Feb. 27-March 3, 2017

Mon., February 27, 2017

Sirach 17: 20-24; Mark 10:17-27

Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him, “You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to [the] poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” – Mk 10:21

What things do I still hold back from Jesus? What worldly attachments keep me from total commitment to Jesus?

Jesus, grant me the strength to surrender all that I have to you. Help me to realize that all I ever need in this world is you.

Tues., February 28, 2017

Sirach 35:1-12; Mark 10:28-31

Peter began to say to him, “We have given up everything and followed you.” – Mk 28

In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells us that it is not a waste to surrender earthly possessions and relationships for the sake of his kingdom. How much have I given up for the sake of Jesus? Is it enough?

Lord, help me to see those things that I hold on to that you wish me to surrender. Grant me the grace to surrender them to you and to always know what you need of me.

Wed., March 1, 2017

Ash Wednesday

Joel 2:12-18, 2 Corinthians 5:20 – 6:2, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you. – Mt 6:6

Lent begins today. A time of introspection.

Lord, help me to spend this Lent in the right frame of mind. Grant me the grace to prayer, to do penance and to participate in alms giving. Help me to grow this Lenten season so that as I approach Easter I will be a better citizen of your Church.

Thurs., March 2, 2017

Deuteronomy 30:15-20; Luke 9:22-25

Then he said to all, “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” – Lk 9:23

Jesus tells us today that we must each carry our own cross if we wish to be saved. What crosses do I have in my life? Do I willingly carry them? How could I do a better job of carrying my own cross?

Lord, help me to identify those crosses which I must carry in this life. Grant me the grace to carry them without complaint.

Fri., March 3, 2017

Isaiah 58:1-9a; Matthew 9:14-15

Jesus answered them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.” – Mt 9:15

Jesus said that the disciples will fast when he is gone. Have you decided what you will fast from this Lent?

Lord, help me to understand what fasting means. Help me to know what I need to fast from this Lent. May I be a faithful disciple of yours and grow closer to you through my fasting.

Categorised in: Gospel Reflections, Weekday Reflections