Scripture Passage: “Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white.” (Mark 9:2-3)
Opening Reflection: The Transfiguration is a powerful moment where Jesus reveals His divine glory to His closest disciples. This experience was meant to strengthen their faith, preparing them for the suffering to come. Lent is a journey of transformation—one that calls us to move beyond fear and doubt into deeper trust in God. Just as Jesus led His disciples up the mountain, He invites us to climb higher in faith, allowing His light to shine in our hearts.
Meditative Reflection: Peter, James, and John were awestruck by the vision of Jesus in His glory, yet they did not fully understand its significance. Like them, we sometimes struggle to recognize God’s presence in our lives, especially in moments of suffering. But the Transfiguration reminds us that God’s plan extends beyond the cross to resurrection and new life. We are all called to be transformed in Christ, but transformation requires surrender. Sometimes, we cling to comfort and familiarity, afraid to embrace the changes God is leading us toward. But when we open ourselves to His presence, we begin to see with new eyes. Think about the areas in your life where God is calling you to deeper faith. Are you willing to follow Him, even when the path is uncertain? Trust that He is leading you toward something greater than you can imagine.
Reflection Questions:
Is there an area of my life where I am resisting God’s transformation? How can I grow in trust, even when I do not understand God’s plan?
Lenten Question: Q: Why did Jesus reveal His glory to Peter, James, and John? A: To strengthen their faith before His Passion and to show that His suffering would lead to victory.
Lenten Action: Spend time in silent prayer today, asking Jesus to reveal His presence in your life. Offer to God any fears or doubts that may be holding you back from spiritual growth.
Concluding Prayer: Lord Jesus, You revealed Your glory to strengthen the faith of Your disciples. Help me to trust in Your plan, even when I do not fully understand it. Transform my heart so that I may reflect Your light in my daily life. Give me the courage to follow You, knowing that beyond the trials of this world, You have prepared a place of eternal joy. Amen.
MEMORIAL OF SAINT LOUISE DE MARILLAC, WIDOW; SAINT LONGINUS THE CENTURION, MARTYR AND SAINT CLEMENT MARY HOFBAUER, PRIEST| Daily Saints and Reflections | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
Greetings and blessings, beloved family. Happy Saturday, First Week of Lent.
May God’s grace and mercy be with us all during this season of our Lenten journey 🙏🏽
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🙏🏽
Today, as we continue our Lenten journey, we reflect on Jesus’ profound teaching: “Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you” This command challenges us to transcend our natural inclinations and embody a love that mirrors the perfection of our heavenly Father.
In this passage from the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus redefines the concept of love, extending it beyond friends and neighbors to include even those who oppose us. He emphasizes that God’s love is impartial, as He “makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust”. By calling us to this radical love, Jesus invites us to participate in the divine nature and strive for spiritual maturity.
During this Lenten season, we are called to examine our hearts and confront any feelings of resentment or unforgiveness. Through prayer, fasting, and acts of charity, we open ourselves to God’s transforming grace, enabling us to love as He loves. This journey is not merely about external observances but about an interior conversion that aligns our hearts with God’s will. May we embrace this call to perfection, seeking to love without boundaries and reflecting the mercy of our heavenly Father. As we pray for our enemies and those who persecute us, let us trust in God’s providence to bring healing and reconciliation to our world.
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/)
Today, we celebrate the Memorial of Saint Louise de Marillac, Widow (co-founder of the Daughters of Charity and patroness of social workers); Saint Longinus the Centurion, Martyr (the soldier who pierced Jesus’ side and later embraced the faith); and Saint Clement Mary Hofbauer, Priest (Redemptorist missionary and apostle of Vienna).
Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary and these holy Saints, we humbly pray for the grace to serve others with compassion, to embrace conversion with courage, and to spread the Gospel with zeal. We lift up our prayers for social workers, healthcare professionals, and all who care for the marginalized, that they may be strengthened in their mission. May the Lord’s grace inspire us to live lives of charity, faith, and unwavering commitment to His will.
Saint Louise de Marillac, Saint Longinus, and Saint Clement Mary Hofbauer ~ 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 🙏🏽
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 LOUISE DE MARILLAC, WIDOW; SAINT LONGINUS THE CENTURION, MARTYR AND SAINT CLEMENT MARY HOFBAUER, PRIEST: FEAST DAY ~ MARCH 15TH: Today, we honor the Memorial of Saint Louise de Marillac, Widow, a devoted servant who co-founded the Daughters of Charity, dedicating her life to serving the poor and sick (Patron Saint of sick people, widows, orphans, and Social Workers); Saint Longinus the Centurion, Martyr (the Roman soldier who pierced the side of Jesus, the Sacred Heart and later converted to Christianity, becoming a martyr for his faith (Patron Saint of the blind and people with poor eyesight, of labor, of power, and of good discernment) and Saint Clement Mary Hofbauer, Priest, a Redemptorist priest known as the “Apostle of Vienna,” or the Apostle on the Move, who tirelessly worked for the renewal of the Church and the care of the poor (Co-Patron of Vienna and Warsaw).
Through the intercession of Our Blessed Mother Mary and these holy Saints on this feast day, we humbly offer prayers for all who serve selflessly in caring for the marginalized, for those who have converted to the faith and face persecution, and for priests and religious dedicated to the renewal and mission of the Church. We pray for all those who are sick, especially those who are blind and those with poor eyesight. We also pray for orphans, widows, social workers, travellers, missionaries and for the conversion of sinners. May the examples of these saints inspire us to deepen our commitment to service, courage in faith, and dedication to God’s will… Amen 🙏🏽
“O God, who have taught your Church to keep all the heavenly commandments by love of You as God and love of neighbor; grant that practicing the works of charity after the example of blessed Saint Louise de Marillac, we may be worthy to be numbered among the blessed in your Kingdom. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.” Amen. 🙏🏽
Saint Louise de Marillac; Saint Longinus; and Saint Clement Mary Hofbauer ~ Pray for us. 🙏🏽
SAINT LOUISE DE MARILLAC, WIDOW: St. Louise De Marillac (1591-1660) was born on August 15, 1591 near the town of Meux, Paris, France to a noble family. Her mother died shortly after her birth, and her father when she was sixteen years of age. St. Louise received an education from the Dominican convent at Poissy and eventually discerned that she was called to religious life. After consulting her confessor concerning her plans to enter the religious life, Louise decided not to pursue this vocation. Instead, in 1613, St. Louise de Marrillac married an official of the royal court, Antony Le Gras and she became known as Mademoiselle Le Gras. Her husband died thirteen years later in 1625, leaving St. Louise with a young son. After his death in 1625, St. Louise again began to think about joining a religious community. She became a nun and chose St. Vincent de Paul, then known as Monsieur Vincent, as her spiritual director. She became an active supporter of the charitable work of St Vincent de Paul, who came to put more and more reliance on her. With the help of Monsieur Vincent, St. Louise established the Daughters of Charity, a group of women dedicated to serving the sick, the poor and the neglected as it was frowned upon for wealthy women to serve those outside of their own social class besides raising money. They were dedicated to the corporal and spiritual service of the poor in their homes.
In 1642, St. Louise wrote the formal Rule for the Daughters of Charity and in 1655 they received formal approval from the Vatican. Her clear intelligence and wide sympathy played a big part in the beginnings of the congregation, whose aspirants she trained and whose rapid growth involved responsibilities which largely fell on her. After forming the Rule for the Daughters of Charity, St. Louise traveled around France forming convents and instituting the Daughters as workers in hospitals, orphanages and other institutions dedicated to helping the neglected. St. Louise worked zealously until her death in Paris in the year 1660. At the time of her death there were already over forty houses of the sisters in France, the sick poor were looked after at home in twenty-six Parisian parishes, hundreds of women were given shelter, and there were other undertakings as well. St Louise was not physically robust, but she had great powers of endurance, and her selfless devotion was a source of incalculable help and encouragement to Monsieur Vincent. She was canonized by Pope Pius XI in 1934 and was declared patroness of social workers in 1960. She’s the Patron Saint of disappointing children, widows, loss of parents, sick people, social workers, Vincentian Service Corps, people rejected by religious order
PRAYER: God, You inspired St. Louise to strive for perfect charity and so attain Your Kingdom at the end of her pilgrimage on earth. Strengthen us through her intercession in the way of love. Amen 🙏🏽
SAINT LONGINUS THE CENTURION, MARTYR: The Holy Martyr Longinus the Centurion, a Roman soldier, served in Judea under the command of the Governor, Pontius Pilate. When our Savior Jesus Christ was crucified, it was the detachment of soldiers under the command of Longinus which stood watch on Golgotha, at the very foot of the holy Cross. Longinus and his soldiers were eyewitnesses of the final moments of the earthly life of the Lord, and of the great and awesome portents that appeared at His death. These events shook the centurion’s soul. Longinus believed in Christ and confessed before everyone, “Truly this was the Son of God” (Mt. 27:54). According to Church Tradition, Longinus was the soldier who pierced the side of the Crucified Savior with a spear, and received healing from an eye affliction when blood and water poured forth from the wound. After the Crucifixion and Burial of the Savior, Longinus stood watch with his company at the Sepulchre of the Lord. These soldiers were present at the All-Radiant Resurrection of Christ. The Jews bribed them to lie and say that His disciples had stolen away the Body of Christ, but Longinus and two of his comrades refused to be seduced by the Jewish gold. They also refused to remain silent about the miracle of the Resurrection. Having come to believe in the Savior, the soldiers received Baptism from the apostles and decided to leave military service. Saint Longinus left Judea to preach about Jesus Christ the Son of God in his native land (Cappadocia), and his two comrades followed him. The fiery words of those who had actually participated in the great events in Judea swayed the hearts and minds of the Cappadocians; Christianity began quickly to spread throughout the city and the surrounding villages. When they learned of this, the Jewish elders persuaded Pilate to send a company of soldiers to Cappadocia to kill Longinus and his comrades. When the soldiers arrived at Longinus’s village, the former centurion himself came out to meet the soldiers and took them to his home. After a meal, the soldiers revealed the purpose of their visit, not knowing that the master of the house was the very man whom they were seeking. Then Longinus and his friends identified themselves and told the startled soldiers to carry out their duty. The soldiers wanted to let the saints go and advised them to flee, but they refused to do this, showing their firm intention to suffer for Christ. The holy martyrs were beheaded, and their bodies were buried at the place where the saints were martyred. The head of Saint Longinus, however, was sent to Pilate.
Pilate gave orders to cast the martyr’s head on a trash-heap outside the city walls. After a while a certain blind widow from Cappadocia arrived in Jerusalem with her son to pray at the holy places, and to ask that her sight be restored. After becoming blind, she had sought the help of physicians to cure her, but all their efforts were in vain. The woman’s son became ill shortly after reaching Jerusalem, and he died a few days later. The widow grieved for the loss of her son, who had served as her guide. Saint Longinus appeared to her in a dream and comforted her. He told her that she would see her son in heavenly glory, and also receive her sight. He told her to go outside the city walls and there she would find his head in a great pile of refuse. Guides led the blind woman to the rubbish heap, and she began to dig with her hands. As soon as she touched the martyr’s head, the woman received her sight, and she glorified God and Saint Longinus. Taking up the head, she brought it to the place she was staying and washed it. The next night, Saint Longinus appeared to her again, this time with her son. They were surrounded by a bright light, and Saint Longinus said, “Woman, behold the son for whom you grieve. See what glory and honor are his now, and be consoled. God has numbered him with those in His heavenly Kingdom. Now take my head and your son’s body, and bury them in the same casket. Do not weep for your son, for he will rejoice forever in great glory and happiness.” The woman carried out the saint’s instructions and returned to her home in Cappadocia. There she buried her son and the head of Saint Longinus. Once, she had been overcome by grief for her son, but her weeping was transformed into joy when she saw him with Saint Longinus. She had sought healing for her eyes, and also received healing of her soul. St. Longinus is the Patron Saint of the blind and people with poor eyesight, of labor, of power, and of good discernment.
PRAYER: O Saint Longinus, you were chosen as the venerable gate keeper and was granted the gift of discernment by the Lord; an eyewitness of God’s miracle who glorified the resurrected Christ. To your death, you remained Christ’s soldier and for Christ you gave your head. Pray for us, therefore, O St. Longinus so that being inspired by your example and assisted by your prayers, we may live a holy life, die a happy death, and reach eternal life to praise and thank God in heaven with you. I ask you to pray to God this special request if it be His holy will… Amen 🙏🏽
Almighty, Eternal God, You were pleased to make Your Church illustrious through the varied splendor of St. Longinus. As we venerate his memory, may we also follow such shining examples of virtue on earth and thus obtain merited crowns in Heaven. We ask this through Christ our Lord… Amen 🙏🏽
SAINT CLEMENT MARY HOFBAUER, PRIEST: Saint Clement Mary Hofbauer (1751-1821) was born on December 26,1751, at Taswitz, Moravia to a butcher and his wife and was baptized John. His family name was originally Dvorak, but was changed to the German Hofbauer. He was the youngest of twelve children, St. Clement was six years old when his father died. His great desire was to become a priest, but since his family was unable to give him the necessary education, he became a baker’s assistant, devoting all his spare time to study. He was a servant in the Premonstratensian monastery of Bruck from 1771 to 1775, then lived for some time as a hermit. As part of his so-called Josephinist policies, Austrian Emperor Joseph II abolished hermitages, and Clement went to Vienna, where he and a friend, Peter Kunzmann, received permission from Bishop Chiaramonti of Tivoli, Italy, to live in a hermitage. Bishop Chiaramonti later became Pope Pius VII.
He made three pilgrimages to Rome, and during the third, accompanied by a good friend, he entered with the same friend the Redemptorist novitiate at San Giuliano. The two were professed in 1785 and ordained a few days later. They were stationed in Vienna, but Emperor Joseph II closed religious foundations, so they were sent to Courtland. Peter Kunzmann joined Clement as a lay brother, and the three were sent to St. Benno’s Church in Warsaw, Poland, to begin two decades of missionary labors from 1786 to 1808. The church in Warsaw was granted by King Stanislaus Poniatowski, and they labored under incredible difficulties. A larger church was also reserved for them, where daily instructions were given for non-Catholics. Saint Clement preached and also founded in Warsaw an orphanage and a school for boys and established a vast Redemptorist presence in the city. His great friend, Thaddeus Habul, died in 1807; the following year four houses founded by Saint Clement were suppressed and the Redemptorists expelled from the Grand Duchy. Napoleon suppressed all religious institutions, and Clement and the Redemptorists were imprisoned in 1808, each one then exiled to his own native land. St. Clement went with one companion to Vienna, where for the last twelve years of his life he acted as chaplain and director at an Ursuline convent and pastor of the adjoining parish. There he exercised a veritable apostolate among all classes in the capital. He devoted himself in a special way to the conversion and formation of young men. He became known for his holiness and zeal. He founded a Catholic college and began to reform and revitalize the Catholic faith of Austria and Germany. Prince Rupert of Bavaria aided Clement in defeating a move to establish a German national Church. St. Clement also fought against Josephinism and was about to be expelled from Austria for his opposition to such secular control, when, surprisingly, Emperor Joseph’s successor, Emperor Francis I, defended him. St. Clement died in Vienna on March 15, 1821. When he died, Pius VII said, Religion in Austria has lost its chief support. On April 19, the Emperor admitted the Congregation into the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Thanks to Fr. Joseph Passerat, one of St. Clement´s first companions, the Congregation spread from Vienna throughout Northern Europe. St Clement was canonized by Saint Pius X on May 20, 1909. He is co-patron Vienna and Warsaw.
PRAYER: God of the Journey I pray, O God, for all who under full sail journey upon unchartered waters. God of the universe, You are on a journey and You are taking us with You. Help us to keep up and give as companions along the way. I commend to your care people on really big journeys. I pray with those entering a relationship or leaving one, those leaving home or returning, for the sick and the dying, and for immigrants, asylum-seekers and tourists. St Clement Hofbauer, the Apostle on the move… pray for us. Amen 🙏🏽
Through the intercession of Saints Louise de Marillac, Longinus, and Clement Mary Hofbauer, may we be inspired to live lives of profound faith, unwavering hope, and boundless charity. 🙏🏽
Today’s Bible Readings: Saturday of the First Week of Lent, March 15, 2025 Reading 1: Deuteronomy 26:16-19 Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 119:1-2, 4-5, 7-8 Gospel: Matthew 5:43-48
Gospel Reading ~ Matthew 5:43-48
“Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you ….. So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect”
“Jesus said to His disciples: “You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have? Do not the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brothers and sisters only, what is unusual about that? Do not the pagans do the same? So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
In today’s Gospel reading, our Lord Jesus highlighted to His disciples and all the people that the commandments of God are all ultimately and essentially about Love, first of all, loving God their Lord and Master with all of their strength, might and capacity, and then showing the same kind of love towards all of our fellow brothers and sisters around us. Without these kinds of love, then we cannot truly consider ourselves as being obedient to the Law and commandments of God. Jesus calls on His disciples and us all not only to love our neighbour, which is a call or command to be found in the Old Testament. He also calls on them, on us, to love our enemy, which goes beyond anything to be found in the Old Testament. Many of us might be hard pushed to think of someone who could be described as our enemy. We might struggle to identify an enemy. Yet, we may be able to think of people who have hurt us or who damaged us in some way. We are not likely to have warm feelings towards such people. When Jesus calls on His disciples to love their enemy, He is not talking about warm feelings or feelings of any kind. Jesus is talking about the will rather than feelings. At the very least, Jesus is calling on His disciples to wish their enemies well, all that is good. In the Gospel reading, Jesus identifies one expression of such love as prayer, praying for our enemy, praying for those who have hurt us and who have given us good reason to dislike them. ‘Love your enemy and pray…’ Jesus suggests that to pray for those who persecute us is to do something that has a divine quality to it. It is to give expression to the love of God which goes out to all, even to those who least deserve it.
Reflecting on today’s Gospel, Jesus challenges His disciples to go beyond human tendencies and embrace divine love. The command to “love your neighbor and hate your enemy” was a common cultural understanding at the time. However, Jesus calls His followers to a higher standard—one that reflects the perfect love of God. He tells us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. This is not just about being kind but about imitating God’s unconditional love, which extends to both the just and the unjust. It is easy to love those who love us back, but the real test of our faith is how we treat those who hurt us. Jesus asks us to love, not with mere feelings, but with an active, self-giving love. This includes forgiveness, praying for our enemies, and seeking peace rather than retaliation. Furthermore, Jesus says, “Be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.” This perfection does not mean being without flaws but striving for complete and mature love. God’s love is impartial. He blesses both the righteous and the wicked. As His children, we are called to reflect that love in our own lives, even when it is difficult.
During Lent, we are invited to examine our hearts: Are there people we struggle to forgive? Do we hold grudges or resentment? Jesus calls us to let go of hatred and embrace His way of love. “You are to be a people peculiarly His own, as He promised you.”
In our first reading today from the Book of Deuteronomy, words of the Lord spoken to His first chosen people, the Israelites, during their Exodus from Egypt. The Lord spoke to them through their leader, His servant Moses, in which He reminded them all to stay true and obedient to the Law and the commandments which He had revealed and passed to them, namely the Ten Commandments, as well as the many other rules, precepts and practices which He has given to them, for them all to follow and inculcate in each and every moments of their lives. Those laws and commandments were meant to show them and to teach them how they should behave and act as a people that God has chosen and blessed. Moses, the leader of the people of Israel in their Exodus from Egypt, told the people to follow the Lord, His Law and commandments, for they had been chosen by God to be His own people and to be counted among His blessed ones, as God Himself has made a Covenant with them, renewing the Covenant that He once made with Abraham, their forefather. And as part of that Covenant, just as God would bless them and keep them safe, caring for them, therefore the people had to keep their part of the Covenant, which is to follow the Law and commandments of God.
Reflecting on our first reading, Moses reminds the Israelites of their covenant with God. He tells them that they must observe God’s commandments with all their heart and soul. In return, God promises to set them apart as His special people, raising them “high in praise, renown, and glory.” This passage highlights the intimate relationship between God and His chosen people. Just as Israel was called to obey God and walk in His ways, we too are called to remain faithful to Him. Obedience to God is not a burden but a response of love. When we follow His ways, we align ourselves with His blessings. As Christians, we are also God’s chosen people through baptism. We have entered into a covenant of love with Him. But do we truly live as people set apart for God? Do we strive to follow His commandments with our whole heart and soul? Lent is a time to renew our commitment and realign our lives with His will.
Our Responsorial Psalm, Psalm 119 is a beautiful meditation on the joy of following God’s law. It reminds us that those who walk in His ways with sincerity and diligence will be truly blessed. The psalmist expresses a deep longing to remain faithful, praying, “Oh, that I might be firm in the ways of keeping your statutes!” Today’s Psalm is a fitting response to the first reading. It teaches us that obedience to God is not just about duty but about love. When we seek Him with all our heart, we find true peace and joy. During this Lenten season, let us reflect on our commitment to God’s law. Do we follow His commands out of genuine love, or merely out of habit or fear? Lent is a time of renewal a chance to deepen our love for God and embrace His will more fully. Do I find it easy to love only those who love me? How can I extend love even to those who have wronged me? Is there someone I need to forgive or pray for today? Am I truly striving to follow God’s commandments with my whole heart, or am I just going through the motions? What steps can I take this Lent to grow in love and holiness?
Today’s readings remind us of the high calling we have as God’s people. We are called not only to obey His commandments but to embody His love, even in the hardest circumstances. Loving our enemies and following God’s law with our whole heart is the path to holiness. As we journey through Lent, let us embrace the challenge of radical love and complete surrender to God. May our hearts be transformed so that we reflect the perfection of our Heavenly Father in all that we do. Heavenly Father, You are perfect in love and mercy. Teach me to love as You love, even when it is difficult. Help me to forgive my enemies and pray for those who hurt me. Strengthen my heart to follow Your commandments with sincerity and devotion. May this Lenten season be a time of true conversion, drawing me closer to You. May God grant us the grace to walk in His ways, love as He loves, and seek perfection in Him. Amen. 🙏🏽
As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, we are reminded to always strive to follow the Lord and His examples in loving us, in how we should always focus ourselves and our whole lives on God, on His love, compassion and mercy. We should also restrain and resist all those temptations of the world, the temptations of worldly glory, pleasures, and also of our pride, ego, greed, ambition and desires, so that we do not end up falling into the trap of sin and evil. Let us all be humble before the Lord, and listen to Him speaking to us, and ask Him to help and guide us in our journey of faith and life, that we do not falter and end up falling into the wrong paths. We are all called to fulfil God’s Law and commandments, to live our lives wholeheartedly according to the way that He has shown to us. We are all called to love one another generously and unconditionally. This means that we cannot just love those who love us or give us happiness and benefit, but love has to be universal and unconditional. This was just exactly how the Lord Himself has loved us, as Jesus pointed out that God still loved and cared even for the wicked and for the greatest of sinners, blessing them just as He had done for the good ones. Let us all therefore make great use of this time and season of Lent to seek the Lord with contrite hearts and minds, willing to humble ourselves, we sinners who are in need of God’s forgiveness and compassionate love. We are called to emulate the Holy men and women, and the Saints, particularly the Saints we celebrate today, Saint Louise de Marillac; Saint Longinus and Saint Clement Mary Hofbauer. Let us rediscover the love that we ought to have for God, and let us turn once more towards Him with genuine faith. May the Lord continue to be with us in this journey of faith and life. May He encourage and strengthen us to be generous in loving one another too, to all men and to all people, even those who have not loved us back or even hated us. And may God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace and bless us in all the things we say and do, that through our Lenten observances, we will be purified and renewed, drawing ever closer to God. 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. 🙏🏽
PRAYER INTENTIONS: Inspired by today’s Gospel, we pray for the grace to love our enemies and to pray for those who persecute us. May our Lenten practices lead us to deeper conversion and a more profound union with Christ. We also join Pope Francis in his March prayer intention, praying that broken families might discover the cure for their wounds through forgiveness, rediscovering each other’s gifts, even in their differences. 🙏🏽
LET US PRAY:
My most perfect Lord, I thank You for loving me despite my many sins. I thank You for also calling me to share in the depths of Your love for others. Give me the eyes to see all people as You see them and to love them as You love them. I do love You, Lord. Help me to love You and others more. Jesus, I trust in You 🙏🏽
Heavenly Father, Your Son taught us to love unconditionally, even those who oppose us. Grant us the strength to forgive and the humility to seek reconciliation. May our Lenten journey transform our hearts, drawing us closer to You. We also lift up families in crisis; may they find healing through forgiveness and appreciation of each other’s unique gifts. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Jesus, we trust in You. Amen. 🙏🏽
Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary and Saint Louise de Marillac; Saint Longinus and Saint Clement Mary Hofbauer ~ Pray for us 🙏🏽
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🙏🏽
Day Ten: Loving Without Limits Saturday, First Week of Lent
Scripture Passage: “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father.” (Matthew 5:44-45)
Opening Reflection: Jesus’ call to love our enemies challenges us to go beyond human instincts. It is easy to love those who treat us well, but the true test of discipleship lies in extending love to those who have hurt us. This kind of love is not based on emotions but on a deep commitment to reflect God’s mercy.
Meditative Reflection: In a world that often promotes revenge and division, Christ’s message is radically different. He calls us to love as God loves without limits. Love does not mean ignoring wrongs or accepting injustice, but it does mean choosing mercy over resentment, compassion over hatred, and prayer over anger.
Think about those who may have wronged you or those you find difficult to love. Holding onto bitterness only weighs us down. Jesus invites us to entrust our wounds to Him and allow love to heal what anger cannot. When we pray for our enemies, we free our hearts and align ourselves with God’s divine mercy. This is the path to true freedom.
Reflection Questions:
Is there someone in my life whom I struggle to love?
How can I take a step toward loving as Christ loves today?
Lenten Question: Q: Why does Jesus ask us to love our enemies? A: Because love reflects the heart of God. By loving our enemies, we break the cycle of hatred and become true children of the Father, who loves unconditionally.
Lenten Action: Pray for someone you find difficult to love. Ask God for the grace to let go of resentment and to see them through His eyes. If possible, take one small step toward kindness or reconciliation.
Concluding Prayer: Lord Jesus, Your love knows no boundaries. Teach me to love as You do, even when it is hard. Free my heart from bitterness and fill me with the grace to pray for those who have wronged me. May my love reflect Your mercy, bringing peace and healing to my soul. Amen.
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.
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🙏🏽
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/)
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 🙏🏽
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 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 🙏🏽
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. 🙏🏽
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🙏🏽
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.
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🙏🏽
Day Nine: The Call to Reconciliation Friday, First Week of Lent
Scripture Passage: “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.” (Matthew 5:23-24)
Opening Reflection: Reconciliation is at the heart of our Lenten journey. Christ reminds us that our relationship with God cannot be separated from our relationship with others. True worship demands a heart that seeks peace, healing, and unity. Today’s Gospel calls us to examine our hearts—are there unresolved conflicts, lingering resentments, or broken relationships that need mending?
Meditative Reflection: Jesus teaches that reconciliation must precede worship. We cannot truly offer ourselves to God while holding onto anger or unforgiveness. The world teaches us to protect our pride, but Christ calls us to humility to be peacemakers, even when it is difficult.
Think of someone with whom you have had disagreements. Have you held onto grudges or avoided making amends? This season of Lent is a time to lay down our pride and seek peace. Even if reconciliation seems impossible, a prayer for that person, an act of kindness, or a step toward forgiveness can open the door to healing. Christ Himself showed us the ultimate act of love on the Cross, forgiving even those who crucified Him. Can we follow His example today?
Reflection Questions:
Is there someone I need to forgive or seek forgiveness from?
How does reconciliation with others prepare my heart to receive God’s grace?
Lenten Question: Q: Why does Jesus emphasize reconciliation before worship? A: Because worship requires a heart free from bitterness and division. Reconciliation restores peace, allowing us to stand before God with sincerity and love.
Lenten Action: Reach out to someone with whom you need reconciliation. It may be a conversation, a message, or simply a prayer for them. Let today be a step toward healing and peace.
Concluding Prayer: Lord Jesus, You call us to be peacemakers, to forgive as You have forgiven us. Give me the grace to let go of anger and pride, to seek reconciliation, and to love with a heart renewed by Your mercy. May my acts of forgiveness bring me closer to You. Amen.
MEMORIAL OF SAINTS RODERICK, PRIEST, AND SOLOMON, MARTYRS AND SAINT EUPHRASIA OF CONSTANTINOPLE, VIRGIN| Daily Saints and Reflections | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
TWELFTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PONTIFICATE OF POPE FRANCIS, VICAR OF CHRIST AND SUPREME PONTIFF: | (Prayer link below)
Greetings and blessings, beloved family. Happy Thursday, First Week of Lent.
Today, March 13, 2025, marks the 12th anniversary of Pope Francis’s election as the 266th Pope. Let us all commemorate with prayers for our Holy Father, Pope Francis, as he celebrates the twelfth anniversary since his election as Pope at the Papal Conclave on March 13, 2013, that God will always bless him and guide him in his ministry as our shepherd. We pray for his continued health and well-being, as he continues his stay at Rome’s Gemelli hospital.
Happy 12th anniversary, Pope Francis! We continue to pray with you and for you and wishing you a speedy recovery and God’s Divine healing and intervention. Amen 🙏🏽
May God’s grace and mercy be with us all during this season of our Lenten journey 🙏🏽
Today, as we continue our Lenten journey, we are reminded of Jesus’ words in the Gospel: “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” This invitation encourages us to deepen our relationship with God through persistent prayer, trusting that He hears and responds to our needs.
During this season, we are called to open our hearts to God’s mercy, turning away from sin and striving for holiness through prayer, fasting, and acts of charity. Our sacrifices and prayers 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 POPE FRANCIS: May we all unite as one voice to lift up the Vicar of Christ in prayer today as his health continues to improve after a prolonged respiratory crisis. 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🙏🏽
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/)
Today, we commemorate the Memorial of Saints Roderick, Priest, and Solomon, Martyrs, as well as Saint Euphrasia of Constantinople, Virgin. Saint Roderick was a devoted priest in 9th-century Spain during the Moorish rule. He had two brothers one a Muslim and the other indifferent to faith. Attempting to reconcile them during a dispute, Roderick was severely beaten and falsely accused of renouncing Islam. Remaining steadfast in his Christian faith, he was imprisoned and later martyred alongside Saint Solomon in Córdoba on March 13, 857.
Saint Euphrasia, born in 380 in Constantinople, was the daughter of a noble family related to Emperor Theodosius I. After her father’s death, she and her mother moved to Egypt, near a monastery of 130 nuns. Embracing a life of humility, charity, and penance, Euphrasia declined marriage arranged by the emperor, choosing instead to dedicate herself wholly to God. She was known for her acts of humility and charity, living a life of devotion until her death around 410.
Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary and these holy Saints, we humbly pray for steadfastness in faith, courage in the face of adversity, and hearts wholly devoted to God’s will. We lift up those who suffer persecution for their beliefs, that they may find strength and hope in the examples of Saints Roderick and Solomon. We also pray for those discerning their vocations, that they may be inspired by Saint Euphrasia’s dedication and purity. May the Lord’s grace fortify the Church, guide its leaders, and bring solace to the oppressed.
Saints Roderick, Solomon, and Euphrasia of Constantinople, 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 🙏🏽
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 SAINTS RODERICK, PRIEST, AND SOLOMON, MARTYRS AND SAINT EUPHRASIA OF CONSTANTINOPLE, VIRGIN: FEAST DAY ~ MARCH 13TH: Today, we honor the Memorial of Saints Roderick, Priest, and Solomon, Martyrs (faithful witnesses who endured persecution and martyrdom for their steadfast love of Christ), and Saint Euphrasia of Constantinople, Virgin (a devoted servant of God who embraced asceticism and a life of humility and prayer).
Through the intercession of Our Blessed Mother Mary and these holy Saints, we offer prayers for all who suffer persecution for their faith, for those unjustly accused or imprisoned, and for those striving to live a life of holiness amidst trials. May the witness of these saints inspire us to remain faithful to Christ, bear our sufferings with courage, and trust in God’s divine providence.
“O God of all the nations, the One God who is and was and always will be, in your providence you willed that your Church be united to the suffering of your Son. Look with mercy on your servants who are persecuted for their faith in you. Grant them perseverance and courage to be worthy imitators of Christ. Bring your wisdom upon leaders of nations to work for peace among all peoples. May your Spirit open conversion for those who contradict your will, that we may live in harmony. Give us the grace to be united in truth and freedom, and to always seek your will in our lives. Through Christ our Lord”… Amen 🙏🏽
Saints Roderick and Solomon ~ Pray for us. Saint Euphrasia ~ Pray for us. 🙏🏽
SAINTS RODERICK, PRIEST, AND SOLOMON, MARTYRS: Sts. Roderick and Solomon were Martyrs of Spain who died on March 13, 857 AD. St. Roderick, also called Rodriquez, Rudericus and Rodrigo, was a Mozarab Catholic priest from Córdoba in Cabra, Andalusia, a region that had been part of the kingdom of the Visigoths of Spain. Living in 9th century Spain at the time of the Moorish dominion and persecution. He was venerated as one of the Martyrs of Córdoba. He had two brothers—one had become a Muslim and the other was irreligious, had practically abandoned the Catholic Faith. St. Roderick became the victim of family and fraternal disagreements and violence. The Muslim brother reproached the third brother for his “obstinacy” in remaining a Christian. St. Roderick tried to make peace between the two but without success.
One day, while trying to break up a violent quarrel between the two, they turned on St. Roderick and he was beaten senseless by both of his brothers until he became unconscious. His Muslim brother then carried him in a cart through the streets, publicly proclaiming that St. Roderick had renounced Christ and converted to Islam and wished to die a Muslim. St. Roderick, too ill to speak out, suffered in silence, but as soon as he got well he escaped from his brother’s hands. His brother sought out St. Roderick and had him brought before the kadi or judge on the charge of having returned to the Christian Faith after embracing Islam. St. Roderick protested fiercely, declaring that he had never himself denied the Faith, he proclaimed that he had always been a Christian, when St. Roderick maintained his loyalty to the Catholic religion, he was accused of apostasy from Islam under Sharia law. The judge refused to believe him and relegated him to one of the worst dungeons in the city of Cordova. While he was denounced by the Muslim brother and imprisoned for falling away from the Islamic faith, in prison he met and befriended Salomon (Solomon) another Christian charged with the same offense. The two dedicated followers of Christ encouraged one another during the lengthy imprisonment, which had been designed to shake their constancy. Seeing that his original stratagem did not work, the judge had them set apart for a time; but when this also failed to achieve the desired retractions, the reluctant judge, then sentenced him to death, at the insistence of that Muslim brother. This was fratricide, more than persecution, not a question of the unusal form of persecution in this case. At the time, the region saw Muslims, Christians and Jews co-exist quite peacefully. Eventually, the judge condemned both of them to be beheaded, in 857 at Córdoba.
St. Eulogius (who was eventually martyred during that same persecution: see March 11) witnessed their bodies lying near a river, and saw the soldiers throwing the stones reddened by the Saints’ blood into the river to make sure that the Christians could not make relics of them. Thrown into the Guadalquivir river, the bodies were recovered by the Christians, who buried Roderick in the Basilica of San Genesio, near Cordova and Solomon, in the nearby Church of Saints Cosmas and Damian. St. Roderick’s Convent and Hospital in Cabra, established in the 16th century, bears his name.
PRAYER: Almighty, ever-living God, You enabled Sts. Roderick and Solomon to fight to the death for justice. Through their intercession enable us to bear all adversity and with all our strength hasten to You Who alone are life. Amen🙏 SAINT EUPHRASIA OF CONSTANTINOPLE, VIRGIN: Saint Euphrasia also known as Eupraxia (380 – March 13, 410) was a Constantinopolitan nun who was venerated after her death as a saint for her piety and example of charity. St. Euphrasia was born in 380 at Constantinople, Eastern Roman Empire (now Istanbul, Turkey). St. Euphrasia was a daughter of noble and pious parents, honored by the pious Emperor Theodosius and the Empress of that city. She was the only daughter of Antigonus—a nobleman of the court of Emperor Theodosius I, to whom he was related—and of Euphrasia, his wife. When Antigonus died, his widow and young daughter withdrew together to Egypt, near a monastery of one hundred and thirty nuns. This was less than a century since St. Anthony had established his first monastery, but monasticism in that time had spread with incredible speed. At the age of seven, the little girl, St. Euphrasia begged that she might be permitted to take vows and become a nun and serve God in this monastery, the pious mother wept for joy. When her mother presented the child to the abbess, St. Euphrasia took up an image of Christ and kissed it, saying, “By vow I consecrate myself to Christ.” Her mother replied, “Lord Jesus Christ, receive this child under your special protection. You alone doth she love and seek: to you doth she recommend herself.”
When St. Euphrasia’s mother left her in the hands of the abbess, she went out of the monastery weeping. She continued her life of prayer and mortification, and a few years later, when this good mother fell sick, she slept in peace. Soon after, on hearing of St. Euphrasia’s mother death, the Emperor Theodosius I sent for St. Euphrasia, as he considered himself her protector, and already during her childhood had arranged for her to be married to a young senator of Constantinople, when she would reach a suitable age. St. Euphrasia responded with a letter to the Emperor declining the offer to marry; instead, she requested that her estate be sold and divided among the poor, and that all her slaves be manumitted. The emperor did as she requested shortly before his death in 395. Saint Euphrasia was known for and a perfect pattern of humility, meekness, and charity. If she found herself assaulted by any temptation, she immediately sought the advice of the abbess, who often on such occasions assigned to her some humbling and painful penitential labor, which she would execute to perfection. Once she moved a pile of great rocks from one place to another, continuing for thirty days with wonderful simplicity, until the devil, vanquished by her humble obedience, left her in peace. She became powerful over the demons, and delivered many possessed persons. She cured a child who was paralyzed, deaf and dumb, making the sign of the cross over him and saying, May He who created you, heal you! She delivered a woman from possession by the devil. Moreover, before she died, the abbess of St. Euphrasia’s monastery reported having had a vision of St. Euphrasia transported to God’s throne, surrounded by angels. St. Euphrasia was favored with other miracles also and said to perform miracles before and after her death. St. Euphrasia died on March 13, 410 at the age of 30 in The Thebaid, Egypt. After her death, she was venerated as a saint.
PRAYER: Hear us, O God, our Saviour: that as we rejoice in the feast of blessed Euphrasia, Thy Virgin: so we may be taught by its devotion towards Thee. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son who lives and reigns with Thee in they unity of the Holy Ghost God world without end…Amen🙏
Today’s Bible Readings: Thursday of the First Week of Lent, March 13, 2025 Reading 1: Esther C:12, 14-16, 23-25 Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 138:1-2ab, 2cde-3, 7c-8 Gospel: Matthew 7:7-12
Gospel Reading ~ Matthew 7:7-12
“Everyone who asks, receives”
“Jesus said to His disciples: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Which one of you would hand his son a stone when he asked for a loaf of bread, or a snake when he asked for a fish? If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good things to those who ask him. “Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. This is the law and the prophets.”
In today’s Gospel reading, which is taken from the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus encourages us to ask, to search, to knock on the door. Earlier in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus had indicated what we are to ask for, what we are to search for. He does that above all in the prayer which He gave to His disciples, the Lord’s Prayer. We are to seek for the coming of God’s kingdom, the doing of God’s will. We are to ask for our daily bread, for forgiveness for our sins, for the strength to remain faithful when temptation comes, when we are faced with evil. Elsewhere in the Sermon Jesus says, ‘Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness’. God’s righteousness is that way of life which corresponds to His will for us. As well as calling on us to keep on searching, to keep on asking, Jesus also tells us what we are to search for, what we are to ask for. More than anything else, we are to search for, to hunger and thirst for, what God wants, for a way of life that is in keeping with what God wants. If we keep searching for that, if we keep asking for it, today’s Gospel reading assures us that our search will not be in vain. Even if our prayer of petition is not answered in the way we had hoped at the time, nonetheless, like Jesus in the Garden, our lives will be touched by God’s presence and we will be the stronger for our prayer. Saint Paul had that experience too. He suffered from what he called a ‘thorn in the flesh’ and three times, he said, he appealed to the Lord to be rid of it, but his prayer was not heard. He was left with his thorn in the flesh. Yet, the Lord did respond to his prayer, even though not in the way St. Paul was looking for. The Lord said to Paul in response to his prayer, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness’. St. Paul’s experience teaches us to trust that our prayer of petition is never wasted; the Lord will respond to us, even if not in the way we wanted or hoped for. We have to keep on asking, searching, knocking, trusting that in doing so we are giving the Lord space to work in our lives. Our prayer of petition opens us up to God’s generous presence, even in those times when our prayers do not seem to be answered. Good things from God will always come to us when we pray, because in prayer we allow ourselves to be touched by God’s grace.
Reflecting on today’s Gospel, Jesus encourages us to trust in the goodness of God. He invites us to approach the Father with confidence, knowing that He hears and answers our prayers. The imagery Jesus uses—of a parent providing for a child reminds us that God’s love surpasses even the best human love. If earthly parents can give good things to their children, how much more will our perfect and loving Father provide for us? Today’s Gospel calls us to persistent prayer. Jesus tells us to ask, seek, and knock—not just once, but continuously. God does not always answer in the way we expect, but He always responds with what is best for us. His timing is perfect, even when we do not understand. Prayer is not about changing God’s will but aligning our hearts with His. Furthermore, Jesus presents the Golden Rule: “Do to others whatever you would have them do to you.” This simple yet profound teaching sums up the Law and the Prophets. True faith is not just about receiving from God but also about how we treat others. If we expect mercy, kindness, and generosity, we must extend the same to those around us. Today, let us ask ourselves: Do we trust that God hears our prayers and responds with love? Are we persistent in prayer, even when answers seem delayed? How can we better live out the Golden Rule in our daily interactions?
Our first reading today, from the Book of Esther, gives an account of the moment when Queen Esther of Persia prayed to the Lord, asking for His help and guidance. For the context, at that time, the people of Israel living in Persia and in other territories of the Persian Empire were facing a lot of difficulties and challenges as they encountered opposition from their enemies, such as in particular one Haman, the Agagite, who was an Amalekite, a sworn enemy of the Israelites. Haman managed to manipulate the Persian King and the laws to favour him and to attempt the elimination of the entire race of the Israelites by framing them for rebellion and disobedience. Therefore, Esther, the Queen of Persia, who was an Israelite herself, prepared herself to face the King and his court, in the attempt to seek mercy and liberation for her people. What Esther sought to do was very risky and dangerous for her, as she was not allowed or supposed to come to the presence of the King without being invited or asked to do so. Her predecessor, the former Queen Vashti of Persia was deposed and exiled precisely because she disobeyed the King’s command and rule, albeit in the exact opposite, as she refused to come to the King’s presence when he asked her to do so. Esther was her people’s last hope, as without her intercession and effort, the Israelites would surely have been destroyed and eliminated by their enemies, as per the designs of Haman mentioned earlier. And Esther turned her hope to the Lord, as she herself has no one else to turn to, and entrusted herself completely in His hands, believing that God alone can make things work and that He would provide for His people in their hour and time of need. Esther pleaded before the Lord, asking Him to show mercy and kindness to His beloved people, that He would protect and guide them all just as He had once done during the time of the Exodus and then in the subsequent many occasions when He has intervened and shown His providence to His people, the Israelites, despite their disobedience and sins. It is a reminder for us all that we must always have faith and trust in the Lord, believing that He has the power to save us from our predicaments and troubles. We should not abandon Him in search of other sources of fulfilment, satisfaction and providence in our lives, but reaffirm our commitment to Him instead, desiring to love Him wholeheartedly in each and every moments of our lives.
Reflecting on our first reading, Queen Esther’s prayer is a beautiful example of deep trust in God. In the face of great danger, she turns to the Lord, acknowledging that she has no help but Him. She humbles herself, fasting and praying for divine intervention. Her plea is heartfelt and desperate: “Help me, who am alone and have no one but you, O Lord, my God.” Esther’s faith reminds us that God is our refuge in times of trouble. Just as He delivered Esther and her people, He continues to answer the cries of His children. Her prayer reflects the truth of today’s Gospel God listens to those who seek Him with sincerity. This Lenten season is an opportunity for us to deepen our trust in God, just as Esther did. When we feel overwhelmed, let us remember that we are never alone. We are called to place our fears and burdens in God’s hands, knowing that He will provide and protect. Heavenly Father, I come before You with a trusting heart. Help me to be persistent in prayer, believing that You hear me and know what is best for me. Like Queen Esther, let me turn to You in moments of fear, and like Jesus, let me treat others with kindness and love. Strengthen my faith and guide me in Your ways. Amen 🙏🏽
As we reflect on the words of the Lord in the Sacred Scriptures today, we are all reminded as ever again on the generous and great love which God has shown us, His beloved people and children, in His care and concern for us, and how He has always extended His kindness to us despite all of us having constantly and frequently disobeyed Him and His commandments. God has always been patient in reaching out to us and calling on us to return to Him with contrite heart and with the genuine desire to be forgiven from our many sins and faults. We must not take for granted all the love that God has shown us, and we must always be ready to seek Him wholeheartedly and commit to Him our whole lives, as expected of us as Christians. May the Lord continue to guide us through this journey of life, and may He help us to persevere through the many challenges present all around us so that we may truly be rooted in Him, and not be easily swayed by the many temptations present around us. We are called to emulate the Holy men and women, and all the Saints, particularly, those we celebrate today, Saint Roderick and Solomon and Saint Euphrasia of Constantinople. May our loving Father continue to provide us all what we need, and help us to endure the various challenges that we may have to encounter in life, so that by His help and guidance, His strength and blessings, we may always walk ever more faithfully in His holy Presence, and strive to be good role models and examples for everyone around us. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace and bless us all in each and every one of our good endeavours, 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. 🙏🏽
PRAYER INTENTIONS: As we continue our Lenten journey on this Thursday of the First Week of Lent, we reflect on today’s Gospel message from Matthew 7:7-12, where Jesus encourages us to “ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.” With this assurance, we approach our Heavenly Father with confidence, bringing forth our prayers and petitions. We pray for the grace to deepen our trust in God’s providence, believing that He hears and answers our prayers according to His divine wisdom. May we cultivate a persistent and sincere prayer life, always seeking to align our wills with His. In unity with Pope Francis’ prayer intention for this month, we lift up all families experiencing crises. May they find healing through the power of forgiveness, rediscovering each other’s unique gifts and strengths, even amidst differences. Let the Holy Spirit guide them towards reconciliation and renewed love. We remember those who feel isolated or abandoned, especially the sick, the elderly, and the marginalized. May they experience the comforting presence of the Lord and find support within their communities. As we reflect on Queen Esther’s profound trust in God during her time of trial, may we too approach the Lord with humility and faith, knowing that He is our refuge and strength in times of need. 🙏🏽
LET US PRAY:
Dear Lord of infinite wisdom and knowledge, help me to always place my trust in Your goodness and care for me. Help me to daily turn to You in my need and to trust that You will answer my prayer according to Your perfect will. I place my life into Your hands, dear Lord. Do with me as you wish. Jesus, I trust in You. 🙏🏽
Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts full of trust and hope. Grant us the grace to seek You earnestly in prayer, to forgive as You forgive, and to love as You love. Strengthen all families in crisis, bringing healing and unity where there is division. May our Lenten sacrifices draw us closer to You, transforming our hearts to reflect Your mercy and compassion. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Jesus, we trust in You. Amen. 🙏🏽
Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary and Saint Roderick and Solomon and Saint Euphrasia of Constantinople ~ Pray for us 🙏🏽
May this day be filled with God’s grace and peace. Wishing us all a safe, blessed, and fruitful day. Amen. 🙏🏽
