Lent - A time to sow good seed on fertile soil

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March 09, 2017 - Thursday, 1st Week of Lent:

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“Bestow on us, we pray, O Lord,
a spirit of always pondering on what is right
and of hastening to carry it out,
and, since without you we cannot exist,
may we be enabled to live according to your will.
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.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflections:
usccb.org/bible/reflections/

Daily Holy Mass from the National Catholic Broadcasting Council, Canada:
www.dailytvmass.com

Resources for Lent from USCCB:
www.usccb.org/lent

**Resources for Lent (Week 1) from EWTN:
**ewtn.com/faith/lent/week1.asp
 
March 10, 2017 - Friday, 1st Week of Lent:

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“Grant that your faithful, O Lord, we pray,
may be so conformed to the paschal observances,
that the bodily discipline now solemnly begun
may bear fruit in the souls of all.
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.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflections:
usccb.org/bible/reflections/

Daily Holy Mass from the National Catholic Broadcasting Council, Canada:
www.dailytvmass.com

Resources for Lent from USCCB:
www.usccb.org/lent

Resources for Lent (Week 1) from EWTN:
ewtn.com/faith/lent/week1.asp
 
March 11, 2017 - Saturday, 1st Week of Lent:

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“Turn our hearts to you, eternal Father,
and grant that, seeking always the one thing necessary
and carrying out works of charity,
we may be dedicated to your worship.
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.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflections:
usccb.org/bible/reflections/

Daily Holy Mass from the National Catholic Broadcasting Council, Canada:
www.dailytvmass.com

Resources for Lent from USCCB:
www.usccb.org/lent

Resources for Lent (Week 1) from EWTN:
ewtn.com/faith/lent/week1.asp
 
March 12, 2017 - Second Sunday of Lent:

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“O God, who have commanded us
to listen to your beloved Son,
be pleased, we pray,
to nourish us inwardly by your word,
that, with spiritual sight made pure,
we may rejoice to behold your glory.
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.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflections:
usccb.org/bible/reflections/
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2017-03-12

Resources for Lent from USCCB:
www.usccb.org/lent

Resources for Lent (Week 2) from EWTN:
ewtn.com/faith/lent/week2.asp
 
grateful_child said:
March 12, 2017 - Second Sunday of Lent:

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“O God, who have commanded us
to listen to your beloved Son,
be pleased, we pray,
to nourish us inwardly by your word,
that, with spiritual sight made pure,
we may rejoice to behold your glory.
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.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflections:
usccb.org/bible/reflections/
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2017-03-12

Resources for Lent from USCCB:
www.usccb.org/lent

Resources for Lent (Week 2) from EWTN:
ewtn.com/faith/lent/week2.asp
Click to expand...
Here’s Scott Hahn’s reflection for the 2nd Sunday of Lent, from the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology.

LISTEN TO HIM

hwcdn.libsyn.com/p/3/4/a/34ae79fa151c7888/A_2_Lent_17.mp3?c_id=14418715&expiration=1489200365&hwt=f9dcf14c6c43b63e5757db1f19ae2543
 
March 13, 2017 - Monday, 2nd Week of Lent:

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“O God, who have taught us
to chasten our bodies
for the healing of our souls,
enable us, we pray,
to abstain from all sins,
and strengthen our hearts
to carry out your loving commands.
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.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflections:
usccb.org/bible/reflections/

Daily Holy Mass from the National Catholic Broadcasting Council, Canada:
www.dailytvmass.com

Resources for Lent from USCCB:
www.usccb.org/lent

Resources for Lent (Week 2) from EWTN:
ewtn.com/faith/lent/week2.asp
 
March 14, 2017 - Tuesday, 2nd Week of Lent:

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“Guard your Church, we pray, O Lord, in your unceasing mercy,
and, since without you mortal humanity is sure to fall,
may we be kept by your constant helps from all harm
and directed to all that brings salvation.
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.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflections:
usccb.org/bible/reflections/

Daily Holy Mass from the National Catholic Broadcasting Council, Canada:
www.dailytvmass.com

Resources for Lent from USCCB:
www.usccb.org/lent

Resources for Lent (Week 2) from EWTN:
ewtn.com/faith/lent/week2.asp

Read about The Value of Fasting:
catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2017-03-14
 
grateful_child said:
March 12, 2017 - Second Sunday of Lent:

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“O God, who have commanded us
to listen to your beloved Son,
be pleased, we pray,
to nourish us inwardly by your word,
that, with spiritual sight made pure,
we may rejoice to behold your glory.
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.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflections:
usccb.org/bible/reflections/
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2017-03-12

Resources for Lent from USCCB:
www.usccb.org/lent

Resources for Lent (Week 2) from EWTN:
ewtn.com/faith/lent/week2.asp
Click to expand...
Sharing this reflection from today’s Euchalette, 2nd Sunday of Lent, March 12, 2017, p. 4:

"TRANSFIGURATION: The Event That Inspires and Challenges Us"

"The transfiguration of Jesus – the revelation of his divine nature and glory – must have been an unforgettable experience for the three fortunate disciples: Peter, James and John. They treasured its memory till the end of their lives. (See Jn 1:14 and 2 Pt 1:17-18.)

Can the transfiguration of Jesus have a message for us, too? We may think: it happened to him because he, besides being a human being, was also God. But we are poor, simple creatures . . . . We are sinful creatures! Often, our lives, our thoughts, desires, and actions are far from bright . . . .

Yet we know that there is in us a spark of divinity. **Created in the image and likeness of God, we carry within ourselves – like a most precious seed – the possibility and the call to let the brightness of God’s holiness shine out in all its radiance. **But it is a seed housed in the shell of a weak and wounded nature. In many of us, it is a dormant seed, imprisoned in the mud of our vices and sins. By God’s grace, however, the seed remains alive, and retains the potential to sprout and grow, if only we give it a chance." (Continued on next post.)
 
"TRANSFIGURATION: The Event That Inspires and Challenges Us"- continued:

"Throughout the centuries, many dared to dream of the Transfiguration as a lifelong task they were determined to undertake. Like Abraham, they heeded the Lord’s call to leave behind the shell of corruption, selfishness, material attachments and complacency, and to burst forth like a seed in springtime, under the sun of God’s love. That was how their lives became a wonderful tree laden with fruits of humility, generosity, purity, charity . . . . The brightness of their virtues shone all around them, and not even death could dim it. The people around them had a glimpse of what Christ was like. We call them “saints.” God calls them “friends.” It is thanks to people such as these that the world is a better place and humankind can reclaim its dignity and grandeur.

**The season of Lent, springtime in our souls, is for us all a reminder of the tremendous potential that is in us. **Jesus’ Transfiguration is an invitation for us all to let the greatness that is in us burst forth and grow to the full. We know the means. They are: openness to God’s grace, conversion, penance, prayer, acts of charity. We know this is the time. This is our chance to let our real greatness show forth." (Euchalette, 2nd Sunday of Lent, March 12, 2017, p.4.)
 
A precious Truth to keep in mind especially during this time of abundant graces during Lent 2017:

Reflections from the Diary of St. Faustina
from The Divine Mercy Daily
Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception and St. Joseph Communications.

DISTRESSED SOULS

Meditation:

Write this for the benefit of distressed souls; when a soul sees and realizes the gravity of its sins, when the whole abyss of the misery into which it immersed itself is displayed before its eyes, let it not despair, but with trust let it throw itself into the arms of My mercy, as a child into the arms of its beloved mother. These souls have a right of priority to My compassionate Heart, they have first access to My mercy. Tell them that no soul that has called upon My mercy has been disappointed or brought to shame. I delight particularly in a soul which has placed its trust in My goodness (Diary, 1541).

My Prayer Response:

Jesus, I pray for distressed souls — plunge them into the ocean of Your mercy. Help them to trust in Your goodness! May trusting souls delight You.
*Diary passages with bolded words are Jesus speaking
 
grateful_child said:
"TRANSFIGURATION: The Event That Inspires and Challenges Us"- continued:

“**The season of Lent, springtime in our souls, is for us all a reminder of the tremendous potential that is in us. **Jesus’ Transfiguration is an invitation for us all to let the greatness that is in us burst forth and grow to the full. We know the means. They are: openness to God’s grace, conversion, penance, prayer, acts of charity. We know this is the time. This is our chance to let our real greatness show forth.” (Euchalette, 2nd Sunday of Lent, March 12, 2017, p.4.)
Click to expand...
An article from the Euchalette, March 12, 2017, p.4.

LENT: JOURNEY TO A FULLER LIFE

"Lent is not a season of fruitless mourning over an irredeemable past characterized by sin and failure, but a time for self-evaluation and discernment, a time for prayer, and a time for action.

As such, Lent will necessarily include a reflection on the futility of an aimless and sinful life. It will also include a sincere meditation on the sufferings which Jesus endured because of the sins of mankind . . . because of our sins.

The fundamental goal of Lent is to make us more Christ-like. This can be achieved by keeping two complementary resolutions:

** a. turning away from sin, and
b. commitment to doing good.**

Our basic orientation, then, must be a positive one: a yearning for a fuller life of faith, hope, and love – a life spent in the service of God and neighbor."
 
March 15, 2017 - Wednesday, 2nd Week of Lent:

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“Keep your family, O Lord,
schooled always in good works,
and so comfort them with your protection here
as to lead them graciously to gifts on high.
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.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflections:
usccb.org/bible/reflections/

Daily Holy Mass from the National Catholic Broadcasting Council, Canada:
www.dailytvmass.com

Resources for Lent from USCCB:
www.usccb.org/lent

Resources for Lent (Week 2) from EWTN:
ewtn.com/faith/lent/week2.asp
 
March 16, 2017 - Thursday, 2nd Week of Lent:

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“O God, who delight in innocence and restore it,
direct the hearts of your servants to yourself,
that, caught up in the fire of your Spirit,
we may be found steadfast in faith
and effective in works.
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.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflections:
usccb.org/bible/reflections/

Daily Holy Mass from the National Catholic Broadcasting Council, Canada:
www.dailytvmass.com

Resources for Lent from USCCB:
www.usccb.org/lent

Resources for Lent (Week 2) from EWTN:
ewtn.com/faith/lent/week2.asp

Read about The Faults of Our Neighbor, St. Heribert and St. Abraham and St. Mary link:
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2017-03-16
 
March 17, 2017 - Friday, 2nd Week of Lent:

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“Grant, we pray, almighty God,
that, purifying us by the sacred practice of penance,
you may lead us in sincerity of heart
to attain the holy things to come.
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.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflections:
usccb.org/bible/reflections/

Daily Holy Mass from the National Catholic Broadcasting Council, Canada:
www.dailytvmass.com

Resources for Lent from USCCB:
www.usccb.org/lent

Resources for Lent (Week 2) from EWTN:
ewtn.com/faith/lent/week2.asp
 
March 18, 2017 - Saturday, 2nd Week of Lent:

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“O God, who grant us by glorious healing remedies
while still on earth
to be partakers of the things of heaven,
guide us, we pray, through this present life
and bring us to that light in which you dwell.
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.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflections:
usccb.org/bible/reflections/

Daily Holy Mass from the National Catholic Broadcasting Council, Canada:
www.dailytvmass.com

Resources for Lent from USCCB:
www.usccb.org/lent

Resources for Lent (Week 2) from EWTN:
ewtn.com/faith/lent/week2.asp
 
March 19, 2017 - Third Sunday of Lent:

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“O God, author of every mercy and of all goodness,
who in fasting, prayer and almsgiving
have shown us a remedy for sin,
look graciously on this confession of our lowliness,
that we, who are bowed down by our conscience,
may always be lifted up by your mercy.
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.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflections:
usccb.org/bible/reflections/
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2017-03-19

Resources for Lent from USCCB:
www.usccb.org/lent

Resources for Lent (Week 3) from EWTN:
ewtn.com/faith/lent/week3.asp
 
grateful_child said:
March 19, 2017 - Third Sunday of Lent:

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“O God, author of every mercy and of all goodness,
who in fasting, prayer and almsgiving
have shown us a remedy for sin,
look graciously on this confession of our lowliness,
that we, who are bowed down by our conscience,
may always be lifted up by your mercy.
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.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflections:
usccb.org/bible/reflections/
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2017-03-19

Resources for Lent from USCCB:
www.usccb.org/lent

Resources for Lent (Week 3) from EWTN:
ewtn.com/faith/lent/week3.asp
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Here’s Scott Hahn’s reflection for the 3rd Sunday of Lent, from the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology.

STRIKING THE ROCK

hwcdn.libsyn.com/p/a/3/c/a3c870324df50f85/A_3_Lent_17.mp3?c_id=14507417&expiration=1489651663&hwt=94a2d6389bf1f15341faa424b24bf063
 
March 21, 2017 - Tuesday, 3rd Week of Lent:

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“May your grace not forsake us, O Lord, we pray,
but make us dedicated to your holy service
and at all times obtain for us your help.
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.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflections:
usccb.org/bible/reflections/
catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2017-03-21

Daily Holy Mass from the National Catholic Broadcasting Council, Canada:
www.dailytvmass.com

Resources for Lent from USCCB:
www.usccb.org/lent

Resources for Lent (Week 3) from EWTN:
ewtn.com/faith/lent/week3.asp
 
grateful_child said:
March 19, 2017 - Third Sunday of Lent:

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“O God, author of every mercy and of all goodness,
who in fasting, prayer and almsgiving
have shown us a remedy for sin,
look graciously on this confession of our lowliness,
that we, who are bowed down by our conscience,
may always be lifted up by your mercy.
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.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflections:
usccb.org/bible/reflections/
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2017-03-19

Resources for Lent from USCCB:
www.usccb.org/lent

Resources for Lent (Week 3) from EWTN:
ewtn.com/faith/lent/week3.asp
Click to expand...
Sharing this reflection from today’s Euchalette, 3rd Sunday of Lent, March 19, 2017, p. 4:

"THE MANY THIRSTS IN OUR LIFE"

"Our body needs water in order to remain alive and perform its functions well. This need is manifested in the physical “thirst” for fresh, clean, and reinvigorating water and other types of beverage through which our body gets the amount of oxygen and hydrogen it needs.

But** material water is not the only “water” we thirst for. We do experience also the thirst for acceptance, understanding, affirmation, justice, truth, solidarity, compassion, love . . . .** Our happiness depends on the degree to which we manage to satisfy all these forms of “thirst.” That is why they impel us to search for what can satisfy them, in a constant tension between the aspiration of our hearts and minds, and different degrees of fulfillment that always fall short of perfection."
" (Continued on next post.)
 
"THE MANY THIRSTS IN OUR LIFE" continued.

"No creature seems capable of satisfying such deep forms of “thirst” in a perfect and lasting manner. This is so because our heart is made for God. It is made for the infinite. That is why we always seek for more. In God alone can we find peace and fulfillment. Unfortunately, many tend to forget it. In so doing, they expose themselves to a series of disappointments and frustrations which derive from the fact that they are “disoriented,” i.e., they are oriented toward something that will never satisfy them in full. Their life is like a train that moves along a wrong rail track that will never lead it to its destination.

This does not mean that those who make God the object of their yearning will always be fully happy and never experience trials and suffering. These things are part of our life on earth simply because this life is a test. We are still journeying toward our eternal happiness, but we are not yet there. **But having one’s heart set on God enables us to experience a great degree of peace even in the midst of difficulties and challenges, simply because we know that we are moving in the right direction. **

The limited degree of happiness we enjoy only reminds us that we are still “on the road to heaven” but not yet there. All that we have to do is persevere in our quest for God in all that we do. When the journey ends, we will find ourselves in the “station” where all our aspirations and “thirsts” are satisfied in full and forever. On the other hand, those who have traveled along the wrong track will find themselves in the middle of nowhere, in a desert that will make their thirsts endlessly painful." (Euchalette, 3rd Sunday of Lent, March 19, 2017, p. 4.)
 
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