| Why Not Both Don't worry if it's been a while since you've gone to confession—God is waiting to meet you there. Don't settle for ashes alone when you | | Why Not Both Don't worry if it's been a while since you've gone to confession—God is waiting to meet you there. Don't settle for ashes alone when you can receive absolution and a fresh start! -from Lent with Saint Teresa of Calcutta |
"It is not that I want merely to be called a Christian, but to actually be one. Yes, if I prove to be one, then I can have the name."
— St. Ignatius of Antioch ✞MEDITATION OF THE DAY✞ "It is not that I want merely to be called a Christian, but to actually be one. Yes, if I prove to be one, then I can have the name."
— St. Ignatius of Antioch ✞MEDITATION OF THE DAY✞ "He does not come down from Heaven each day to stay in the gold ciborium. He comes down to find another Heaven He cherishes infinitely more than the first, the Heaven of our souls, made in His image, living temples of the Most Blessed Trinity!"
— St. Therese of Lisieux, p. 31
AN EXCERPT FROM
Meditations with the Little Flower |
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Saint David of Wales Saint of the Day for March 1 (d. March 1, 589) David is the patron saint of Wales and perhaps the most famous of British saints. Ironically, we have little reliable information about him. It is known that he became a priest, engaged in missionary work, and founded many monasteries, including his principal abbey in southwestern Wales. Many stories and legends sprang up about David and his Welsh monks. Their austerity was extreme. They worked in silence without the help of animals to till the soil. Their food was limited to bread, vegetables and water. In about the year 550, David attended a synod where his eloquence impressed his fellow monks to such a degree that he was elected primate of the region. The episcopal see was moved to Mynyw, where he had his monastery, now called St. David's. He ruled his diocese until he had reached a very old age. His last words to his monks and subjects were: "Be joyful, brothers and sisters. Keep your faith, and do the little things that you have seen and heard with me." Saint David is pictured standing on a mound with a dove on his shoulder. The legend is that once while he was preaching a dove descended to his shoulder and the earth rose to lift him high above the people so that he could be heard. Over 50 churches in South Wales were dedicated to him in pre-Reformation days. Reflection Were we restricted to hard manual labor and a diet of bread, vegetables and water, most of us would find little reason to rejoice. Yet joy is what David urged on his brothers as he lay dying. Perhaps he could say that to them—and to us—because he lived in and nurtured a constant awareness of God's nearness. For, as someone once said, "Joy is the infallible sign of God's presence." May his intercession bless us with the same awareness! Saint David of Wales is the Patron Saint of: Wales |
Sacred Space
Sacred Space](http://sacredspace.ie/)
Ash Wednesday Reading 1 Jl 2:12-18 Even now, says the LORD,
return to me with your whole heart,
with fasting, and weeping, and mourning;
Rend your hearts, not your garments,
and return to the LORD, your God.
For gracious and merciful is he,
slow to anger, rich in kindness,
and relenting in punishment.
Perhaps he will again relent
and leave behind him a blessing,
Offerings and libations
for the LORD, your God. Blow the trumpet in Zion!
proclaim a fast,
call an assembly;
Gather the people,
notify the congregation;
Assemble the elders,
gather the children
and the infants at the breast;
Let the bridegroom quit his room
and the bride her chamber.
Between the porch and the altar
let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep,
And say, "Spare, O LORD, your people,
and make not your heritage a reproach,
with the nations ruling over them!
Why should they say among the peoples,
'Where is their God?'" Then the LORD was stirred to concern for his land
and took pity on his people. Responsorial Psalm Ps 51:3-4, 5-6ab, 12-13, 14 and 17
R. (see 3a) Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.
Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness;
in the greatness of your compassion wipe out my offense.
Thoroughly wash me from my guilt
and of my sin cleanse me.
R. Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.
For I acknowledge my offense,
and my sin is before me always:
"Against you only have I sinned,
and done what is evil in your sight."
R. Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.
A clean heart create for me, O God,
and a steadfast spirit renew within me.
Cast me not out from your presence,
and your Holy Spirit take not from me.
R. Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.
Give me back the joy of your salvation,
and a willing spirit sustain in me.
O Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth shall proclaim your praise.
R. Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned. Reading 2 2 Cor 5:20—6:2 Brothers and sisters:
We are ambassadors for Christ,
as if God were appealing through us.
We implore you on behalf of Christ,
be reconciled to God.
For our sake he made him to be sin who did not know sin,
so that we might become the righteousness of God in him. Working together, then,
we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain.
For he says: In an acceptable time I heard you,
and on the day of salvation I helped you. Behold, now is a very acceptable time;
behold, now is the day of salvation.
Verse Before the Gospel see ps 95:8
If today you hear his voice,
harden not your hearts. Gospel Mt 6:1-6, 16-18 Jesus said to his disciples:
"Take care not to perform righteous deeds
in order that people may see them;
otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father.
When you give alms,
do not blow a trumpet before you,
as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets
to win the praise of others.
Amen, I say to you,
they have received their reward.
But when you give alms,
do not let your left hand know what your right is doing,
so that your almsgiving may be secret.
And your Father who sees in secret will repay you. "When you pray,
do not be like the hypocrites,
who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners
so that others may see them.
Amen, I say to you,
they have received their reward.
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. "When you fast,
do not look gloomy like the hypocrites.
They neglect their appearance,
so that they may appear to others to be fasting.
Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward.
But when you fast,
anoint your head and wash your face,
so that you may not appear to be fasting,
except to your Father who is hidden.
And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you."
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wau.org
Catholic Meditations
Meditation: Joel 2:12-18 Ash Wednesday Even now, says the Lord, return to me with your whole heart. (Joel 2:12) Now: it's an urgent word, a word that doesn't allow for delay. It's a word that promises immediate fulfillment. You can feel it when the prophet Joel called God's people to return. You can see it in St. Paul's ardent plea: "Now is a very acceptable time" (2 Corinthians 6:2). Both Paul and Joel are saying the same thing: God is always eager to pour out his grace. He's always ready to bless us. This is the first thing we need to know as we begin these forty days of Lent. But if God is always eager, why do we need a season like Lent? Because while it's always now to God, it isn't always so for us. We need the structure of seasons like Lent to get our attention. We need the reminder to simplify our schedules and look to God more intensely. We need the call to increased prayer or fasting to shake up our routines and make us more eager for him. So set these forty days aside as a retreat. If you've struggled with prayer in the past, don't worry; today—now—can be a fresh start. Give God ten minutes each day. If you can't do that, what about eight? Whatever amount of time, it can be your chance to retreat from pressing concerns and make yourself available to God. Open your heart to him as you read each day's Scripture passage and meditation. Try to sense what God might be saying to you. For each bit of time you give to God, you will discover that you are able to trust him a little more. For each bit of time you spend praying with his word, you'll notice your heart feeling a little lighter. You'll find yourself smiling more, no matter what life throws at you. Don't doubt that God is pouring out his grace this Lent. Receive it. Every day. Now is your time! "Lord, thank you for giving me the season of Lent. Renew my enthusiasm and anticipation as I turn to you each day. Draw me closer!" Psalm 51:3-6, 12-14, 17
2 Corinthians 5:20–6:2
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18 |
my2cents: The Lord says to us today "Even now, says the LORD, return to me with your whole heart, with fasting, and weeping, and mourning;
Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the LORD, your God." If I tear my garments it is supposed to show what's happening inside of me, if I put on ashes, it is to let God know I am repenting. It should be 100% an outward sign of what is going on inside, just like a Holy Sacrament. It is then, putting oneself at the disposition of Christ. We pray today "Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned. Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness; in the greatness of your compassion wipe out my offense. Thoroughly wash me from my guilt". I'm tired of being who I have been. Closed. A soaker of light instead of a giver of light. I want to tear my heart open, but all I can do is get on my knees... and plead "Lord, have mercy on me...a poor sinner". The Lord ends today with "And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you." He sees what is inside this heart. He repays accordingly, and pays an unjust amount of mercy and love to a soul that has nothing to give but a destroyed heart. That my family, that is where we ought to be, putting on ashes, because only God is good, and we love what is good. Have mercy on us Lord! We want to be one with you! I leave off with RedeemedOnline.com
reflection: Thought for today: Ash Wednesday is a reminder of what is temporary, and what is permanent. Are the problems I'm upset about today worth my time and energy? Am I focusing too much on this temporary world rather than making my soul ready for eternity? Action for today: Invite a friend or family member to come to mass with you today. Don't be afraid to wear your ashes in public (at the store, at work, or at school) because it's a great conversation starter! Prayer for today: Jesus, help me to journey closely with you in the desert over the next 40 days. Show me how I can be a better version of myself this Lent, and turn my focus from the world to heaven. Quote for today: "Lent is a new beginning, a path leading to the certain goal of Easter, Christ's victory over death. This season urgently calls us to conversion." — Pope Francis Be a Hero today – #ShareJesus: Our heroes are people who take risks each day to share their faith. Here's a simple idea to help you do that: Ask a friend to do something during Lent with you, such as reading a spiritual book together, going to Adoration once a week, doing some kind of service work, or simply just praying together every day. |
The following are for practicing Catholics, some quick fasting Notes: Fasting & Abstinence
To foster the spirit of penance and of reparation for sin, to encourage self-denial, and to guide us in the footsteps of Jesus, Church law
requires the observance of fast and abstinence (Canon 1249-1253).
1. ABSTINENCE: All persons who have already celebrated their 14th
birthday are bound to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and all
Fridays of Lent.
2. FASTING: Everyone, from the celebration of their 18th birthday to
their 59th birthday, is bound to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good
Friday. Voluntary fasting on other weekdays of Lent, especially on
Wednesdays and Fridays, is highly recommended. Fasting is generally
understood to mean eating one full meal each day. Two other partial
meals, sufficient to maintain strength, may be taken; but together
they should not equal another full meal. Eating between meals is not
permitted, but liquids are allowed.
Other forms of "fasting," especially regarding alcoholic drink, needless
television, video games, Internet use and social entertainment, is
of true spiritual value and is strongly encouraged. When health or
ability to work would be seriously affected, neither the law of fasting
nor the law of abstinence obliges. If in doubt, one's parish priest or
confessor may be consulted.
Airport workers, travelers, and others while on board ships or
airplanes are dispensed from the laws of fast and abstinence for the
duration of their journey (except on Good Friday). It is desirable that
they perform some other pious act instead. Prayer
In order to deepen one's love for Christ, Catholics are urged to read and pray over sacred
Scripture; to study the Catechism of the Catholic Church; to participate in devotions offered by
the parish; and to pray more fervently — individually, as families, and in common with others.
The faithful are exhorted to pray the rosary, to make private visits to the Blessed Sacrament,
and to pray especially for vocations to the priesthood and the religious life, for world peace,
and for an ongoing implementation of the pastoral initiatives of the Third Diocesan Synod.
1. SACRAMENT OF PENANCE AND RECONCILIATION: Lent is a privileged time for celebrating
this sacrament. Parishes generally make readily available the Sacrament of Penance, including
its communal celebration. (In this way, the social and ecclesial aspects of sin and reconciliation,
as well as one's personal reconciliation with God may be underscored. At communal celebrations
of reconciliation, however, general absolution is not permitted. People should attend also to
reconciliation in every aspect of human life — personal, familial, societal, and ecclesial. During
the Lenten and Easter time, Catholics are reminded that they are obliged to celebrate the
Sacrament of Penance at least once a year.
2. LENTEN MASS SCHEDULE: Daily Masses during Lent are so scheduled so as to facilitate
the attendance and spiritual growth of the faithful. The faithful are urged to attend Mass on
weekdays.
3. The Stations of the Cross are celebrated publicly in each parish on Fridays during the Lenten
season. Parishioners are urged to participate.
4. WEDDING MASSES may not be celebrated during the Easter Triduum, on Sundays of Lent,
Ash Wednesday, or during Holy Week. Marriages may take place at other times during Lent
according to the proper liturgical norms and provisions, but it is contrary to the penitential
spirit of the season to have elaborate weddings or lavish receptions.
5. FUNERAL MASSES may not be celebrated on Holy Thursday, Good Friday, or Holy Saturday,
nor on the Sundays of Lent. When pastoral reasons require that a funeral be celebrated on
these days, a Liturgy of the Word, with the final commendation and farewell rite, is held.
6. MASS MAY NOT BE OFFERED ON HOLY SATURDAY, except the Easter vigil, which may be
celebrated only after nightfall, in darkness.
7. EASTER DUTY: All Catholics who have been initiated into the Holy Eucharist are bound
to receive Holy Communion worthily at least once during the Easter Season. Catholics are
encouraged to receive Communion as often as possible, not only during Eastertide, but
throughout the liturgical year. However, "Anyone conscious of a grave sin must receive the
Sacrament of Reconciliation before coming to Communion" (CCC 1385.) ALMSGIVING
The act of giving to the poor, in the
most ancient tradition of the Church,
is an expression of penance, a form of
piety, a witness of fraternal charity and
an expression of Lenten conversion.
Therefore, all Catholics are urged to
support generously the charitable works
of the Church. People are also encouraged
to assist the sick, the aged, the needy and
the imprisoned in other ways. Fasting and
abstinence together with works of charity
help Catholics live in solidarity with the
crucified Christ reflected in the image of
our brothers and sisters who suffer.
In our Lenten pilgrimage of faith and
ascent to the holy mountain of Easter, may
God direct our steps to Him, and show us
how to walk always in His way. |
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