rayleen Giannotti, Cumberland, Rhode Island, United States
Jesus said to them, “Did you never read in the Scriptures:
Matthew 21:42-46
The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone;
by the Lord has this been done,
and it is wonderful in our eyes?
Therefore, I say to you,
the Kingdom of God will be taken away from you
and given to a people that will produce its fruit.”
When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables,
they knew that he was speaking about them.
And although they were attempting to arrest him,
they feared the crowds, for they regarded him as a prophet.
As I reflect on today’s Gospel, I ponder, “What enabled the chief priests and the Pharisees to conclude that Jesus was speaking to them?” Perhaps, it was simply their opposition to Jesus that they felt in every fiber of their being. Of course, we may recognize this culture of either/or thinking and know that it is nearly impossible to, at one time or other, not fall into its trap. Yet, once an individual focuses her energy on “against,” it becomes evident that this negative energy is exhausting and deenergizing. Understandably, one quickly wants to rid herself and others of what she is opposing, or she sees as opposing her. Today’s Gospel, however, teaches another way. Jesus moves to who or what is “for” the Kingdom of God. He focuses his mission on building the world God intended. I must ask: How can I/we move toward who or what we are “for”?
Day 18 – Saturday, March 22, 2025
By Sister Mara Rutten, Gastonia, North Carolina, United States
He became angry, and when he refused to enter the house, his father came out and pleaded with him.
Luke 15:28-32
He said to his father in reply, ‘Look, all these years I served you and not once did I disobey your orders; yet you never gave me even a young goat to feast on with my friends.
But when your son returns who swallowed up your property with prostitutes, for him you slaughter the fattened calf.’
He said to him, ‘My son, you are here with me always; everything I have is yours. But now we must celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.’”
I feel for the eldest son. Imagine coming home from a hard day’s work to find a party in full swing. It must have hurt to find that your brother had returned, and it didn’t occur to anyone to come get you for the celebration. Resentment almost feels in order.
But this specific type of resentment feels too familiar right now. It seems as if a lot of people in this world feel they have worked hard but haven’t reaped the benefits; that their share has been claimed by “others.” And so rather than join in the celebration, they insist there shouldn’t be a party at all.
It is easy to forgive the repentant younger son; more difficult such hardness of heart, especially when the pain in this world is so great. But we are called to mercy. It is a crucial step in learning to love as expansively as the Father.