FIRST WEEK OF LENT
SAINTS OF THE DAY: FEAST DAY ~ MARCH 14, 2025
MEMORIAL OF SAINT MATHILDA, EMPRESS (QUEEN OF GERMANY)| Daily Saints and Reflections | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
STATIONS OF THE CROSS | A JOURNEY WITH CHRIST | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/03/03/stations-of-the-cross/
Greetings and blessings, beloved family. Happy Friday, First Week of Lent.
May God’s grace and mercy be with us all during this season of our Lenten journey 🙏🏽
Watch “Holy Mass For Pope Francis’ Health” | Presided by Cardinal Pietro Parolin | Live from the Vatican | March 14, 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/03/14/holy-mass-for-pope-francis-health-presided-by-cardinal-pietro-parolin-live-from-the-vatican-march-14-2025/
LIVE | The Holy Mass for Pope Francis, presided over by His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State, in the presence of the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy See, from St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.
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/2025/03/14/catholic-daily-mass-daily-tv-mass-march-14-2025/
NOVENA TO SAINT JOSEPH: Begins March 10–18, 2025 (in preparation for the Solemnity of Saint Joseph on March 19, 2025) | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/03/11/novena-to-saint-joseph/
DAY 9: LENTEN PRAYERS AND REFLECTIONS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/03/14/day-9-lenten-prayers-and-reflections/
WORLD PRAYERS FOR POPE FRANCIS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/02/26/world-prayers-for-pope-francis/
PRAYER FOR POPE FRANCIS: May we all unite as one voice to lift up the Vicar of Christ in prayer, as today marks exactly one month since his hospitalization after a prolonged respiratory crisis. We thank God as his health continues to improve and we continue to pray for our Holy Father, Pope Francis’ speedy recovery and God’s Divine healing and intervention.
Almighty God, we thank you for the loving service of Pope Francis and the hope he has inspired in so many in Your great mercy. Have mercy on him in his illness now, we pray, and guide the medical staff in his care. Grant him peace and healing. Through Christ our Lord. Amen🙏🏽
LENT: | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/03/03/lent/
THE LITURGICAL YEAR IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2024/12/03/the-liturgical-year-in-the-catholic-church/
Today, as we continue our Lenten journey, we reflect on Jesus’ teaching: “Unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter into the Kingdom of heaven.”
This challenges us to seek a deeper, heartfelt commitment to God’s commandments, moving beyond mere external observance. We are called to reconcile with others, let go of anger, and embody genuine love and forgiveness.
During this season, we are invited to open our hearts to God’s mercy, turning away from sin and striving for holiness through prayer, fasting, and acts of charity. These practices are not merely external observances but opportunities for transformation, drawing us closer to Christ and shaping us into true disciples of His love.
May we grow in love, humility, and trust, embracing this journey with hearts open to His will. Let us pray for peace, healing, and reconciliation in our world, trusting in God’s providence. May this Lenten season bring us renewal, deeper faith, and a spirit of true repentance. Wishing us all a grace-filled and spiritually uplifting Lenten journey. Amen. 🙏🏽
PRAYER FOR THE VICTIMS OF NATURAL DISASTER: We join our Holy Father, Pope Francis to pray for the people of Bahía Blanca, in Argentina, affected by the recent floods the area is suffering. We specifically pray for those who have lost their lives due to this natural disaster and their families and all those who are missing and displaced from their homes. May the good Lord grant them all peace and comfort during this challenging time.
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, 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, for the victims of the recent flood in Argentina and we continue to pray for the repose of their gentle souls and 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 abors 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 MARCH – For families in crisis: Let us pray that broken families might discover the cure for their wounds through forgiveness, rediscovering each other’s gifts, even in their differences. (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/
DAILY SAINTS AND REFLECTIONS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
Today, we commemorate the Memorial of Saint Matilda of Saxony, Empress (Queen of Germany and the Patron Saint of widows, parents of large families, parents with difficult children, and of those who have conflicts with their grown children). Born around 892-895 in Engern, Westphalia, Germany, Matilda was the daughter of Count Dietrich of Westphalia and Reinhild of Denmark. She was raised by her grandmother, the Abbess of the convent at Herford, where she developed a deep devotion to prayer and service. In 909, Matilda married Henry the Fowler, who became Duke of Saxony in 912 and was later elected King of Germany in 919. As queen, Matilda was renowned for her humility, piety, and generosity. She dedicated herself to charitable works, supporting the oppressed and unfortunate, and founded several spiritual institutions and women’s convents. Matilda and Henry had five children: Otto I, who became Holy Roman Emperor; Henry, Duke of Bavaria; Bruno, Archbishop of Cologne; Gerberga, who married Louis IV of France; and Hedwig, mother of Hugh Capet. After Henry’s death in 936, Matilda faced familial challenges but remained steadfast in her faith and charitable endeavors until her death on March 14, 968, in Quedlinburg, Germany.
Through the intercession of Our Blessed Mother Mary and Saint Matilda, we offer prayers for widows, all mothers, especially pray for those who experience challenges with their children. May God grant all parents wisdom, patience and understanding, as they nurture their children in the ways of the Lord and we pray for those in positions of leadership, that they may be inspired by her example of faith, humility, and charity. May we all strive to serve others selflessly and trust in God’s providence as she did.
Saint Matilda of Saxony ~ Pray for us🙏🏽
We thank God for His mercy and the gift of faith. May this Lenten season lead us to deeper conversion, greater love, and unwavering trust in His divine will. ~ Amen🙏🏽
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 MATHILDA, EMPRESS (QUEEN OF GERMANY): FEAST DAY ~ MARCH 14TH: Today, we celebrate the Memorial of Saint Matilda, the Patron Saint of widows, parents of large families, parents with difficult children, and of those who have conflicts with their grown children. Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, and Saint Matilda, we humbly pray for all parents, especially pray for those who experience challenges with their children. May God grant all parents wisdom, patience and understanding, as they nurture their children in the ways of the Lord. 🙏🏽
SAINT MATHILDA, PARENT’S PRAYER FOR THEIR CHILDREN:“O Heavenly Father, I commend my children to Thy care. Be Thou their God and Father; and mercifully supply whatever is lacking in me through frailty or negligence. Strengthen them to overcome the corruptions of the world, whether from within or without; and deliver them from the secret snares of the enemy. Pour Thy grace into their hearts, and strengthen and multiply in them the gifts of Thy Holy Spirit, that they may daily grow in grace and in knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ; and so, faithfully serving Thee here, may come to rejoice in Thy presence hereafter.. Amen”🙏
O GOD, by whose grace the blessed Mathilda enkindled with the fire of thy love, became a burning and a shining light in thy Church: Grant that we may be inflamed with the same spirit of discipline and love, and ever walk before thee as children of light; through Jesus Christ our Lord…Amen 🙏🏽
Saint Matilda of Saxony ~ Pray for us🙏🏽
Saint(s) of the Day | March 14th | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
SAINT MATHILDA OF SAXONY, EMPRESS: Saint Mathilda of Saxony (c. 892-895 –968 A.D), also known as Saint Mathilda of Ringelheim, was the Queen of Germany and wife of King Henry I. She was a Princess, born into a noble lineage, she was renowned for her deep piety, righteousness, charitable works, and significant contributions to the Christian faith. Mathilda founded several spiritual institutions and women’s convents. St. Mathilda was born around 892-895 in Prussia, Engern, Saxony (present-day Germany), the greatest glory of her noble family. She was the daughter of Theodoric of Westphalia, a powerful Saxon count, and Reinhilde, a princess of Denmark. Her parents placed her very young in the monastery of Herford, of which her grandmother Maude had become the Abbess. She was raised by her grandmother, the Abbess of the convent at Herford, where she received an education that was uncommon for women of her time. Young St. Mathilda became in that house an accomplished model of all virtues and domestic arts. Here she learned needlework and acquired the love of labor, prayer, and spiritual reading. She remained there until her parents married her to the virtuous and valiant Henry “the Fowler” son of Otto, Duke of Saxony in the year 909, he was called Henry “the Fowler,” because of his fondness for hawking. He succeded his father and became Duke in 916 on the death of his father, and in 919 on the death of the Emperor of Germany, King Conrad I, Henry succeeded him to the German throne. He was chosen by his troops to succeed him. Henry was a pious and diligent prince, and very kind to his subjects. By his arms he checked the insolence of invading neighboring armies, and enlarged his dominions by adding to them Bavaria. Saint Mathilda, during those years, gained over the enemies of God spiritual victories yet more worthy of a Christian and far greater in the eyes of heaven. As the Queen of Germany, St. Mathilda was blessed with five children, three sons and two daughters, whom she raised in the fear of God, she nourished in their souls the precious seeds of devotion and humility through prayer and good works. They became important historical figures, the three sons became: Holy Roman Emperor Otto I the Great, who succeeded his father as emperor of Germany; Henry, Duke of Bavaria and Saint Bruno, Archbishop of Cologne. The two daughters were, Gerberga, wife of King Louis IV d’Outremer, King of France; and Hedwig, mother of Hugh Capet, first of the Capetian race of French kings. St. Mathilda was a holy and virtuous woman known for her generosity to the poor. The king adored his queen and attributed his success in battle to her prayers. They reigned seventeen years, and their eldest son succeeded the throne and became Emperor Otto I. Otto became King of Germany in 937, and in 962 he was crowned Emperor at Rome.
It was her delight to visit, comfort, and exhort the sick and the afflicted; to serve and instruct the poor, and to afford her charitable assistance to prisoners. Her husband, edified by her example, concurred with her in every pious undertaking which she proposed, and his military victories served for the propagation of the Gospel in pagan lands. The two sovereigns labored concertedly for the reign of justice in all their domains, and for the happiness and welfare of their subjects, constructing hospitals, churches and monasteries. After twenty-three years of marriage God was pleased in the year 936 to call the king to Himself. Before his death, he thanked his worthy companion for having moderated his sometimes too-severe justice, and praised her in the presence of the entire court. Saint Mathilda persevered long in prayer, continuing her good works as before, but could not avoid the difficulties which jealousy of sovereigns almost invariably provokes. After her husband’s death, St. Mathilda’s two eldest sons, Otto I and Henry chastised her for her generous almsgiving. St. Mathilda then took the possessions left to her by her husband and turned them over to her sons, and retired from court. Her sons immediately suffered misfortune, which was attributed to their poor treatment of their holy mother. Eventually Edith, wife of Otto, saw in the mortal illness threatening Henry, a sign of God’s anger provoked by their conduct toward their mother, and recommended the return of St Mathilda. In order to repair this injustice and regain God’s favor, St. Mathilda was begged to return to court, which she did, forgiving her sons for their ill will and afterwards perfect understanding reigned between the mother and sons. Henry died not long afterwards, and his mother thereafter retired almost completely from court life to concern herself with the care of prisoners, the poor and the sick, and the construction of a very large monastery for women at Nordhausen. She became more liberal in her alms than ever, and founded many churches, with five monasteries.
In her last sickness she made her confession to her grandson William, the Archbishop of Mentz, who yet died twelve days before her, on his road home. She again made a public confession before the priests and monks of the place, received a second time the last sacraments. Eventually she died on March 14, 968, after spending her final years in prayer and penance, she died lying on the floor in sack-cloth, having spread ashes upon her head herself. She died at the monastery at Quedlinburg and was buried there with her late husband, King Henry I. She was venerated as a Saint immediately after her death. She’s the Patron Saint of: death of children, disappointing children, falsely accused people, large families, people ridiculed for their piety, queens, second marriages, widows.
PRAYER: O God, You gladden us each year by the feast of St. Mathilda. Grant that as we honor her in such festivities we may also imitate her example in our conduct.
O God, who didst exalt blessed Matilda to the height of royal dignity and didst render her glorious by her virtues and miracles; grant that by her intercession and merits, we may be freed from all adversities and may be able to attain to the glory of heaven. Amen 🙏🏽
Saint Mathilda of Saxony or Saint Matilda of Ringelheim ~ Pray for us 🙏🏽
SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS
Bible Readings for today’s Holy Mass, Friday of the First Week of Lent | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading
Today’s Bible Readings: Friday of the First Week of Lent, March 14, 2025
Reading 1: Ezekiel 18:21-28
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 130:1-2, 3-4, 5-7a, 7bc-8
Gospel: Matthew 5:20-26
Gospel Reading ~ Matthew 5:20-26
“Go first and be reconciled with your brother”
“Jesus said to His disciples: “I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter into the Kingdom of heaven. “You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment. But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment, and whoever says to his brother, Raqa, will be answerable to the Sanhedrin, and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ will be liable to fiery Gehenna. Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court. Otherwise your opponent will hand you over to the judge, and the judge will hand you over to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Amen, I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.”
In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus calls His disciples to a virtue that goes deeper than the virtue of the scribes and Pharisees. One of the ten commandments of the Jewish Law was ‘You shall not kill’. However, the call of Jesus goes deeper than that; it looks beyond the action of killing to the underlying attitudes and emotions which lead people to kill or injure each other. Jesus invites us to look below the surface of what we do to why we do it. He calls for a renewal of the heart and mind; that is what we mean by ‘repentance’ or ‘conversion’. That deep-seated renewal that Jesus calls for is not something we can bring about on our own. We need the Holy Spirit to work that kind of deep transformation within ourselves. A prayer that has been traditional within the church acknowledges that very clearly: ‘Come Holy Spirit, fill my heart, and kindle in me the fire of your love’. It calls on the Holy Spirit to recreate deep within us the love which shaped the person of Jesus; it calls on the Spirit to form in us the roots of that deeper virtue which Jesus speaks about in today’s Gospel reading. Our Lord Jesus reminded His disciples and all of us once again to be truly full of faith and love for God, and to be sincere in how we live our Christian lives, our dedication to God in all things. We should always do our best in all of our actions and words, in every moments to follow God’s path, to do His will and to love one another, as we should always do. We should not hold grudges and hate each other, and we must learn how to forgive and to let go of our anger and emotions, forgiving each other just as the Lord Himself has been so merciful and forgiving towards us. We must keep in mind this love and kindness shown to us, and we must do the same in our own lives as well, that we ourselves may be good examples and inspirations to others.
Reflecting on today’s Gospel, Jesus calls us to a higher standard of righteousness. He reminds us that following the commandments is not just about avoiding grave sins like murder but also about addressing the roots of sin in our hearts. Anger, resentment, and contempt toward others are just as damaging as physical harm. Jesus expands the commandment “You shall not kill” by showing us that holding grudges, insulting others, or refusing to reconcile is also an offense against love and justice. True holiness is not just about external observance but about inner transformation. Jesus teaches that reconciliation is more important than religious offerings. If we come before God but harbor anger against someone, we must first make peace before presenting our gifts to the Lord. This underscores the importance of love and forgiveness in our relationship with God and others. The call to “settle with your opponent quickly” reminds us that we should not delay in making amends. A hardened heart can lead us further away from God, while a reconciled heart opens us to His grace.
During this Lenten season as we reflect on the Gospel, we are invited to examine our hearts. Are we holding onto anger or resentment? Do we need to seek forgiveness from someone? Lent is a time of repentance and renewal a time to heal broken relationships and draw closer to God through love and mercy. Jesus calls us to a righteousness that surpasses legalism. He calls us to live with a heart that forgives, loves, and seeks peace.
“If the wicked turns away from his sins, he shall live”
In our first reading today, from the Book of the prophet Ezekiel, the Lord told His people through Ezekiel that He did not desire the death and destruction of any one of His beloved children, that is all of us. The Lord has expressed the truth that His love for us is enduring even despite all the disobedience and rebelliousness that we have often displayed all these while, and He has always been willing to be reconciled with us, calling us to return to Him with contrite hearts and repentant attitudes, desiring to reject our sins and evils. He also reminded all of us that all of us will be judged by our deeds and all that we have done in this world, whether by words or real deeds and actions. And no one is truly beyond God’s salvation and grace, as He mentioned how even the sinners will be saved should they repent and turn away from their sins, just as much as the righteous will perish and be judged against by their evil deeds, if they persist in doing so. What the Lord wanted to point out is that there is truly no limit to His love, mercy and compassion, and each one of us are called to share in this love.
Reflecting on our first reading from Ezekiel speaks of God’s justice and mercy. The Lord assures us that if a sinner repents and turns away from his wicked ways, He will live. No sin is too great for God’s mercy. He does not take pleasure in the death of the wicked but rather rejoices in their conversion. This passage is a powerful reminder that God’s forgiveness is always available to those who sincerely repent. However, the reading also warns that if a righteous person turns away from virtue and falls into sin, his past righteousness will not save him. This challenges us to remain faithful and not become complacent in our spiritual lives. Conversion is not a one-time event but a continuous journey of returning to God.
In the context of Lent, this reading calls us to reflect on our own need for repentance. Are there sins we need to turn away from? Are we striving daily to live in God’s grace? God’s mercy is always available, but we must make the choice to turn back to Him.
“If you, O Lord, mark iniquities, who can stand?”
Our Responsorial Psalm today from Psalm 130 is a heartfelt cry for God’s mercy. The psalmist acknowledges human sinfulness and recognizes that no one can stand before God if He were to judge us strictly. Yet, the psalm also proclaims God’s forgiveness and redemption. With the Lord, there is mercy and abundant redemption. This psalm beautifully complements the message of the first reading. We are all sinners in need of God’s grace, but He is always ready to forgive. It is an invitation to place our trust in God, to cry out to Him from the depths of our hearts, and to wait for His mercy like sentinels waiting for the dawn.
Today’s Scripture readings call us to examine our hearts. Are we truly striving for holiness, or are we simply following external rules? Do we hold onto anger and resentment, or are we actively seeking reconciliation? Lent is a time for conversion, a time to let go of sin, and a time to embrace the righteousness that God desires.
Let us reflect: Is there someone I need to forgive or reconcile with? Am I truly striving for inner holiness, or am I just going through religious motions? How can I open my heart more fully to God’s mercy?
Heavenly Father, You are merciful and just. Help me to turn away from sin and seek You with a sincere heart. Give me the grace to forgive those who have wronged me and to seek reconciliation where it is needed. May I never take Your mercy for granted but always strive to walk in Your ways. Strengthen me this Lent to grow in holiness and love. Amen. 🙏🏽
As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, we are all reminded to be righteous and good in all of our actions and deeds, and to be truly faithful to God. Otherwise, we will be judged by whatever wicked and evil things we have committed, by whatever sins we have done, just as our good deeds will also be weighed in our judgment. In the end, those who are truly faithful to God will flourish while those who are lacking in faith will fall into damnation and eternal suffering. The Lord has reminded us of this as we enter into this season of Lent for our own benefit. Let us all therefore strive to do our best to be better Christians in each and every moments of our lives. We are called to follow the examples of the Saints, Holy men and women, especially St. Polycarp, who we celebrate today, his great courage and faith in the Lord should inspire all of us to have that kind of strong and unwavering faith in God as well. This Lent is the best time for us to begin charting our path forward in being faithful to God and in living our lives to the best we can as Christians in our respective communities and places. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace and may He empower each and every one of us to walk with Him faithfully each day, living virtuously, now and always. Amen 🙏🏽
DEVOTION OF THE MONTH OF MARCH | MONTH OF ST. JOSEPH: The month of March is dedicated to St. Joseph, the foster father of Jesus Christ. “His was the title of father of the Son of God, because he was the Spouse of Mary, ever Virgin. He was our Lord’s father, because Jesus ever yielded to him the obedience of a son. He was our Lord’s father, because to him were entrusted, and by him were faithfully fulfilled, the duties of a father, in protecting Him, giving Him a home, sustaining and rearing Him, and providing Him with a trade”. “This patronage must be invoked as ever necessary for the Church, not only as a defense against all dangers, but also, and indeed primarily, as an impetus for her renewed commitment to evangelization in the world and to re-evangelization,” wrote St. John Paul II in Redemptoris Custos (Guardian of the Redeemer). St. John Paul II further said, “Because St. Joseph is the protector of the Church, he is the guardian of the Eucharist and the Christian family. Therefore, we must turn to St. Joseph today to ward off attacks upon the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist and upon the family. We must plead with St. Joseph to guard the Eucharistic Lord and the Christian family during this time of peril.”
As the weeks of Lent progress let us not be tired of doing our good works and penance, but continue with the enthusiasm of the catechumens on their way to Easter and Baptism. May our Lenten observance be a joyful journey and not a forced march. 🙏🏽
https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=12540
PRAYER INTENTIONS: As we observe this Friday of the First Week of Lent, we reflect on the call to genuine righteousness and reconciliation. Inspired by today’s Gospel, where Jesus teaches that our righteousness must surpass that of the scribes and Pharisees, we recognize the importance of aligning our hearts with God’s will. We pray for the grace to let go of anger, to seek reconciliation with those we have wronged, and to embody the spirit of forgiveness in our daily lives. May our Lenten practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving lead us to a deeper conversion and a more profound union with Christ. 🙏🏽
LET US PRAY:
My most merciful Lord, I thank You for forgiving me and for loving me with such perfection and totality. Thank You for reconciling with me despite my imperfect contrition. Give me a heart, dear Lord, that always seeks to love the sinner in my life. Help me to offer mercy to the fullest extent in imitation of Your divine mercy. Jesus, I trust in You.
Heavenly Father, as we journey through this Lenten season, grant us the humility to acknowledge our shortcomings and the courage to seek reconciliation with our brothers and sisters. May Your Holy Spirit transform our hearts, guiding us to live out the righteousness that surpasses mere external observance. Strengthen our commitment to prayer, fasting, and acts of charity, so that we may grow closer to You and reflect Your love to the world. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Jesus, we trust in You. Amen. 🙏🏽
May this day be filled with God’s grace and peace. Wishing us all a safe, blessed, and grace-filled Lenten season and a relaxing weekend. Amen🙏🏽
Blessings and Love always, Philomena 💖