Faith, hope, and charity. All are innately given to us by God. These theological virtues, when cultivated, enable us to encounter God more fully in our everyday ordinary lives. Furthermore, they give us the ability to continue on in the journey of life through good times and bad. The virtue of hope is one that can often be disregarded as folly or wishful thinking, but it in itself stems from Divine origin as Jesus so beautifully illustrated in His resurrection. It is hope in the resurrected Lord that allows us to hope for our own resurrection and share in the Heavenly Kingdom.
What are you hoping for this Lenten season? A renewed commitment to God? Quitting a bad habit? Encouraging friends or family members to grow in their own faith? Hoping is what helps to give our lives purpose. And Lent is a season built upon this virtue. We journey with the Israelites who had waited, longed for the Messiah. They had hoped that the prophecies would be fulfilled. Jesus was the gift of the Father, sent as was promised, to deliver God’s people. We journey along with the disciples as Jesus teaches them truths of the kingdom and bestows upon them the gifts of the sacraments to be shared with his faithful followers. We walk beside Jesus on His was to Calvary. We stand at the foot of His cross, hoping that the Lord will sustain us in our sorrow. And then we journey to the tomb of Jesus and we see through the eyes of Mary Magdalene the empty tomb, and our hope is restored, made anew. God has fulfilled His promise to His people.
REFLECTION: Pope Francis spoke on the virtue of hope in his weekly general audience back in 2017. Here are a few quotes from his speech to help inspire us to continue living these last few weeks of Lent with a renewed spirit of hope and the ultimate attainment of Heaven.
-“If fear or evil looms so large it seems insurmountable, remember that Jesus lives in you. And, through you, it is he, who, with his meekness, wants to subdue all enemies of humanity: sin, hatred, crime and violence.”
-“No matter where God has planted you, hope. Always hope.”
-“Never believe the struggles here on earth are ‘useless’. God never disappoints and he wants that seed he planted in everyone to bloom. God made us to flower, too.”

It is amazing how our world has changed literally overnight. More and more businesses are shutting down, schools are closing for several weeks, and we are being encouraged just about every where we look to hunker down and stay at home….for the next few weeks! Can this be real?
Several churches around the world are giving dispensations for folks to stay home and worship God as best you can within the communities of your families rather than the usual communal gathering. You may be wondering how to do this? There are several masses being televised across the globe. EWTN will be broadcasting as will several Youtube channels. You can find the readings for this weekend by doing a simple google search as well us by following EWTN or using an app such as Laudate. Gather your family around the TV this weekend and participate in Mass from your living rooms. As it is not ideal, making a spiritual communion is suggested during times when we are unable to physically be in the presence of Jesus in the tabernacle. You can also gather as a family and read the readings for this Sunday. Private devotions can also be done, as in a family rosary or a novena to St. Joseph, protector of the family, and make sure to pray for an end to this worldwide hysteria.
“Be still and know I am God” Psalm 46:10. Do not let your spirit be troubled by what is going on around us. Know that God has a plan and will use all of this for His greater good. He is every present and has everything under control. Trust Him and ask him to increase your faith.
CHALLENGE: Take some time to pause and “be still” over the next few days. Enjoy having your children with you. Enjoy the extra time you get to spend with your loved ones. Use these extra “off days” to spend time in prayer, remembering to continue surrendering to the will of God in your lives during the season of repentance and reflection.
Blessings to You and Yours!

Preppers. Men and women who feel the need to prepare themselves and their families for an impending danger of cataclysmic proportions. These individuals are hard at work collecting, building, re-purposing, and even engineering ways to uphold a standard of living, basic as it may be , when life as we know it ceases to exist. Whether by means of a natural disaster, world war, economic crash, or ‘zombie’ apocalypse, they men to have what it takes to survive and thrive. Over the past 10 years or so, it seems that every year brings a new calamity and with it the certain annihilation of the general populous. From H1N1 and swine flu, to SARS and now the Corona virus. Each of these threats encouraging the ‘prepper’ mentality to get your affairs in order and make sure you and your family are ready to face whatever is on the horizon next. What if we were able to use the prepper mentality and apply it to our spiritual lives? Lent is that catalyst. It is our “practice drill” that allows us to do a yearly run-through of our plan to safeguard our souls for the end times. And while the prepper may never face the day zombies attack, we are assured of a much greater threat. One we do not have to anticipate because it is already here. Sin, the greatest destructive force, destroying our souls and keeping us from a full union and friendship with God. The ‘end of the world’ may only be hypothetical for the prepper, but for us it is assured. Our earthly sojourn will end and we will face our final judgement with no more than we PREPARED for. So how are we preparing? Lent is the time to ask this question and reevaluate what’s working and not working in our spiritual lives. Do we make time for God daily? Do we attend mass weekly? Are we actively participating? Do we make God our first priority? Is our life an example of faith? Has our faith decreased because of a life circumstance? Can we allow ourselves to fully trust God? Have you been to confession and received the grace to be welcomed back from sin? Making God #1, taking time to talk to Him everyday, living out our faith via charitable acts and works of mercy, teaching our children and others the truths of the Gospels, receiving Holy Communion as often as we can, especially on Sundays. These are the ways in which we prepare for meeting our Lord at the end of our earthly pilgrimage. We cannot hope to endure the ‘end times’ without these preparations.
CHALLENGE: Embrace this season of Lent as your time to prepare for the certainty of our own ‘end times.’ Commit to the habit of daily meditation with the Lord. Consider signing up for a holy hour or begin attending daily mass. There are many apps available that will guide you through a mindful meditation, even give you daily scripture readings as well as reflections (Laudate). There is no escaping our ‘end time’ friends, let’s make sure we face it prepared!
Blessings to You and Yours!

Priests, prophets, and kings. These three vocations are what we are called to when we receive Baptism. While most of us will never rule a nation as a king, nor take the sacred vow of priesthood (continue to pray for vocations), we are all EXPECTED to become prophets. What does it mean to be a prophet? Hans Walter Wolff, a leading expert in biblical prophecy offered this definition: “…the people in our midst who inform us of the future implications of our present actions.” Since the beginning God has divinely inspired men and women to bring His message to His people. While He chose to impart private revelation to some, He instituted an endless age of prophets after the death of His son and the institution of the church, by which souls would be consecrated through Baptism to continue the mission of evangelization. As God’s people are diverse, so are the means in which they prophesy. While many took/take on the role in much the same manner as John the Baptist, preaching the word of God in the streets, others share God’s message through their good works, such as Mother Teresa. As baptised Catholics, and Christians alike, we are called to be a prophet in our own times. Whether through our words or deeds, we are to proclaim the truths of our faith and caution those who may be living a life outside of God’s grace. As we share in this missionary work we will inevitably share in the trials and tribulations experienced by prophets of old, especially Jesus. “Do not think I have come to bring peace on earth, I have not come to bring peace, but a sword…” Mt 10:34-36. Speaking about God and living out His message can be a lonely road to travel. Family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers may try to shame us, silence us, belittle us, or exclude us because of the message we bring. Let this not discourage us but assure us that we are doing the right thing. “Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in his hometown.” Luke 4:24. Jesus, himself, was dismissed by the people of his hometown even to the point of chasing him out of the temple. If you are mistreated as a result of you living out your discipleship, rest in the fact that you are in good company.
CHALLENGE: Choose a saint to read about this week. Discover how they lived out their Baptismal invitation to share in the life of the Lord as priest, prophet, and king. Not only will you learn something from their example of faith, but you may also gain a friendly intercessor!
Blessings to You and Yours!

Fear, more often than not it is what motivates us and calls us to action. We go to work for fear of losing our jobs, we perpetually say ‘yes’ to projects and events for fear of being disliked or excluded, we overprotect our kids for fear of them being hurt, the list goes on. While non of these actions are necessarily bad, we should stop to reflect just why we respond this way and then seek out a better resolve. Blessed Padre Pio had a suggestion for dealing with fear, “Pray, hope, and don’t worry.” It seems simple enough in theory, but how does it translate to practical application within our daily lives? It all comes down to what we allow into our personhood. What we listen to, what we read can all have an impact on our Spirit. Now more than ever our world is globally connected and the amount of information available at our fingertips is staggering. Its impossible to watch the news, listen to the radio, check email or text messages, see billboards along the road, or read a magazine or newspaper without encountering some form of impending threat to our world, our country, our cities and neighborhoods. Whether war, disease, crime, or injustices we are ‘informed’ of these atrocities everywhere we turn. These uncertainties help to fuel an every growing pandemic of fear that has become as natural as the air we breathe. Blessed Padre Pio gives us a simple way to calm the storm of fear swirling around us and invite peace back into our lives. First, prayer. What does prayer require us to do? Focus on the Lord. In prayer we recognize that there is someone greater than ourselves who loves us and wants to take care of us. Prayer requires a certain element of trust as well. Trust that God is listening and that he will be beside us always to guide and protect us whatever may come. Second, hope. Jesus Christ is the definition of this word. The Father sent him in response to the hope of the prophets. That His resurrection would free them from captivity and allow them into Heaven. So Jesus is our redeemer as well. Lent reminds us of this. Because of Jesus we can now hope for Heaven as our eternal reward. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Jn 16:33. Lastly, do not worry. To worry implies a selfish act. When we begin to think about ourselves, “What will I do if…”, “What is going to happen to me”, “Will I be alright”? These are all very self-centered concerns. It is then we must exercise our faith and revisit steps 1 and 2, turning back toward God, keeping our gaze ever fixed upon Him, and let Him be in control. When we fully trust in God and place all our faith in Him, we will have peace that surpasses all understanding, and better yet, will be exalting the Father by living in Him and with Him.
CHALLENGE: Let go of fear today. Surrender to God and give him what is bothering you. Open up to a conversation with Him and give him all of your troubles. Ask him to walk with you in letting go and surrendering that you do not have all the answers, and to be at peace with that. Ask him to increase your faith and to allow you to trust in Him more deeply.
Blessings to You and Yours!

“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted” MT 23:1-12. Humility, one of the greatest virtues. The ability to recognize that there is one bigger than ourselves, God, and to live accordingly. As we reflect upon our own lives this Lent we may notice some darkness, some areas of sinfulness that we need to address. Admitting that we have made mistakes takes humility. Going to confession is a great act of humility, one rewarded 100 fold by the grace of God’s mercy and forgiveness. Many great saints down through the ages have spoken and written about humility and how it is essential to earning our Heavenly reward. Blessed Mother Teresa led a life of humility as she cared for the unwanted, undesired, ill and neglected people through her work with the Missionaries of Charity. Though she wanted no attention or reward for herself, she was sought after the world over by the poor and wealthy, famous and unknown alike. She often spoke about humility and its importance within our daily lives. She gave a list of 15 ways to grow more humble and she made the sisters within her order practice them. Consider these a “Best Practices” from a saint that lived among us and now intercedes for us.
Blessed Mother Teresa’s List
1. Speak as little as possible about yourself.
2. Keep busy with your own affairs and not those of others.
3. Avoid curiosity (as in things that don’t concern you).
4. Do not interfere in the affairs of others.
5. Accept small irritations with good humor.
6. Do not dwell on the faults of others.
7. Accept censures even if unmerited.
8. Give in to the will of others.
9. Accept insults and injuries.
10. Accept contempt, being forgotten and disregarded.
11. Be courteous and delicate even when provoked by someone.
12. Do not seek to be admired and loved.
13. Do not protect yourself behind your own dignity.
14. Give in, in discussions, even when you are right.
15. Choose always the more difficult task.
CHALLENGE: If you find yourself still searching for a Lenten goal, might I suggest trying to live out Blessed Mother Teresa’s road map to humility. If you already are working on a Lenten observance, perhaps you would be willing to supplement with this suggestion. We could all benefit from living a life rooted in humility. Just think what the chain reaction would be if we emphasized the virtue of humility more within our society. How much better our world could be!
Blessings to You and Yours!

Scripture is such a wealth of spiritual goodness! Yesterday’s Gospel selection was no exception. We read from Luke ch. 6 verses 36-38. Jesus is instructing His disciples on the way in which they are to live. He gives them a very brief but morally stout charge; to be merciful, to pass no judgment or condemnation on anyone, and to share their gifts with others. It is in this passage that Jesus says “For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you.”
It’s the golden rule, isn’t it? Treat others the way you want to be treated. It’s the greatest commandment, love your neighbor as yourself. If we desire to be forgiven then we must forgive, if we wish to receive mercy then we must be merciful, and if we want to have God shower us with his gifts then we must be willing to share our gifts with others. Is there someone in your life that needs your forgiveness? Are there any blessings in your life that you would be willing to share (time, talent, or treasure)? Have you been able to act with mercy in dealing with personal trials? Jesus reminds us that God keeps score. He is ever vigilant and always rooting for us to do the right thing.
CHALLENGE: Take one of the three key elements in Luke’s Gospel reading (mercy, forgiveness, charity) and find a way to act on them this week. Forgive someone who has wronged you, be merciful toward a family member, coworker or neighbor that seems to always get under your skin, volunteer at a local soup kitchen or hospital. If you are unable, perhaps consider going to confession, where you are assured of experiencing God’s forgiveness and mercy.
Blessings to You and Yours!

I am begotten by God. You are begotten by God. Everyone here today, and those that have already been called back home, are and were desired by God. I am often awestruck by this reality. Theologians have determined that God exists outside of linear time. With that in mind, imagine God seeing all of eternity in a single moment and deciding that his perfect plan was/is only made so with you and I a part of it. Just let that sink in for a moment……is your mind blown yet? God wants us! We help to complete His plan. He values and loves us so much that he could not image an existence without you or I! And what he desires more than anything is an eternity spent with us. If that doesn’t fill you with hope and confidence even on your worst day, then I don’t know what will. So how do we get there? How do we attain this goal of sharing eternity with the Lord? the first place to start is believing He wants you there. Saying with confidence that you are loved and desired by God and believing it. Think back to our negativity exercise. Satan would have us believe we are worthless and undesirable. God created us for Himself and we are precious and loved by Him. Next, you must desire to get to Heaven and live a life in that pursuit. Lent helps us to fine tune ourselves to make sure we are living out each day to it’s full potential, in a way that will help us stay close to God. Part of that self reflection is an examination of conscience and a penitent heart unafraid to ask for God’s forgiveness. Lastly, we are called to make a renewed commitment to do our best day after day to know, love, and serve the Lord through our actions, words and good works.
CHALLENGE: This week, stand up to Satan. Anytime he begins to whisper into your ear the lie that you are unwanted, unloved, not good enough, or unworthy of God’s mercy and love; be bold, and give praise to God, for every negative thought you may have. God loves you and I beyond comprehension and we are sons and daughters of The King. Find a way to thank the Lord for this inheritance through a good work or continued good work.
Blessings to You and Yours!

“Lord, it is good that we are here.” These are the words Peter speaks to Jesus in our Gospel selection today MT 17:1-9. I wonder, do we feel like we can say the same as Peter? Are we glad to be on this Lenten journey, here and now? Today is a day for examining this question. What are we looking to “get” out of Lent this year? The church sets this season apart as a time for prayer, fasting, and alms giving. It is not to punish us or make us miserable, rather, it is to draw us closer to our Lord in the same manner in which Jesus drew close to God the Father, by means of sacrifice. We read of Jesus’s transfiguration today and realize that this practice of fasting, prayer, and alms giving is an opportunity for us to transform our lives so to then transform our hearts and souls to become that which God desires. Yes, it is good that we are here. It is good that we get the chance to live through another season of Lent, where we get yet another opportunity to make that space for God in our lives by letting go of sin and anything that may weigh us down spiritually. It is good that we have received yet another invitation to receive the forgiveness of our sins in the sacrament of Reconciliation. To cleanse our spirits and transform us by the grace of God. It is good that we are here making the resolution to turn away from anything that stands in the way of us building a relationship with God. It is good that we are here, preparing to celebrate Christ in his resurrected glory, with open hearts ready to receive Him.
CHALLENGE: Take a moment today to thank God for a time when He transformed something in your life (a job promotion, a good medical report, a family member or friend that has returned to God, a deeper love of your faith and more meaningful relationship with God, etc.) Ask him to continue transforming your heart and to conform it to His will in the hopes of one day hearing from God our Father, “Here is my son/daughter in whom I am well pleased.
Blessings to You and Yours!

For this Lent, one of the things I have decided to do is to learn a new language, a love language. Not the usual romance languages of Italy or Spain, but one whose origin goes even further back in human history. I’m talking about the love Jesus spoke of in Matthew 22:37-41. “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Jesus is speaking here of agape love. Putting love of God and neighbor above ourselves. How do you go about implementing love like this in our daily living? What would ‘speaking’ this language look like? I believe it begins with making a resolution to place another’s needs before our own. Family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, those individuals who may be most reluctant to ask for our assistance. While the majority of us will not be called to literally lay down our lives for anyone, as Jesus did, our sacrificial offering of our time, talent, and treasure will be enough.
The next step in learning the lingo would consist of putting away our preconceptions of who we can help and be open to helping those that it may make us uncomfortable to be around, but need our love nonetheless. Those on the outskirts of life, those who we have failed to reconcile with, those who have hurt us. Agape love does not discriminate, and neither must we.
Lastly, we must be open to going wherever God wishes to lead us so that we may meet people where they are. The random phone call at 2 am from a struggling friend, the money you saved for a family vacation being donated to a neighbors Gofundme cancer treatment page, visiting with a sick or shut-in family member on your only off day, playing a game with your children, nieces, or nephews, although you’ll have to stay up late to catch up on work. These simple, real world examples that seem so common place are in fact opportunities that give us a chance to ‘speak the vernacular.’ How could our God who is love give us anything other than the purest of all languages, that of faith in action, Agape!
CHALLENGE: Join me in learning this ‘new’ language this Lenten season. Let us encourage one another in sacrificial, life-giving moments of love. Where we choose to love God by way of caring for His people. “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.” MT 25:31-46.
Blessings to You and Yours!