lent, a time to let things die.
Below you will find a copy of my Lenten reflections for our parish booklet. These booklets were passed out to our families and provided our parishioners with reading material for their Lenten season. Each reflection was formatted as a reflection, resolving challenge, and a renewal prayer accompanied by a song to reflect on. This booklet was created by our entire staff and community, I wrote three reflections which you can read below:
2024 lenten reflections
February 16th, 2024 – Friday After Ash Wednesday
Matthew 9:14-15
Reflect
Many of us approach fasting in different ways; some of us approach it as if to put ourselves in “timeout”, some of us approach it like another chance at a New Year’s resolution, some of us approach as if we are trying to kick a bad habit. In this gospel, Jesus is offering the imagery of a wedding as reason to fast and not to fast. While Jesus was present with His disciples, there was no need to offer up this penitential or ascetical act because they were in the presence of Our Lord. This was a time of rejoicing! However, he then foreshadows a time where he will not be with them, when fasting would be more appropriate.
At one point in time, I had heard that the mark of a great man is one who is able to fast. Fasting is the ability to deny one's own bodily urges or passions for the sake of Jesus. When we can practice virtues of self-denial, prudence, chastity, or temperance we not only relieve ourselves from the burden of indulgence, but we also have new space in our hearts to give to something else, namely God. Fasting is not timeout, another resolution, or a habit-kicking season, but is the pious act fit for Lent which gives us the space to love God with all of our mind, body, and soul.
Resolve
Use today to consider what you have taken on or given up for Lent and allow Jesus to share with you what He wants you to focus on during the new season of increased room and space.
Renew
Jesus, we love you above all things and we thank you for your presence in our lives. Help me this day to fast joyfully for the sake of the Kingdom. Let not my eyes be fixed on myself, my passions, or my anxieties, but let my eyes be fixed on you alone, the one that satisfies. Amen.
Song
Show Me Your Face by Steffany Gretzinger https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCq3HNBmB8k
February 27th, 2024 – Tuesday of the Second Week of Lent
Matthew 23:1-12
Reflect
The human heart is an idol making machine. In western society, we have never had more comfortable lives. Food scarcity, poverty, and safety are at all time lows in most developed countries. Most of our immediate health and safety needs are met far more easily. Why do I bring this up? Instead of our days being concerned with urgent matters, we now have the freedom of extended leisure. We have the ability to put our feet up after a long day to do a number of things. So, what do we do with our leisure time? Scroll on Instagram, read about the latest celebrity drama, eat a bag of chips, and watch unending entertainment. If we do not pay attention, we can become addicted to our own comfort. In pursuing our own comfort, we make ourselves an idol.
In the Gospel today, Jesus highlights the temptation of every human heart, to become like God. The Pharisees, through their own outward piety, sought after the approval and praises of others. Rather than letting their piety be for God, they desired to serve themselves. We too make an idol of ourselves when we seek after popularity, recognition, praise, comfort, or any other self-absorbed behaviors. The human heart is an idol making machine.
Resolve
Let us this day call to mind all the ways we try to receive our identity from anything other than Our Lord, and let us surrender those things over to the One who created us, the One who loves every part of us.
Renew
Find a time today to pray the Litany of Humility
Song
Sing My Love/Like An Avalanche by FOCUS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyJEc8ytRusv
March 19th, 2024 – Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24
Reflect
“We see at the beginning of the New Testament, as at the beginning of the Old, there is a married couple. But whereas Adam and Eve were the source of evil which was unleashed on the world, Joseph and Mary are the summit from which holiness spreads all over the earth. The Savior began the work of salvation by this virginal and holy union.” – St. Pope Paul VI
Today is the feast day of St. Joseph. After Mary, there is no other saint possessing as much virtue and grace as St. Joseph. Our heavenly Father only had one saint represent him directly on earth. So, it is only fitting that this same saint be equipped with everything needed for this fitting title. St. Joseph is our spiritual father as well. If he is worthy of being a father to Jesus, the Son of the living God, then he is worthy of being our spiritual father as well. Ite ad Ioseph!
Resolve
Just as the Pharaoh said to the people of Egypt in Genesis 41, go to Joseph for the supernatural bread of life which will feed us along our Lenten journey, Jesus in the Eucharist. “If you wish to be close to Christ, we again today repeat, “Go to Joseph.”” – Venerable Pope Pius XII
Renew
Heavenly Father, with the intercession of St. Joseph, I ask you to keep me safe, give me patience and strength that only you can give. I trust in your providence and divine plan for my life. Help me to respond to your promptings in my life, and especially in this Lenten season. Amen. Terror of Demons, pray for us!
Song
Obsession (My Heart Burns for You) by Hillsong Worship https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZF1TtvZyzk
