FOURTH WEEK OF LENT

SAINT(S) OF THE DAY: FEAST DAY ~ APRIL 3, 2025

MEMORIAL OF SAINT RICHARD OF CHICHESTER, BISHOP | Lives of the Saints | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day/

Greetings and blessings, beloved family and Happy Thursday, Fourth Week of Lent!

We thank God for the  gift of life and for the gift of the 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 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/2025/04/03/catholic-daily-mass-30/

“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/

DAY 26: LENTEN PRAYERS AND REFLECTIONS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/04/03/day-26-lenten-prayers-and-reflections/

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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/

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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 RICHARD OF CHICHESTER, BISHOP – FEAST DAY: APRIL 3RD Today, as we continue our Lenten journey,, we celebrate the Memorial of Saint Richard of Chichester, Bishop, a model of holiness, charity, and unwavering faith. (He is the Patron Saint of Coachmen, the Diocese of Chichester, and Sussex, England).

Through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Richard of Chichester, we pray for all bishops and clergy, that they may lead the Church with wisdom and holiness. We also pray for the sick, especially those suffering from terminal illnesses, that they may receive God’s healing grace. May we, like Saint Richard, strive for righteousness, defend the faith, and grow in deeper love for God.

Saint(s) of the Day with Daily Reflections | April 3rd | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/

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

SAINT RICHARD OF CHICHESTER, BISHOP (1197–1253): Saint Richard of Chichester, also known as Saint Richard de Wyche, was born in Worcestershire, England, in 1197. Orphaned at a young age, he and his brother suffered financial hardship. Richard took on the responsibility of restoring their family estate, but despite his brother’s gratitude and offer of inheritance, he chose a higher calling—to study for the priesthood.

He pursued theological studies at Oxford, Paris, and Bologna, excelling in academics despite extreme poverty, even sharing a single set of clothes with his companions. His brilliance and piety earned him the position of Chancellor of Oxford University in 1235. He later became Chancellor to Saint Edmund Rich, Archbishop of Canterbury, and remained his devoted friend even through exile.

Richard’s deep commitment to justice and holiness led him to be elected Bishop of Chichester. However, his appointment was opposed by King Henry III, who withheld church revenues and denied him access to the cathedral. Undeterred, Richard remained faithful to his calling, ministering as a simple priest while enduring hardships. Eventually, Pope Innocent IV upheld his rightful position and consecrated him as bishop.

As Bishop of Chichester, Saint Richard reformed the diocese, upheld church laws, defended the rights of the clergy, and cared deeply for the poor and sick. He was known for his strict discipline, humility, and unwavering faith. He once refused a king’s plea to reinstate a sinful priest and upheld the dignity of the Church by ensuring justice was served against those who desecrated sacred places.

In his later years, he was entrusted by the Pope to preach a crusade against the Saracens, but his rigorous mission took a toll on his health. He fell gravely ill and died on April 3, 1253, at the age of 56. His remains were enshrined at Chichester Cathedral, becoming a revered pilgrimage site until it was destroyed during the English Reformation.

Saint Richard was canonized in 1262 by Pope Urban IV. His legacy as a model of faith, perseverance, and pastoral care continues to inspire Christians today.

“O Dear Lord, three things I pray: to see you more clearly, to love you more dearly, and to follow you more nearly, day by day.”

“Satisfaction consists in the cutting off of the causes of sin. Thus, fasting is the proper antidote to lust; prayer to pride, envy, anger, and sloth; alms to covetousness.” ~ St. Richard of Chichester

PRAYER: Lord Jesus Christ, you called Saint Richard of Chichester to serve Your Church with unwavering faith and charity. Grant that through his intercession, we may grow in holiness, remain steadfast in faith, and love You above all things. May we, like him, uphold justice, care for the poor, and remain faithful to Your divine will.

Saint Richard of Chichester, pray for us. Amen 🙏🏽

SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:

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

Today’s Bible Readings: Thursday of the Fourth Week of Lent | Thursday, April 3, 2025
Reading 1, Exodus 32:7-14
Responsorial Psalm, Psalms 106:19-20, 21-22, 23
Gospel, John 5:31-47

Gospel Reading ~ John 5:31-47

“The works that the Father gave me to accomplish, these works that I perform testify on my behalf that the Father has sent me.”

“Jesus said to the Jews: “If I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is not true. But there is another who testifies on my behalf, and I know that the testimony he gives on my behalf is true. You sent emissaries to John, and he testified to the truth. I do not accept human testimony, but I say this so that you may be saved. He was a burning and shining lamp, and for a while you were content to rejoice in his light. But I have testimony greater than John’s. The works that the Father gave me to accomplish, these works that I perform testify on my behalf that the Father has sent me. Moreover, the Father who sent me has testified on my behalf. But you have never heard his voice nor seen his form, and you do not have his word remaining in you, because you do not believe in the one whom he has sent. You search the Scriptures, because you think you have eternal life through them; even they testify on my behalf. But you do not want to come to me to have life. “I do not accept human praise; moreover, I know that you do not have the love of God in you. I came in the name of my Father, but you do not accept me; yet if another comes in his own name, you will accept him. How can you believe, when you accept praise from one another and do not seek the praise that comes from the only God? Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father: the one who will accuse you is Moses, in whom you have placed your hope. For if you had believed Moses, you would have believed me, because he wrote about me. But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words?”

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus refers to John the Baptist as a lamp alight and shining and declares that for a time people were content to enjoy the light that he gave. Jesus will go on to say in this Gospel of John, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life’. John the Baptist may be a lamp who gives off some light, but only Jesus is the true light. Jesus is declared to be the light of the world. Jesus does not only reflect the light of God; He is the light of God. People like John the Baptist have brought something of God’s light to others but Jesus alone is the light of God. We all need lamps as we go through life, people like John the Baptist reveal the light of God’s presence to us in some way. We are all called to be a lamp in that sense. If we are to be a lamp for others, we need to keep turning towards Jesus the true light. This activity of turning to Jesus the true light lasts a life-time. In various ways we can turn away from this light of God that shines so brilliantly through the person of Jesus. We can turn towards the darkness, in some form or other, as we face trials and tribulations in the world. When that happens, we need to keep turning back towards Jesus, the true light who is always turned towards us. Only then can we live out our calling to be a lamp alight and shining. When we keep turning towards the light, we can become a light for others. In another of the Gospels, Jesus speaks of God who ‘makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good’. God has given Jesus, His Son, to all people, without distinction or discrimination. Our calling is to open our lives to God’s light shining through God’s Son and, like John the Baptist, to reflect something of this light to others, especially to those who live in darkness and the shadow of death.

Reflecting on the Gospel reading, Jesus confronts the unbelief of the religious leaders, emphasizing that the testimony of John the Baptist, the works He performs, and the Scriptures all point to Him as the fulfillment of God’s promise. Yet, their hearts remain hardened because they seek human approval rather than divine truth. This passage challenges us to examine where we seek validation—do we prioritize God’s truth over worldly recognition? Jesus reminds us that faith is not merely about knowing Scripture but about encountering Him personally. True belief requires openness to Christ’s presence in our lives, allowing His words and works to transform our hearts.

In our first reading today from the Book of Exodus, the Lord speaks to Moses at the time after He has revealed His Law and the Ten Commandments to Moses at Mount Sinai. At that time, Moses spent forty days with the Lord atop the mountain, listening to Him and receiving from Him the extensive set of laws and guidance meant to be passed to the people of Israel, as a guide and help for all of them to remain true to the path of righteousness. But the people thinking that Moses had perished on the mountain quickly lost their trust and faith in the Lord, and forced Aaron to craft for them a great golden calf idol to worship as god over them. This is the fundamental sin of idolatry and  they committed other grievous sins against the Lord, when God had been so patient in loving them and caring for them. Yet, Moses does not give up on the people, but stepped in and pleads with God on behalf of God’s people when He wanted to destroy all the people as was just and right for Him to do, and Moses asked the Lord to withhold His anger and judgment, reasoning with Him and reminding Him of the constant love that He has shown to the people. God hears Moses’ prayer of pardon; God responds to Moses’ plea. Because of Moses’ prayer there is reconciliation between God and His people. If Moses worked to reconcile God’s people to God, Jesus did so to an even fuller degree. Saint Paul declares, ‘God reconciled us to Himself through Christ… in Christ God was reconciling the world to Himself’. The work of Moses pointed ahead to the even greater work of Jesus. That is why Jesus can say in the Gospel reading, ‘if you really believed Moses, you would believe me too’. There is continuity between Moses and Jesus, but, according to John’s Gospel, Jesus brings Moses’ work to completion. As the Prologue to that Gospel states, ‘the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ’. Jesus is the fullest revelation of God’s gracious and reconciling love possible in human form.

Reflecting on the first reading, the story of the golden calf reveals how quickly the Israelites turned away from God, despite witnessing His mighty works. Their impatience and lack of faith led them to idolatry, provoking God’s righteous anger. However, Moses intercedes on their behalf, pleading for God’s mercy. This moment highlights both the justice and the mercy of God—He is angered by sin, yet He is also willing to relent when approached with sincere intercession. Moses’ role foreshadows Christ, our true mediator, who continuously intercedes for us before the Father. It is a reminder that even in our failures, God is always ready to extend His mercy when we turn back to Him with contrite hearts.

Reflecting on the Responsorial Psalm, the Psalmist recalls Israel’s sin and God’s great mercy. They exchanged the glory of God for a lifeless idol, forgetting the One who had rescued them. Yet, Moses’ intercession saved them from destruction. This psalm invites us to reflect on our own lives—what “golden calves” do we turn to instead of trusting in God? It also reassures us that God’s mercy is always available. When we falter, we can call upon Him with repentance, trusting that He will remember us in His favor.

Have I placed my faith in Christ, or do I rely more on my own understanding and human approval? Do I approach Scripture with an open heart, allowing it to transform me, or do I merely read it without truly seeking God? Like the Israelites, are there things in my life that I prioritize over God? Am I quick to forget His blessings and turn to my own ways? Today, how can I shift my focus from seeking human validation to seeking God’s truth?

As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, we are all called to listen to the Lord and to follow Him, cease our rebellion and disobedience against Him. He has given us many opportunities to return to Him and to be reconciled to Him. Let us all make good use of the remaining time of Lent to prepare ourselves, not just physically but also spiritually and mentally, so that we may be more attuned to the Lord, be more ready and prepared to live in accordance with God’s path. May the Lord hence guide and help us in our journey of faith through life, particularly during this blessed season and time of Lent. May He empower each and every one of us in our path, so that we may always adhere faithfully to His Law and commandments. May He inspire us to follow in the footsteps of His Saints, holy men and women, particularly the Saints we celebrate today and many others, such that we may ourselves be sources of inspiration and strength for our fellow brethren, and be the beacons of God’s light, truth and love. May the Lord our loving God and Master continue to love and guide us all in our journey in life, and may He empower so that we may continue to remain faithful to the calling, mission and vocations which He has entrusted to us. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us the grace to remain faithful and seek the Lord with ever greater faith and commitment, and may He bless us all with His guidance and strength, and bless our every good efforts, deeds and works, in all circumstances and things, now and always. Amen 🙏🏽

Heavenly Father, You have revealed Your truth through Christ, yet so often we fail to recognize and accept Him fully in our lives. Forgive us for the times we seek the approval of others instead of seeking You. Help us to turn away from the idols of this world and trust in Your divine mercy. Strengthen our faith so that we may hear and believe Your words, allowing them to shape our hearts and guide our actions. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen. Faith is not just about knowing Scripture but about encountering Christ personally. Today, let us reflect on the ways we seek human approval rather than God’s truth, and let us recommit ourselves to following Him wholeheartedly. Through prayer and repentance, we can always return to the Lord, who is ready to show us His mercy and love. 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: As we celebrate the Memorial of Saint Richard of Chichester, Bishop, we pray for the clergy, that they may follow his example of humility, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the Gospel. We ask for God’s healing grace upon the sick, especially those facing terminal illness, and for strength and peace for their families. We pray for the poor, the oppressed, and all who suffer from injustice, that they may experience God’s love and mercy in their lives. We also lift up the persecuted Christians around the world, asking God to protect them and give them the courage to stand firm in their faith. During this Easter season, we pray that all Christians may be filled with the joy and hope of the resurrection, allowing it to transform their lives and inspire them to live with greater devotion to God. Finally, we pray for those struggling with sin, that they may find healing and forgiveness through God’s grace and be renewed in their faith.

Let Us Pray:

My praiseworthy Lord, I do thank You and praise You for Your perfect goodness. I thank You for the way that You act in perfect union with the will of the Father. Help me to listen only to Your voice in this life and to reject all the misleading and confusing voices of the world. May my values and choices be guided by You and You alone. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽

Lord Jesus, Through the intercession of Saint Richard of Chichester, we humbly bring our prayers before You. Strengthen our faith, that we may live with the same fervor and dedication to Your will as Saint Richard did. Help us to trust in Your providence, just as he trusted in You, and to seek Your justice with courage and humility. May we continue to rejoice in the resurrection of Your Son, Jesus Christ, and live according to the call You have placed on our lives.

We ask this in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. 🙏🏽

Save us Savior of the world. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Joseph and Saint Richard of Chichester, Bishop ~ 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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