SATURDAY - SECOND WEEK OF LENT

FIRST READING: Micah 7:14-15, 18-20

RESPONSORIAL PSALM: Psalm 103:1-2, 3-4, 9-10, 11-12

GOSPEL: Luke 15:1-3, 11-32


God alone is kind
innocent
pure
from whom and through whom and in whom is
all pardon
all grace
all glory
of all the penitent and the just
of all the blessed who rejoice together in
heaven.

Rule 1221 – Chapter XXIII


Lent is a marvelous gift from the Church. Satan has so many ways of leading us away from Jesus, most of them subtle. Yet Jesus never leaves our side. No matter where we go or what wE do, he is always there, following us in every step we take, anxiously awaiting with outstretched arms to once again receive us and forgive us. We have forgotten about God altogether. It's as if we have placed blinders over our eyes. We are only able to see through our own selfishness and pride, leading us away from the one who loves us more than anything else in the world. Lent is a time of reflection, allowing us to re-focus on Jesus and the fact that through all our mischievous wanderings, he never stopped loving us.

As Easter draws near, let us remind ourselves that just as we bathe before visiting an old friend, so too should be bathe ourselves from all our sins before we return to Jesus' presence.

(Submitted by a brother from the Portiuncula Hermitage/Retreat Center)