FOURTH WEEK OF LENT

SAINT(S) OF THE DAY: FEAST DAY ~ APRIL 2, 2025

MEMORIAL OF SAINT FRANCIS OF PAOLA, HERMIT AND SAINT MARY OF EGYPT, HERMITESS | Lives of the Saints | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day/

Greetings and blessings, beloved family! Happy Wednesday, Fourth Week of Lent, and welcome to a new month!

We thank God for the  gift of life and for the gift of the new month of April. May this month bring renewal in faith, deepening our journey through Lent and drawing us closer to Christ. May God’s grace guide and strengthen us every day and may His grace and mercy be with us all during this season of our Lenten journey. 🙏🏽

“Watch Holy Mass on the 20th Anniversary of the death of Saint John Paul II | Presided over by Cardinal Pietro Parolin | Live from St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican | April 2, 2025” | Life of St. John Paul II | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/04/02/watch-holy-mass-on-the-20th-anniversary-of-the-death-of-saint-john-paul-ii-presided-over-by-cardinal-pietro-parolin-live-from-st-peters-basilica-in-the-vatican-april-2-2025/

LIVE | Holy Mass commemorating the 20th anniversary of the death of Saint John Paul II, presided over by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, from St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican.

Gracious God, source of all light and joy, we come to you in thanksgiving for the life of Pope John Paul II. Throughout his life, he tirelessly preached the Gospel of your Son, Jesus. May the fire of love that consumed the Holy Father burn also within us so that the world will know the joy of your reign. Amen 🙏🏽

Saint John Paul II, Pope ~ Pray for us 🙏🏽

Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary on EWTN” | “Holy Mass from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” | Pray “Holy Rosary Novena From Lourdes” | Pray “The Chaplet of Divine Mercy in song from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/04/02/catholic-daily-mass-29/

DAY 25: LENTEN PRAYERS AND REFLECTIONS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/04/02/day-25-lenten-prayers-and-reflections/

DAILY REFLECTIONS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/

Daily Saints, Holy Mass, Holy Rosary, Chaplet of Divine Mercy and Scripture Reflections | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/reflections/

LENT: | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/03/03/lent/

STATIONS OF THE CROSS | A JOURNEY WITH CHRIST | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/03/03/stations-of-the-cross/

THE LITURGICAL YEAR IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2024/12/03/the-liturgical-year-in-the-catholic-church/

WORLD PRAYERS FOR POPE FRANCIS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/02/26/world-prayers-for-pope-francis/

PRAYER FOR POPE FRANCIS

“Loving God, we thank you for the unwavering faith and leadership of Pope Francis. As he recovers from his hospitalization, we humbly ask for your healing touch upon his body, your peace upon his mind, and your comfort for his spirit. Grant him strength, renewed energy, and a continued ability to serve your flock with compassion and wisdom. We entrust him to your loving care, and we pray that he may soon be restored to good health, if it be your will. Through Christ our Lord, Amen”🙏🏽

On this special feast day, as we continue our Lenten journey, with special intention through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, and the Saints, particularly Saint Joseph, Patron of the dying, we pray for the sick and dying and all those who mourn the loss of their loved ones and celebrate their memorial anniversary today. We pray for our loved ones who have recently died, and we continue to pray for the repose of the gentle souls of all the faithful departed, may the Lord receive them into the light of Eternal Kingdom. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their gentle souls and souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in perfect peace with our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen 🙏🏽 ✝️🕯✝️🕯✝️🕯

“Blessed are those who have died in the Lord; let them rest from their labors for their good deeds go with them.” ~ Rev 14:13

PRAYER FOR THE DEAD: In your hands, O Lord, we humbly entrust our brothers and sisters. In this life, you embraced them with your tender love; deliver them now from every evil, and bid them eternal rest. The old order has passed away: welcome them into paradise, where there will be no sorrow, no weeping or pain, but fullness of peace and joy with your Son and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen 🙏🏽

THE HOLY FATHER, POPE FRANCIS’ MONTHLY INTENTIONS FOR 2025: FOR THE MONTH OF APRIL: For the use of the new technologies ~ Let us pray that the use of the new technologies will not replace human relationships, will respect the dignity of the person, and will help us face the crises of our times.

PRAYER OF THE MONTH ~ POPE FRANCIS: Lord, Good Father, as I look at the world and see men and women working in it and beautifying it, a great “Thank You!” springs from my heart. The action of Your Spirit among us encourages us to grow in the progress of science and technology in the service of human dignity for integral and inclusive human development. Because we know You desire the good of all, from the heart of Your Church, Your Son calls us to ensure that technology does not replace “person-to-person” contact, that the virtual does not replace the real, and that social networks do not replace social settings. Help us develop the ability to live wisely, to think deeply, to love generously, without losing heart, promoting scientific and technological growth that increasingly aligns with human development in responsibility, values, and awareness.
Amen 🙏🏽

(https://popesprayerusa.net/popes-intentions/)

Pray “Holy Rosary for Peace with Pope Francis” | “The Chaplet of Divine Mercy in song”| “Holy Rosary ALL 20 Mysteries | Memorare Chaplet | Prayer in Difficult Times (Powerful Prayer) | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/30/holy-rosary-for-peace-with-pope-francis/

Please find below links to the websites for Daily Reflections, Foundation and interesting topics and articles about our Catholic faith and doctrines | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/30/daily-reflections-and-prayer-links/

PRAYER FOR PEACE ~ POPE FRANCIS:

Lord God of peace, hear our prayer!

A PRAYER FOR PEACE: Lord Jesus Christ, You are the true King of peace. In You alone is found freedom. Please free our world from conflict. Bring unity to troubled nations. Let Your glorious peace reign in every heart. Dispel all darkness and evil. Protect the dignity of every human life. Replace hatred with Your love. Give wisdom to world leaders. Free them from selfish ambition. Eliminate all violence and war. Glorious Virgin Mary, Saint Michael the Archangel, Every Angel and Saint: Please pray for peace. Pray for unity amongst nations. Pray for unity amongst all people. Pray for the most vulnerable. Pray for those suffering. Pray for the fearful. Pray for those most in need. Pray for us all. Jesus, Son of the Living God, have mercy on us. Jesus, hear our prayers. Jesus, I trust in You! Amen 🙏🏽

Prayers for Peace | https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/prayers-for-peace/

A PRAYER TO WALK HUMBLY THROUGH LENT: Father, In Micah 6:8, You say, “O people, the LORD has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” Today we choose to walk humbly with You. We choose to live by Your Holy Spirit and to follow Your lead. Help us to hear You clearly, for we do not want to walk by pride or self-sufficiency, we want to walk with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen 🙏🏽

God of goodness and mercy, hear my prayer as I begin this Lenten journey with you. Let me be honest with myself as I look into my heart and soul, noticing the times I turn away from you. Guide me as I humbly seek to repent and return to your love. May humility guide my efforts to be reconciled with you and live forever in your abundant grace. Transform me this Lent, heavenly Father. Give me the strength to commit myself to grow closer to you each day. Amen 🙏🏽

LENTEN FAST AND ABSTINENCE (Lenten Fast and Abstinence regulations from the USCCB): Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are obligatory days of fasting and abstinence for Catholics. In addition, Fridays during Lent are obligatory days of abstinence.

For members of the Latin Catholic Church, the norms on fasting are obligatory from age 18 until age 59. When fasting, a person is permitted to eat one full meal, as well as two smaller meals that together are not equal to a full meal. The norms concerning abstinence from meat are binding upon members of the Latin Catholic Church from age 14 onwards

Members of the Eastern Catholic Churches are to observe the particular law of their own sui iuris Church. If possible, the fast on Good Friday is continued until the Easter Vigil (on Holy Saturday night) as the “paschal fast” to honor the suffering and death of the Lord Jesus, and to prepare ourselves to share more fully and to celebrate more readily His Resurrection. 🙏🏽

SAINT(S) OF THE DAY: MEMORIAL OF SAINT FRANCIS OF PAOLA, HERMIT AND SAINT MARY OF EGYPT, HERMITESS – FEAST DAY: APRIL 2ND Today, as we continue our Lenten journey, we celebrate the Memorial of Saint Francis of Paola, Hermit, who was named Patron of Italian seamen in 1943 by Pope Pius XII because many of the miracles attributed to him were related to the sea. (He is the Patron Saint of Calabria, Amato, La Chorrera, Panama, boatmen, mariners, and naval officers). We also celebrate Saint Mary of Egypt, Hermitess, known for her conversion and dedication of her life to God, and she is seen as a model of repentance. (She is the Patron Saint of Chastity, warfare against the flesh, deliverance from carnal passions, demons, fever, skin diseases, and temptations of the flesh).

Through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and these two remarkable saints, we pray for all those who are seeking to follow God’s call through lives of prayer and penance. May we grow in holiness as we imitate their dedication and their profound connection to God.

Saint(s) of the Day with Daily Reflections | April 2nd | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/

(Direct link to detailed history of the lives of the Saints | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day/)

SAINT FRANCIS OF PAOLA, HERMIT (1416–1507): Saint Francis of Paola was born in Calabria, Italy, in 1416. Coming from a deeply devout family, he was drawn to the spiritual life early. After a vision of Saint Francis of Assisi, he chose to live a life of solitude, prayer, and penance. He eventually founded the Minim Order, a community of hermits dedicated to poverty, humility, and mortification.Known for his humility and austerity, Saint Francis was also a man of miracles. One of his most famous miracles occurred when, rejected by a sailor, he stepped out onto the sea, walking across the water to reach his destination. His deep faith and reliance on God’s providence were evident throughout his life.

Saint Francis of Paola is also remembered for his service to King Louis XI of France, whom he prepared for death. The king died in Francis’ arms, and the saint’s influence continued to guide French royalty and many others who sought his counsel.

PRAYER: Saint Francis of Paola, you lived a life of humility and total reliance on God. Help us to embrace simplicity and live faithfully according to God’s will. Intercede for us, that we may grow closer to God in prayer, sacrifice, and love. Amen.

SAINT MARY OF EGYPT, HERMITESS (344–421): Saint Mary of Egypt’s story is one of profound conversion. Born in Alexandria, she lived a sinful life for seventeen years, engaging in prostitution and a life of debauchery. However, her life changed dramatically when she tried to enter a church in Jerusalem to venerate the Holy Cross but was mysteriously repelled. This moment led her to repentance, and she chose to live the rest of her life in the desert as a hermit.

For forty-seven years, Saint Mary of Egypt lived in isolation, enduring great temptations and growing in spiritual strength. Her deep commitment to penance and prayer became an inspiration to many, especially when she met the priest Zosimus, who brought her the Eucharist. After her death, Zosimus returned to find her body and buried her with reverence, deeply moved by the holiness of her life.

PRAYER: Saint Mary of Egypt, you embraced a life of repentance and holiness, finding peace in God’s love after a life of sin. Help us to turn away from sin and live with pure hearts, dedicating ourselves to God in prayer and service. Pray for us, that we may grow in virtue and follow God’s will. Amen.

As we reflect on the lives of Saint Francis of Paola and Saint Mary of Egypt, let us strive to live lives of humility, repentance, and prayer, especially during this Lenten season. May their examples inspire us to be more devoted to God and to live lives of simplicity, penance, and love for others.

Saint Francis of Paola, Hermit, and Saint Mary of Egypt, Hermitess ~ Pray for us 🙏🏽

SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:

Bible Readings for today’s Holy Mass, Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Lent | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading

Today’s Bible Readings: Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Lent | April 2, 2025
Reading 1, Isaiah 49:8-15
Responsorial Psalm, Psalms 145:8-9, 13-14, 17-18
Gospel, John 5:17-30

Gospel Reading ~ John 5:17-30

“As the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also does the Son give life to those whom He chooses”

“Jesus answered the Jews: “My Father is at work until now, so I am at work.” For this reason they tried all the more to kill him, because he not only broke the sabbath
but he also called God his own father, making himself equal to God. Jesus answered and said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, the Son cannot do anything on his own, but only what he sees the Father doing; for what he does, the Son will do also. For the Father loves the Son and shows him everything that he himself does, and he will show him greater works than these, so that you may be amazed. For just as the Father raises the dead and gives life, so also does the Son give life to whomever he wishes. Nor does the Father judge anyone, but he has given all judgment to the Son, so that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes in the one who sent me has eternal life and will not come to condemnation, but has passed from death to life. Amen, amen, I say to you, the hour is coming and is now here when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. For just as the Father has life in himself, so also he gave to the Son the possession of life in himself. And he gave him power to exercise judgment, because he is the Son of Man. Do not be amazed at this, because the hour is coming in which all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and will come out, those who have done good deeds to the resurrection of life, but those who have done wicked deeds to the resurrection of
condemnation. “I cannot do anything on
my own; I judge as I hear, and my judgment is just, because I do not seek my own will but the will of the one who sent me.”

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus answered the Jews: “My Father is at work until now, so I am at work.” This was in response to the religious leaders who were critical of Jesus for working on the Sabbath by healing a man who had been paralyzed for thirty eight years, at a pool near the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem (yesterday’s Gospel reading). The work that Jesus and His Father are always engaged in is that of giving life to others, ‘As the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so the Son gives life to anyone He chooses… For the Father, who is the source of life, has made the Son the source of life’. God goes on working through His Son in a life-giving way. It is reassuring to know that God and the risen Lord go on working to bring life to all. We may not be able to work, for one reason or another. When we do work, we may feel that our work is not bearing any good fruit. Yet, God and His Son never cease to work among us and through us. Just as the sun cannot but shine, so God our Lord cannot but work. The Lord does not rest from his labours on our behalf, no more than a mother rests from her labours on behalf of her child, in the imagery of today’s first reading. The Lord calls on each of us to become the instruments of His labour on behalf of others, to allow Him to work through us for the present and ultimate well-being of others. If we trust in the Lord, listening to His words, then He will be working through us, even at those times when we seem incapable of much work.

Reflecting on today’s Gospel reading, Jesus asserts His unity with the Father, declaring that His work is a continuation of the Father’s work. This claim not only emphasizes His divine mission but also underscores His equality with the Father, something that caused great opposition from the Jews. Jesus reveals that the Son, just like the Father, has power over life and death, and He has been entrusted with the judgment of all humanity. This profound statement invites us to consider the depth of Jesus’ authority and the nature of His relationship with the Father. The passage challenges us to reflect on our own relationship with God and whether we fully honor both the Father and the Son. Just as Jesus has the power to give life, He also calls us to pass from death to life through Him. The choice is not just a future promise, but a present reality—one that can transform our lives today. The healing power of Jesus reaches into the deepest recesses of our lives, calling us to rise from our own spiritual paralysis. Are we willing to listen to His voice and be made whole?

Our first reading today from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah is the words of comfort and assurances from God to His people in the kingdom of Judah, as He told them that He will always remember them and that He will always provide for them, and be reconciled with them, despite their past wickedness and sins. The Lord spoke to His people of His promised salvation to all of them. He would rescue them from their troubles and deliver them from the hands of the evil one, and all of the plots against them. This is significant given the context of what happened at that time, as the people of Israel, the descendant of the people of God had been going through a lot of challenges and trials, having been torn apart and lost their unity. Back then, during the time of the prophet Isaiah’s life and ministry, the people of God, the Israelites had been wrecked by a lot of hardships and tragedies, especially when the northern half of the land of Israel and most of the ten tribes of the twelve of the Israelites were crushed and conquered by the Assyrians. Those in the northern kingdom of Israel had long defied the Lord and refused to obey Him, and most of their kings were wicked and sinful, leading the people further and deeper into the path of sin. Thus, the terrible end eventually came upon them, as the Assyrians destroyed and laid waste their cities, and brought many of them into exile in far-off lands away from their homeland. Despite all of these, as God Himself has proclaimed, He still remembered His people and would not abandon them. Our first reading today portrays God like a woman feeding her child at her breast. The bond between the feeding mother and her baby becomes an image of the bond between God and the believing community. A mother’s love for the child of her womb is tender and life-giving. A mother loves her child as she loves herself because for nine months her child was an integral part of herself. Speaking through the prophet Isaiah, God declares that His love for His people is even stronger than a mother’s love for her child. We are reminded of this during this time of Lent so that hopefully we may change our ways and turn once again towards the Lord and His mercy.

Reflecting on the first reading from Isaiah, the Lord speaks of His covenant with His people and His promise of restoration. He reassures His people, even in their affliction, that He will never forget them. This promise of comfort and mercy is a reminder that God’s love endures beyond the circumstances we face. No matter how desolate our situation may seem, God’s faithfulness remains. Just as a mother cannot forget her child, God cannot forget His people. This unbreakable bond is a source of hope for us all.

Reflecting on the Responsorial Psalm, we are reminded of God’s graciousness and mercy. The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, offering comfort and strength. This psalm assures us that God’s compassion is available to all who seek it, reinforcing the theme of divine mercy present in both the first reading and the Gospel.

In our spiritual journey, we often face challenges that make us feel abandoned or forgotten, like the people of Zion in Isaiah’s prophecy. Yet, God’s unchanging love and mercy are always present, calling us to trust in His promises. In the Gospel, Jesus shows us that even in the darkest moments, He is at work, bringing healing and life to all who believe. Do I trust in the healing power of Jesus? In what areas of my life do I need His restoration? How can I deepen my relationship with the Father and Son, embracing the eternal life they offer? Let us be mindful today of God’s faithfulness and mercy. As we walk through the trials of life, may we find comfort in the truth that God will never forget us. Let us respond to His call by turning to Him with open hearts, allowing His life-giving grace to renew and restore us. May our faith in His promises guide us through this Lenten season and beyond.

Aa we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, we are reminded of the great love of God, the many wonderful things that God had done for our sake. He has showed His love to us repeatedly, again and again, even when we have often betrayed and ignored Him, abandoned and left Him for other idols and distractions in life. He patiently extended to all of us the offer of His love and compassionate mercy, wanting to be reconciled with us sinners, and calling on all of us to return to Him. Let us all no longer be stubborn or difficult in our attitudes, allowing ourselves to be immersed in God’s love and grace. May the Lord, our most loving God and Father continue to love us and provide us each day, and may He empower us all with the strength and the desire to reach out to Him and His most generous love and mercy. May He instil in each one of us the strong desire to commit ourselves to Him and His path, and inspire us that we may be good role models and source of inspiration to all those whom we encounter in our lives, so that more people may come to believe in God through us. May the Lord continue to help and guide us in our respective journey of faith, and may He empower us all to live ever more worthily of His presence from now on, if we have not yet done so. Let us consciously reject the temptations to sin, and strive to live a good and worthy life at all times. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace and bless us all and our every actions, so that we may always strive to glorify Him by those same actions and deeds. Amen 🙏🏽

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your unfailing love and mercy. Help us to trust in Your promises, even in our times of distress. May we always turn to You for healing and restoration, knowing that You will never forget us. Guide us in our journey of faith, and may we honor both You and Your Son, Jesus Christ, with our lives. Amen 🙏🏽

DEVOTION OF THE MONTH OF APRIL | MONTH OF HOLY EUCHARIST: April is dedicated to the Holy Eucharist, the greatest gift of Christ to His Church. In the Eucharist, Jesus is truly present Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity offering Himself as the Bread of Life. This month invites us to deepen our love and reverence for the Eucharist, especially as we approach Holy Week and Easter, celebrating the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of our Lord. The Eucharist was instituted by Jesus at the Last Supper when He said, “Take and eat; this is My Body… Drink from it, all of you, for this is My Blood of the Covenant” (Matthew 26:26-28). In receiving the Eucharist, we are united with Christ and His Church. It is the source of our strength and the culmination of our salvation, as Christ Himself said in John 6:51, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever.” As we journey through Lent, we are called to renew our reverence for the Eucharist. During Holy Week, we remember that Christ instituted this sacrament on Holy Thursday, offering us a way to remain in union with Him. Let us take this opportunity to attend Mass regularly, spend time in Eucharistic adoration, and reflect on the mystery of Christ’s presence in the Blessed Sacrament.

In this season of penance and reflection, may our devotion to the Eucharist strengthen our commitment to living as true disciples of Christ, leading us to the joy of Easter and the Resurrection.

O Sacrament Most Holy, O Sacrament Divine, all praise and all thanksgiving be every moment Thine! Lord Jesus, You have given Yourself to us in the Eucharist. May we receive You with reverence and love, and let Your grace transform us this Lenten season and always. Amen 🙏🏽

https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=12540

PRAYER INTENTIONS: We pray for all those who are in need of repentance, that through the intercession of Saint Mary of Egypt, they may find the grace to turn away from sin and live a life of holiness. We also pray for all sailors, boatmen, and mariners, especially those who face danger on the seas, that Saint Francis of Paola may watch over them and protect them from harm. May the Church continue to uphold and strengthen the clergy in their mission to shepherd God’s people, and may all Christians grow in their commitment to holiness, following the examples of these great saints.

Let Us Pray:

Most holy and triune God, the love You share within Your very being of Father, Son and Holy Spirit is beyond my comprehension. The mystery of Your triune life is a mystery of the greatest degree. Draw me in, dear Lord, to the life You share with Your Father and the Holy Spirit. Fill me with wonder and awe as You invite me to share in Your divine life. Most Holy Trinity, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the example of Saint Francis of Paola and Saint Mary of Egypt, whose lives of repentance, humility, and devotion to You continue to inspire us. We ask for Your grace to live according to their example, turning away from sin and growing in holiness. Protect those who work on the seas and those who face great trials in their lives. May Your love and mercy surround them always. Through Christ our Lord, Amen. 🙏🏽

Save us Savior of the world. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Joseph, Saint John Paul II, Pope, Saint Francis of Paola, Hermit, and Saint Mary of Egypt, Hermitess ~ Pray for us 🙏🏽

Thanking God for the gift of this day and praying for us all during this season of Lent, let us be renewed by prayer, fasting, and giving to the poor. We pray for justice, peace, love and unity in our families and our world. May this Lenten season deepen our trust in God’s providence and open our hearts to His transforming grace. May God keep us all safe and well during these challenging times and may this season of Lent bring us all true salvation in Christ as we remain united in peace, love and faith. Have a blessed, safe and grace-filled and fruitful fourth Week of Lent ~ Amen 🙏🏽

Blessings and Love always, Philomena 💖

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