You dash into the grocery store wearing flip flops and old sweatpants, hoping you don't see anyone you know. That might be how the Samaritan woman feels, going to the well at noon when it's usually empty. But here's Jesus, striking up a conversation. When she cryptically mentions that she doesn't have a husband, Jesus basically says, "I know." And does he ever! He sums up her story with nonjudgemental honesty. When moments of truth like this come, who wouldn't want to be in Jesus' presence? This is what happens at some of today's Masses with the Elect (those preparing for baptism). The Scrutinies are solemn rites that call us to "scrutinize" and search within for our sins and failures, with trust in Jesus' healing power.⠀ ⠀ Lord Jesus, look on us today, and strengthen what is weak. Restore what is broken. Find what is lost. Save us, Lord. Amen.⠀ ⠀ Consider a balance beam. Even when we fall, we get back up and try again. So it is with sin.⠀ ⠀ #lent #truth 
Know your true identity.⠀ ⠀ #christian #childofgod 
When the Zamperini family received the official death notice for their son Louie, a U.S. Army Air Corps bombardier whose plane was shot down over the Pacific during World War II, they pushed it aside. In "Unbroken," the bestselling book about his life, author Laura Hillenbrand writes, "Inside themselves, the Zamperinis felt that persistent echo of Louie, the sense that he was still in the world somewhere." You probably know how the story ends: after surviving shark-infested waters, Louie spent two years in a POW camp, and returned home, very much alive. It takes a parent to have that kind of faith in their child, even when officials say otherwise. It also takes a parent to see a prodigal son from "a long way off," and be filled with compassion. But this is the Father we have. Think about that today.⠀ ⠀ Blessed are the families who mourn. You, Lord, are with them. ⠀ Blessed are the families who face each day alone. You are with them.⠀ Blessed are the families who will meet again. You will be with them. Amen.⠀ ⠀ Pray especially for families who have lost loved ones to COVID-19 this year.⠀ ⠀ #lent #family 
#yearofstjoseph #monthofstjoseph 
That Joseph's brothers even have this conversation is so out of our experience that it's hard to identify with what's happening. Or is it? Do you know someone like the Old Testament Joseph, who seems to have it all? Someone who seems to have been blessed with every advantage - family approval, talent, money, and a nice home? Do you ever find yourself wondering why this person deserves these blessings? Have you ever felt cheated by events or fate? Think about this as you go over today's readings. What does Jesus have to say about it?⠀ ⠀ Lord, you are our joy. Teach us to be joyful about the gifts you have given us. Help us share in other's joy when they receive gifts and blessings. Teach us to spread your joy always. Amen.⠀ ⠀ Make a list of the things you are grateful for.⠀ ⠀ #lent #joy 
#goodforthesoul 
In the family-friendly suburbs where I live, there are no poor people lying at my door. But poor and disadvantaged people suffer at many doorsteps every day. They are the homeless veterans we pass on street corners. They are families who are trapped in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods. They are young men and women who are treated with suspicion and violence because of their skin color. They are the working poor who can't earn a living wage and take on three jobs to make ends meet. They are our elders, forgotten in nursing homes. There are many more I've left out. Are we like the rich man, stepping over the poor all around us so we can get on with our own lives? If so, what will become of us?⠀ ⠀ Lord, help us gladly share what we have with those in need. Help us humbly accept when we need it ourselves. Give us your grace to be grateful for all we have received. Thank you, Lord, for hearing us. Amen.⠀ ⠀ Look for safe ways to practice the corporal works of mercy this Lent: feeding the hungry, bringing water to the thirsty, clothing the naked, sheltering the homeless, and caring for the sick.⠀ ⠀ #lent #worksofmercy 
Today we remember St. Casimir. Take a moment to learn more about his example of living the faith!⠀ ⠀ #courage #zeal #confidence #joy 
I'd gone to Catholic schools my whole life, so of course that was best for my kids too, right? My prayers were answered when my oldest went off to a well-known Catholic high school. But surrounded by elite athletes and high performers, he had trouble fitting in. He seemed tense and unhappy, and eventually we transferred him to public school. The high school journey would prove difficult for my son, and going to a big, powerhouse school hadn't helped. I felt like James and John's mom. Jesus had been saying to me all along, "Do you really know what you're asking?. I didn't listen. Is there anything God is trying to tell you right now? Today, stop and listen.⠀ ⠀ We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you. Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.⠀ ⠀ Make plans to walk and pray the Stations of the Cross during Lent. ⠀ ⠀ #lent #holycross