SECOND WEEK OF LENT
SAINTS OF THE DAY: FEAST DAY ~ MARCH 18, 2025
MEMORIAL OF SAINT CYRIL OF JERUSALEM, BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH, AND SAINT ALEXANDER OF JERUSALEM, BISHOP AND MARTYR | Daily Saints and Reflections | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
Greetings and blessings, beloved family. Happy Tuesday, Second Week of Lent.
May God’s grace and mercy be with us all during this season of our Lenten journey. Amen 🙏🏽
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/2025/03/18/catholic-daily-mass-15/
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/
We thank God for granting us the grace to successfully complete our Novena to Saint Joseph. May St. Joseph intercede for us all. Amen🙏🏽
DAY 12: LENTEN PRAYERS AND REFLECTIONS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/03/18/day-12-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, during this time of 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/
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/
Today, as we continue our Lenten journey, we reflect on Jesus’ words: “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” Jesus warns against the hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees, who sought recognition and honor rather than true service to God. He calls us instead to a life of humility, where greatness is found in serving others. True discipleship is not about titles or public approval but about sincere devotion to God and love for our neighbor.
Lent is a time to examine our hearts. Are we practicing what we preach? Are we serving with humility, or are we seeking recognition? The first reading from Isaiah reminds us that God desires true conversion: “Though your sins be like scarlet, they may become white as snow.” His mercy is boundless, but it requires us to turn away from sin, seek justice, and live righteously. The Psalm echoes this call: “To the upright, I will show the saving power of God.” True worship is not just about rituals but about a heart fully given to God.
Let us, therefore, walk this Lenten path with sincerity, seeking humility, mercy, and true transformation. May we not be consumed by appearances but strive for an authentic relationship with God, rooted in love and service.
Heavenly Father, grant us the grace to embrace humility, to serve without seeking recognition, and to live with hearts open to Your transforming love. Purify our intentions, strengthen our resolve to follow Christ, and lead us to true conversion. May our lives reflect Your glory. Amen. 🙏🏽
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 celebrate the Memorial of Saint Cyril of Jerusalem, Bishop and Doctor of the Church (a steadfast defender of the faith known for his catechetical teachings that guided many to a deeper understanding of Christ) and Saint Alexander of Jerusalem, Bishop and Martyr (a courageous shepherd who endured persecution for the sake of Christ and strengthened the Church through his wisdom and holiness).
Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary and these holy Saints, we humbly pray for bishops, catechists, and all who teach the faith, that they may be faithful witnesses to the truth of the Gospel. We ask for the grace to remain steadfast in our faith, to seek deeper understanding of God’s word, and to stand firm in the face of trials. May we, like Saint Cyril, dedicate ourselves to growing in knowledge of Christ, and may we, like Saint Alexander, remain courageous in proclaiming the faith, even in the midst of adversity.
Saint Cyril of Jerusalem and Saint Alexander of Jerusalem ~ 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 CYRIL OF JERUSALEM, BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH, AND SAINT ALEXANDER OF JERUSALEM, BISHOP AND MARTYR: FEAST DAY ~ MARCH 18TH: Today, we honor and celebrate the Memorial of Saint Cyril of Jerusalem, Bishop and Doctor of the Church, and Saint Alexander of Jerusalem, Bishop and Martyr. Saint Cyril,
an early witness to the sacred sites of Christian devotion, was a remarkable theologian and catechist who dedicated his life to teaching the faith and defending orthodox doctrine. His contributions to the Church, especially through his catechetical lectures, continue to guide Christians in understanding the fundamental truths of Catholicism. Saint Alexander, a bishop and martyr, is remembered for his unwavering faith in the face of persecution. He remained steadfast in faith and was willing to suffer death for the Faith. His leadership strengthened the Church in Jerusalem, and his sacrifice remains an inspiration for those who suffer for the sake of Christ. Through the intercession of Saint Cyril of Jerusalem and Saint Alexander of Jerusalem, we humbly pray for all bishops, catechists, and theologians who teach and defend the faith. May they be filled with wisdom and courage. We also pray for those enduring persecution for their beliefs, that they may remain steadfast in their love for Christ. We pray for the conversion of sinners and for all Christians during this season of Lent 🙏🏽
Saint Cyril of Jerusalem and Saint Alexander of Jerusalem ~ Pray for us. 🙏🏽
Saint(s) of the Day | March 18th | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
SAINT CYRIL OF JERUSALEM, BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH: St. Cyril of Jerusalem (315-386 A.D.) was a fourth-century bishop and Doctor of the Church, a well-educated man from Jerusalem and a scholar of Sacred Scripture whose writings are still regarded as masterful expressions of Christian faith. St. Cyril is also remembered for his exhaustive Biblical knowledge, and his endurance in the face of misunderstanding and opposition. St. Cyril was born in Jerusalem around the year 315 to his parents who were probably Christians and he seemed to care for them a great deal. He exhorted catechumens to honor parents “for however much we may repay them, yet we can never be to them what they as parents have been to us.” We know he also had a sister and a nephew, Gelasius, who became a bishop and a saint. He was born shortly after the legalization of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire. Although that legalization put a stop to many of the persecutions that threatened the Church for two centuries, it indirectly gave rise to a number of internal controversies – both in regard to theology, and the jurisdiction of bishops – in which Cyril would find himself involved. St. Cyril received an excellent education in classical Greek literature as well as the Bible. He was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Maximus of Jerusalem in the year 345 and succeeded him as bishop of Jerusalem in 348. On May 7th, soon after his ordination as Bishop a miraculous apparition of a cross appeared in the sky, visible to the whole city. During his early years as a bishop, most likely around 350, he delivered a series of lectures to new initiates of the Catholic Church. Twenty-four of the lectures have survived and are studied today. In a 2007 general audience, Pope Benedict XVI praised the saint for providing an “integral” form of Christian instruction, “involving body, soul, and spirit.” St. Cyril’s teaching, the Pope said, “remains emblematic for the catechetical formation of Christians today.
In 351, three years after St. Cyril became the Bishop of Jerusalem, a large cross-shaped light appeared for several hours in the sky over the city – an event that many interpreted as a sign of the Church’s triumph over heresy. It could also, however, be understood as a sign of the suffering the new bishop would undergo in leading his flock. Unlike many other Eastern bishops and priests of the fourth century, St. Cyril did not allow his classical learning to lead him away from believing in the full humanity and divinity of Christ. However, the man who consecrated St. Cyril as a bishop, Archbishop Acacius of Caesarea, was an ally of the Arians – who claimed that Jesus was a creature and not God. Because of his connection to the archbishop, St. Cyril himself was unjustly suspected of heresy by many of his brother bishops. But he also found himself at odds with Archbishop Acacius, who claimed to have jurisdiction over the birthplace of the Church. Altogether, these disputes led to St. Cyril being exiled from Jerusalem three times in the course of 20 years due to misunderstandings, intrigue, and politics. St. Cyril first took refuge with Silvanus, Bishop of Taraus. He appeared at the Council of Seleucia in 359, in which the semi-Arian party was triumphant. Acacius was deposed and St. Cyril seems to have returned to his see. But the emperor was displeased at the turn of events, and, in 360, St. Cyril and other moderates were again driven out, and only returned at the accession of Julian in 361. In 367, a decree of Valens banished all the bishops who had been restored by Julian, and St. Cyril remained in exile until the death of the persecutor in 378. In 380, St. Gregory of Nyssa came to Jerusalem on the recommendation of a council held at Antioch in the preceding year. He found the Faith in accord with the truth and expressed admiration of his pastoral efforts, but the city was a prey to parties and corrupt in morals. In 381, St. Cyril participated in the Second Ecumenical Council, which condemned two different forms of Arianism and added statements about the Holy Spirit to the Nicene Creed of 325. Saint Cyril of Jerusalem is one of the early Church Fathers and one of the most important sources for how the early Church celebrated the liturgy and sacraments during the first few decades after Christianity was legalized. St. Cyril of Jerusalem died in 386. For St. Cyril’s work in catechesis he was named a Doctor of the Church by Pope Leo XIII in 1883.
PRAYER: O God, who through the Bishop Saint Cyril of Jerusalem led your Church in a wonderful way to a deeper sense of the mysteries of salvation, grant us, through his intercession, that we may so acknowledge your Son as to have life ever more abundantly. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever…Amen🙏
SAINT ALEXANDER OF JERUSALEM, BISHOP AND MARTYR: St. Alexander was a student with Origen at the famous Christian school of Alexandria in the late second century. He became bishop of Cappadocia. For steadfastly proclaiming the faith, he was imprisoned two times and the Romans tried to kill him by throwing him to the lions, but it didn’t work. The beasts would not attack him! When the wild beasts refused to devour him, he was carried off as a prisoner to Caesarea and as the historians say, “The glory of his white hairs and great sanctity formed a double crown for him in captivity”. During the persecution of Severus was imprisoned for several years and in chains. (204-211).
Following his release from prison, he made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem and was proclaimed Coadjutor Bishop there in the year 212. Demetrius, the Bishop of Alexandria, censured Alexander for participating in the ordination of Origen and for encouraging Origen to teach in churches while still a layman. Despite this, Alexander received Origen in exile. Meanwhile, in Jerusalem, Alexander developed a great theological library which was helpful to the community and to other ancient theologians who contributed to the Church’s thinking. During the persecution of Decius, he was seized and again imprisoned.
After making a public confession of faith, St. Alexander was condemned and thrown to the wild beasts, but they refused to attack him. St. Alexander was then taken to Caesarea where he died in chains in the year 251. The Church recognizes St. Alexander as a martyr. St. Alexander, despite his great learning and important ecclesiastical positions, was known as an individual of great mildness, especially in his sermons, he was known for the sweetness of his preaching. When put to the test during two persecutions, he remained steadfast in faith and was willing to suffer death for the Faith. His relics rest in the reliquary chapel in the Basilica.
PRAYER: Saint Alexander of Jerusalem, holy Mother of God and all the Saints, who have pleased God in your lives; pray to Christ my Lord that I might live this day in peace, love and humility. Pray unto God for me, O holy Saint Alexander, well-pleasing to God: for I turn to You, who are a speedy helper and intercessor for my soul. Amen🙏
SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:
Bible Readings for today’s Holy Mass, Tuesday of the Second Week of Lent | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading
Today’s Bible Readings: Tuesday of the Second Week of Lent | March 18, 2025
Reading 1, Isaiah 1:10, 16-20
Responsorial Psalm, Psalms 50:8-9, 16-17, 21, 23
Gospel, Matthew 23:1-12
Gospel Reading ~ Matthew 23:1-12
“They preach but they do not practice”; “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
“Jesus spoke to the crowds and to His disciples, saying, “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. They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels. They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues, greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation ‘Rabbi.’ As for you, do not be called ‘Rabbi.’ You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers. Call no one on earth your father; you have but one Father in heaven. Do not be called ‘Master’; you have but one master, the Christ. The greatest among you must be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
In today’s Gospel reading, from the Gospel of St. Matthew, the Lord spoke to His disciples and followers, and to the people who were assembled to listen to Him, about the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law and why they should listen to them but not to follow what they had been doing, in how they practiced their faith and in their actions, in parading their piety and actions before everyone so that they could be praised and honoured for all of those actions. The crux of the problem here is that, many among the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law at the time of the Lord acted high and mighty, lording over the others whom they deemed and considered as less worthy and less pious than they were, and they even persecuted those who did not practice the Law in the manner that they had done. According to the Gospel reading, Jesus refers to the Pharisees as those who tie up heavy burdens and lay them on people’s shoulders. In contrast, Jesus had said earlier in Matthew’s Gospel, ‘Come to me all you who labour and are overburdened and I will give you rest’. Jesus’ work consisted in lifting unnecessary burdens from people’s shoulders rather than laying such burdens on people’s shoulders. Most of us have to deal with burdens of one kind or another as we go through life. Some burdens are necessary and unavoidable; they are the burdens of love, the burdens that come to us from giving ourselves to others in one way or another. Jesus is critical of those who impose unnecessary burdens on others. We can all be guilty of doing that from time to time. Rather than imposing unnecessary burdens on others, our calling is to help carry each other’s burdens, to make life less burdensome for each other. In doing that we will be acting in the spirit of the one who said, ‘Come to me all you who labour and are overburdened and I will give you rest’. The Lord helps us all to carry our burdens, both the necessary and inevitable ones and the unnecessary ones. Saint Paul was very burdened as he wrote to the church in Philippi from his prison cell. Yet, he could say to that church, ‘I can do all things through him who strengthens me’. The Lord strengthens us to carry our burdens so that we can help to carry the burdens of others. As St. Paul writes to the churches of Galatia, ‘Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ’. The law of Christ, which is the law of love, the fruit of the Spirit, is not about burden imposing but burden lifting.
As Jesus says towards the end of the Gospel reading, ‘the greatest among you must be your servant’. Jesus defines greatness in terms of service of others. Jesus calls on His disciples to give attention to others. It is those who humble themselves in the service of others who will be exalted, whereas those who exalt themselves and look for honour for themselves will be humbled. Jesus gives expression to His teaching in His own life. St. Paul says of Jesus that He emptied Himself taking the form of a servant and that He humbled Himself, even to the point of death, death on a cross. We are called to have the same mind that was in Christ Jesus. Lent is a time when we try to enter more fully into the mind and heart of our Lord Jesus Christ. Reflecting on the Gospel reading, Jesus calls us to an authentic and humble faith, where our actions align with our words. It is easy to fall into the temptation of seeking approval and admiration from others, but Jesus warns against this mindset. Instead, He urges us to follow His example of selfless love and service. As we go through Lent, we must examine our hearts and ask: Are we living out our faith sincerely, or are we more concerned with appearances? Do we serve others with humility, or do we seek recognition? Jesus calls us to true discipleship one rooted in love, humility, and a sincere desire to follow God’s will.
Our first reading today from the Book of the prophet Isaiah showed us all the Lord’s clear reminders and warnings to His people, the people of Israel and Judah, about the dangers of sin and what sin and evil could bring about for them, ruin and destruction, just as it had happened in the past. The Lord presented the example of the two cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, which were infamous for their great wickedness and sins, the evils and disobedience which they had committed, and also their refusal to listen to the Lord and His messengers, that the two cities were destroyed by the great rain of fire and brimstone from Heaven, and henceforth, the two cities were eradicated from the face of the earth, never to be populated or remembered again. By mentioning those two cities, and remarking that His people were like the people of Sodom and Gomorrah, the Lord was in fact making a clear point before all of them that they had all been disobedient and wicked in their way of life and in their actions, and the Lord certainly knew about all that they had done. He therefore warned them of what they would also suffer if they continued to persist in their path of rebellion and evil, and if they refused to repent from their many sins, wickedness and faults. However, at the same time, the Lord also presented to His people a clear avenue and pathway for them to come back to Him, telling them that even if their sins were truly terrible, He would still welcome them back to His loving Presence and forgive them, if they would reject their sinful ways and abandon their evil and wickedness.
Reflecting on our first reading from the book of Isaiah is a powerful call to repentance. The prophet addresses the people as the “princes of Sodom” and “people of Gomorrah,” emphasizing the gravity of their sins. However, despite their disobedience, God offers them an invitation: “Though your sins be like scarlet, they may become white as snow.” Today’s reading reveals God’s immense mercy. He does not desire destruction but transformation. True repentance requires action: putting away evil, seeking justice, and defending the vulnerable. God’s promise is clear if we obey Him, we will experience His blessings, but if we continue in disobedience, we will face the consequences of our choices.
The Responsorial Psalm echoes this message by reminding us that God does not desire empty sacrifices but a heart that is truly dedicated to Him. “To the upright I will show the saving power of God.” Faith is not about mere rituals or outward displays of piety; it is about genuine conversion and a commitment to righteousness. The verse before the Gospel calls us to make a new beginning: “Cast away from you all the crimes you have committed, says the Lord, and make for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit.” As we continue this Lenten journey, let us reflect: Are our actions consistent with our faith? Do we practice humility and service, or are we more concerned with appearances? Are we truly seeking justice, mercy, and a renewed heart? QLent is a season of transformation. God is inviting us to return to Him with sincerity and love. Let us embrace His mercy, walk in humility, and commit ourselves to a faith that is not just spoken but truly lived.
As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, we are all reminded to be humble and righteous in all of our actions and deeds, in each and every moments of our lives. We have to be humble and attuned to our sins and faults, all the wickedness we have committed, and endeavour to overcome them, replacing them instead with righteousness and virtue. We are reminded to turn away from sin and to embrace God’s path, His love and grace. Let us all therefore seek the Lord with renewed heart and mind, with the strong and genuine desire to be forgiven and to be reconciled with Him, with the strong desire to repent and turn away from our many sins and wickedness. Let us all seek the forgiveness and mercy of God, and do our best so that our lives from now on may be truly worthy of Him in all things, which we can gain inspiration from the life and faith of the Saints and Holy men and women, particularly the Saints we celebrate today, St. Cyril of Jerusalem and St. Alexander of Jerusalem. We are called to be inspired by the great examples that our holy predecessors, so that our whole lives may be great examples and inspirations for everyone around us. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace during this season of Lent and may He empower us all to live ever more courageously in His presence, now and always. Amen 🙏🏽
Heavenly Father, cleanse our hearts and renew our spirits. Help us to embrace humility, serving others as Christ did. May we live out our faith in sincerity, avoiding hypocrisy and seeking true conversion. Teach us to follow Your will with a heart full of love and justice. May our lives reflect Your grace and truth, leading us ever closer to You. 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 reflect on Christ’s Transfiguration, we pray for the grace to listen to Him and be transformed by His presence. May this Lenten journey deepen our faith, strengthen our trust in God’s promises, and renew our commitment to live as citizens of heaven. We also pray for those struggling with doubt and uncertainty, that they may find hope in God’s faithfulness. Joining Pope Francis in his March prayer intention, we pray for families in crisis, that they may experience healing through forgiveness and a renewed appreciation for one another. Every life is a gift. We pray for God’s deliverance from impossible causes or situations. Amen 🙏🏽
LET US PRAY:
My humble Lord, thank You for the witness of Your humility. You chose to put all people first, even to the point of allowing Yourself to experience the suffering and death which was a consequence of our sins. Give me a heart that is humble, dear Lord, so that You can use me to share Your perfect love with others. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen. 🙏🏽
Lord Jesus, You teach us that true greatness is found in humility and service. Help us to cast aside all forms of pride and self-righteousness, that we may follow You with sincerity and love. Purify our hearts, that we may live out our faith with integrity, seeking only to glorify You. Strengthen us in this Lenten journey, that we may walk in true repentance and holiness. Jesus, we trust in You. Amen. 🙏🏽
Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary and Saint Cyril of Jerusalem, and Saint Alexander of Jerusalem ~ Pray for us 🙏🏽
May this Lenten season bring us deeper conversion, unwavering trust, and a heart open to God’s transforming love. Wishing us all a safe, blessed, grace-filled and fruitful week. Amen. 🙏🏽
Blessings and Love always, Philomena 💖