Day 13: “Be Merciful as Your Father is Merciful”

Scripture Reading (Jerusalem Bible):

Luke 6:36-38
“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap. For the measure you use will be measured to you.”

Reflection:

Mercy is at the heart of the Christian life. Jesus does not simply ask us to be merciful—He commands it: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” Mercy is not about excusing wrongdoing but about reflecting the heart of God, who never withholds His love from us.

It is easy to expect mercy for ourselves but struggle to extend it to others. We hold onto grudges, justify our anger, and demand justice on our terms. But Jesus reminds us that the measure we use for others is the measure that will be used for us. If we desire mercy, we must first be willing to give it.

Abba Poemen once said:

“Do not dwell on the wrongs done to you, and you will find mercy. But if you judge harshly, the same judgment will be upon you.” (Apophthegmata Patrum, Poemen 45)

Mercy does not mean ignoring sin but approaching others with the same patience and tenderness with which God approaches us. This requires humility—recognizing that we, too, are in need of mercy every day.

St. Faustina writes:

“He who knows how to forgive prepares for himself many graces from God. As often as I look upon the cross, so often will I forgive with all my heart.” (Diary of St. Faustina, 390)

Pope Francis reminds us of the radical nature of mercy:

“Mercy is that concrete action of love that, by forgiving, transforms and changes our lives. It is the very mystery of our faith. Mercy makes us realize that violence, resentment, and revenge have no meaning, and the first step toward mercy is to acknowledge that we need it ourselves.” (Misericordia et Misera, 2)

The more we reflect on God’s mercy, the more we become merciful ourselves. The key is not merely to try harder but to receive God’s mercy deeply, allowing it to transform our hearts.

Lent is a time to evaluate our hearts—are we quick to judge and slow to forgive? Or do we reflect God’s generous love, offering mercy even when it is difficult? Today, let us ask for the grace to love as God loves, forgiving as He forgives.

Reflection Questions:

1. Do I extend mercy to others as freely as I receive it from God?
2. What grudges or judgments am I holding onto that I need to surrender?
3. How can I be an instrument of God’s mercy in my daily life?
4. When have I experienced the mercy of God, and how has it changed me?

Closing Prayer:

Lord, You are rich in mercy, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love. Teach me to reflect Your mercy in all my relationships. Help me to forgive, to let go of judgment, and to love as You love. May my heart be open to Your grace, that I may be merciful as You are merciful. Amen.

Scripture Reading (Jerusalem Bible):

Psalm 27:8-9
“My heart says of You, ‘Seek His face!’ Your face, Lord, I will seek. Do not hide Your face from me, do not turn Your servant away in anger; You have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, God my Savior.”

Reflection:

Lent calls us deeper—not into more activity, but into greater surrender. The spiritual life is not about doing more but about giving God more space in our hearts, allowing Him to shape us according to His will. To pray is to surrender, to rest in God’s presence even when we feel nothing, and to trust Him even when we do not understand His ways.

Prayer is not always about receiving answers. Often, it is about being drawn into silence, where God speaks in ways beyond words. The great saints and mystics teach us that surrender in prayer is not passive but an active opening of our hearts to God. St. Teresa of Ávila reminds us:

“Prayer is nothing else than being on terms of friendship with God, frequently conversing in secret with Him who, we know, loves us.”

Yet, surrender is not easy. There are times when God seems distant, when prayer feels dry, and when surrender seems impossible. This is where perseverance is essential. Abba Isaac the Theban teaches:

“If you see that your prayers are not being answered, do not give up. God is drawing you closer through your perseverance.” (Apophthegmata Patrum, Isaac the Theban 1)

God may seem silent, but He is never absent. He deepens our longing so that our hearts might expand to receive more of His love. Just as Jesus withdrew to pray before His great moments of suffering and glory, so too must we enter into deeper prayer, trusting that even in the silence, God is working in us.

The Desert Fathers saw prayer and surrender as the foundation of spiritual growth. Abba Agathon offers this wisdom:

“Keep your heart in prayer, and your heart will keep you in peace.” (Apophthegmata Patrum, Alphabetical Collection, Agathon 10)

True surrender in prayer means not grasping for control but allowing ourselves to be led. It means praying not only to change our circumstances but to be changed ourselves.

As we reflect today, let us ask: Do we seek God’s presence or merely His answers? Are we willing to remain in prayer even when it feels dry or difficult? Can we surrender not just our struggles but our very selves to the One who loves us completely?

Reflection Questions:

1. How can I cultivate a habit of deeper prayer and surrender in my daily life?
2. When has God seemed silent in my life, and how did I respond?
3. What are the areas of my life I need to surrender more fully to God?
4. How can I rest in God’s presence without needing immediate answers?

Closing Prayer:

Lord, You call us to seek You, not just in words, but with our whole hearts. Teach us to surrender in prayer, trusting in Your love even when we do not feel it, and resting in Your presence even when we do not hear it. Give us perseverance when prayer feels difficult, and grant us the grace to open our hearts more fully to You. Transform us, Lord, so that we may live in deep communion with You.

Amen.

Day 11: “Love Your Enemies”

Scripture Reading (Jerusalem Bible):

Matthew 5:43-48
“You have learnt how it was said: You must love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say this to you: love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you; in this way, you will be sons of your Father in heaven, for he causes his sun to rise on the bad as well as the good, and his rain to fall on the honest and the dishonest alike. For if you love those who love you, what right have you to claim any credit? Even the tax collectors do as much, do they not? And if you save your greetings for your brothers, are you doing anything exceptional? Even the pagans do as much, do they not? You must therefore be perfect just as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

Host Reflection:

Jesus’ teaching today is among the most challenging in the Gospel: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” It overturns our natural instincts and calls us to a higher standard of love—one that reflects the heart of the Father.

This love is what the New Testament calls agape love: a love that is selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional. It is not based on feelings but is an act of the will, a deliberate choice to seek the good of another. This kind of love requires humility and often feels impossible—especially when directed toward those who are difficult to love or who have wronged us. Yet, it is precisely in these moments that agape love becomes an extraordinary act of grace.

We cannot achieve this love on our own. Agape love demands cooperation with God’s grace. It is through prayer and reliance on the Holy Spirit that we are strengthened to love as God loves, even when our natural instincts resist.

The Desert Fathers embraced this radical love as a path to holiness. Abba Agathon said:
“If I could meet a leper and give him my body in exchange for his, I would gladly do so. That is perfect love.”(Apophthegmata Patrum, Alphabetical Collection, Agathon 23)

This teaching shows that love is not limited by how we feel but is expanded by our willingness to act for the good of others, even at great personal cost. Loving our enemies begins with prayer. When we pray for those who hurt us, we open our hearts to God’s transforming grace. Over time, our wounds can become places of compassion, and our hearts can be made free to reflect God’s own mercy.

In her mystical conversation with God, recorded in The Dialogue of Divine Providence, St. Catherine of Siena, a Doctor of the Church, receives these profound words from the Father, reminding us of the inseparable bond between love of God and love of neighbor.

“The soul who loves Me (God) loves every virtue and hates sin. Such love of virtue is always evident in love of neighbor, because love of Me and love of neighbor are one and the same thing, and whatever is done for another is done for Me.”
(The Dialogue, Chapter 7, trans. Suzanne Noffke, O.P.)

Her words call us to see Christ in every person, even those who oppose us. Agape love invites us to participate in the reconciling love of God, who desires to bring all people to Himself. This love, though difficult, is the path to holiness and true peace.

As we reflect today, let us ask: How can we take the first steps toward loving those who are difficult to love? How can we trust in God’s grace to enable us to live out this agape love?

Reflection Questions:

Take a moment to reflect on these questions and allow them to guide your prayer today:

1. Who are the “enemies” or difficult people in our lives, and how can we respond to them with love?
2. How can prayer for those who hurt us open our hearts to God’s grace?
3. In what ways is God calling us to reflect His perfect, unconditional love in our relationships?

Closing Prayer:

Let us now bring our time of reflection to God in prayer, asking for the grace to love as He loves.

Lord, You call us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. This love is beyond our natural strength, but we trust in Your grace to make it possible. Open our hearts to see Your image in every person, even those who are difficult to love. Teach us to pray for those who hurt us, and transform our wounds into compassion. May our love reflect Your perfect and unconditional love, bringing healing and peace to the world. Amen.

Day 10: “Reconciliation and Forgiveness”

Scripture Reading (Jerusalem Bible):

Matthew 5:23-24
“If you are bringing your offering to the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar, go and be reconciled with your brother first, and then come back and present your offering.”

Reflection:

Forgiveness is the doorway to healing, the first step toward true reconciliation. We accept that a past action has happened that has hurt us, and we begin to let it go, not by our own strength, but through the grace of God, who leads us toward healing and freedom. Jesus reminds us that before we approach God, we must examine our hearts and choose to forgive. Forgiveness is an act of the will—a decision to release resentment and entrust justice to God. It is not always easy, but it frees us from the weight of bitterness and prepares us to receive God’s mercy.

Sometimes, the wounds in a relationship run deep, and forgiveness is not a single moment but a continuing process. We may not always feel emotionally ready to forgive, but turning to the Father and asking for His grace to forgive is the first step. When we do not feel sincere, authentic forgiveness is fully possible at a given moment, we can begin with a simple prayer.

“Father, pour Your mercy upon the one I need to forgive. The pain is still present, and forgiveness feels difficult. Grant me the grace to heal through Your mercy and have the strength and freedom to fully forgive.”

You may need to say it multiple times over days, months, or even years, but each time you do, you take a step closer to the full freedom of forgiveness. The desire to forgive, even if imperfect, is what allows God’s grace to gradually transform your heart.

Abba Moses the Black said:

“The man who is angry with his brother is like a man who drinks poison and hopes it will kill his enemy”(Apophthegmata Patrum, Alphabetical Collection, Moses 7)

Holding onto anger harms us far more than it does the other person. Forgiveness frees us, even when reconciliation is not possible. Sometimes, the other person may not be open to restoration, and wounds may remain. But even if human reconciliation is unattainable, God is always open to us. His mercy is never withheld, and He invites us to bring our brokenness to Him for healing.

Reconciliation is more than resolving conflicts; it is about restoring relationships. The word reconciliation comes from the Latin reconciliare, meaning to bring together again, to restore harmony. True reconciliation happens when we see others as God sees them—not as adversaries, but as fellow children of God, wounded as we are, in need of grace and healing. It is not merely about resolving disputes but about restoring communion.

Abba Dorotheus provides wisdom:

“Do not imagine that you will be able to correct others before you have corrected yourself. Reconcile first your own heart to peace, and then you will be able to bring peace to others.” (Discourses and Sayings, Dorotheus of Gaza)

Before we can reconcile with others, we must reconcile with God. Sin damages our relationship with Him, distorting our vision and leading us away from His love. Often, we fail to recognize the weight of our sins or their consequences. True reconciliation begins when we see ourselves in the light of His love and seek His mercy.

One of the greatest gifts of the Church is the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Christ instituted this sacrament to restore us to grace, lift the burden of sin, and renew our hearts.

Confession is not about judgment but healing. God longs to pour out His mercy, removing the barriers that sin creates between us and Him. When we avoid this sacrament, we deny ourselves the grace that Christ freely offers.

St. Augustine offers this insight:

“I probed the hidden depths of my soul and wrung its pitiful secrets from it, and when I mustered them all before the eyes of my heart, a great storm broke within me, bringing with it a great deluge of tears… For I felt that I was still captive of my sins, and in my misery, I kept crying, ‘How long shall I go on saying, “Tomorrow, tomorrow”? Why not now? Why not make an end of my ugly sins at this moment? (Confessions, 8.12)

Reconciliation with God leads to freedom. It gives us the grace to seek healing in our relationships.

Abba Poemen reminds us:

“If someone wrongs you, you should say to yourself, ‘If it were not for this sin, perhaps I would not be saved.’”(Apophthegmata Patrum, Poemen 65)

Even the wounds inflicted by others can lead us to a deeper dependence on God’s mercy. If we allow them, these struggles can purify our hearts and teach us humility.

Lent is a time to examine our hearts, to forgive, and to be forgiven. Forgiveness sets us free; reconciliation restores what was broken. As we reflect today, let us ask: How can we take steps toward reconciliation in our lives? How can we trust God’s grace to heal the wounds that division has caused? And where in our hearts do we need to surrender resentment and ask for the grace to forgive?

Reflection Questions:

1. Is there someone we need to forgive or seek forgiveness from?
2. How can we let go of anger, resentment, or division and find peace in God’s mercy?
3. How can we practice humility in seeking reconciliation with others?
4. In what ways have our sins damaged our relationship with God, and how can we seek to restore that relationship?
5. How can we renew our hearts through the Sacrament of Reconciliation?

Closing Prayer:

Lord, You are rich in mercy and call us to reflect Your love in our relationships. Help us to forgive as You forgive, and to walk in the freedom of Your grace. Open our hearts to recognize the ways in which we have wounded our relationship with You and grant us the humility to seek Your mercy. May we never fear the Sacrament of Reconciliation but embrace it as a gift of Your love. Transform our hearts, Lord, that we may live in the fullness of Your grace.

Amen.

Day 9: “Ask, Seek, Knock”

Scripture Reading (Jerusalem Bible):

Matthew 7:7-12
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks, it will be opened. Which one of you would hand his son a stone when he asks for a loaf of bread, or a snake when he asks for a fish? If you, then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good things to those who ask him!”

Reflection:

In today’s Gospel, Jesus reassures us of the generosity and goodness of God. “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” These words invite us to approach God with trust and persistence, knowing that He desires to pour out His blessings upon us.

Yet, so often, we hesitate to ask. Perhaps we feel unworthy, or we fear that our prayers won’t be answered. We may struggle with doubt, wondering if God truly hears us. But Jesus reminds us that God is a loving Father who gives good gifts to His children. If even human parents know how to care for their children, how much more will God care for us?

Still, we must recognize that prayer is not about controlling God or demanding what we want. Sometimes the answer is no. And when the answer is no—or when it seems like no answer is coming at all—it can be difficult to trust. Yet, even in the silence, God is at work. Abba Isaac the Theban teaches:

“If you see that your prayers are not being answered, do not give up. God is drawing you closer through your perseverance” (Apophthegmata Patrum, Isaac the Theban 1)

The waiting itself forms us, teaching us trust, humility, and surrender. Sometimes, God withholds what we ask for in order to give us something greater—something we do not yet recognize as His perfect gift. But in order to hear that deeper response, we must make space for silence, for listening. We must be willing not just to ask, but to receive whatever God desires to give.

The Desert Fathers also teach us about the persistence of prayer. Abba Agathon said:

“Prayer is warfare to the last breath.” (Apophthegmata Patrum, Alphabetical Collection, Agathon 9)

Prayer requires perseverance, especially when answers do not come immediately. It is an act of faith to keep asking, seeking, and knocking, even when the way forward seems unclear. True prayer is not transactional—it is relational. It is the opening of our hearts to God, allowing Him to shape our desires and bring us into deeper communion with Him.

St. Thérèse of Lisieux, in her Story of a Soul, reflects on this trust:

“I know that the Lord is more tender than any mother, and I fear nothing from Him.”

Her words remind us that we approach a God who is not only powerful but also tender and compassionate. Lent is a time to deepen this trust, to bring our needs and desires to God with open hearts, and to believe that He will respond in His perfect time and way.

As we reflect today, let us ask: Are we approaching God with trust and confidence in His love? How can we be more persistent in prayer, even when answers seem delayed? And how can we respond to others with the same generosity that we seek from God?

Reflection Questions:

1. What are the deepest desires of your heart that you need to bring to God in trust?
2. How can you grow in persistence and patience in prayer, trusting in God’s timing?
3. How can you imitate God’s generosity in responding to the needs of those around you?

Closing Prayer:

Lord, You invite us to ask, seek, and knock, promising that You will respond to our prayers. Help us to approach You with confidence and trust, knowing that You are a loving Father who desires only good for Your children. Teach us to persevere in prayer, even when the answers seem far away, and to trust in Your perfect will. May we also reflect Your generosity by responding to the needs of others with love and compassion.

Amen.

Day 8: “Repentance and Mercy”

Scripture Reading (Jerusalem Bible):

Luke 11:29-32
“When the crowds were increasing, Jesus began to speak: ‘This is a wicked generation; it is asking for a sign. The only sign it will be given is the sign of Jonah. For just as Jonah became a sign to the people of Nineveh, so will the Son of Man be to this generation. On Judgement Day the men of Nineveh will stand up with this generation and condemn it, because when Jonah preached they repented, and there is something greater than Jonah here.’”

Reflection:

The story of Jonah and Nineveh is a powerful reminder of God’s mercy. Even though Nineveh was a city steeped in sin, the people responded to Jonah’s message with fasting, repentance, and prayer. Their contrite hearts moved God to withhold judgment, revealing His deep desire to forgive and restore.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus challenges us to reflect on our own need for repentance. He tells the crowd that they will be given the “sign of Jonah”—a call to repentance through the presence of Christ Himself. But unlike the people of Nineveh, many in Jesus’ time failed to recognize the urgency of the call. They were stubborn, unwilling to look honestly at their own hearts, and resistant to change.

This is not so different from us. Repentance is difficult because it requires humility—it forces us to acknowledge our sins, our weaknesses, and the ways we have turned from God. But in many cases, we do not even realize our need for repentance. We have lost a sense of virtue, replacing it with moral compromise. We live in a world where sin is normalized, and in our comfort, we grow blind to the ways we are being called to conversion. We are often like the crowd, demanding a sign from God while failing to recognize that He is already calling us to transformation.

The Desert Fathers remind us that repentance is not a one-time act but a way of life. Abba Sisoes said:

“Seek repentance with all your soul, for the time is drawing near.” (Apophthegmata Patrum, Alphabetical Collection, Sisoes 43)

Repentance is about more than feeling sorry for our sins; it is about reorienting our lives toward God. It is a continual turning of our hearts to Him in humility and trust. This daily practice is not meant to weigh us down with guilt but to free us, to bring us closer to God’s transforming love.

St. John Vianney, the patron saint of priests, echoes this call:

“The Lord is more eager to forgive us than we are to ask for His mercy.”

We are reminded that God does not desire our perfection but our humility and trust in His love. Just as He forgave Nineveh, He longs to extend His mercy to us. But we must take the first step—acknowledging our sins and allowing His grace to transform our hearts.

Repentance is not simply about turning away from sin, but turning toward Christ. When we honestly examine our hearts, we may find areas where we resist change out of fear or complacency. Yet God calls us to trust in His mercy, knowing that true healing begins when we surrender. Abba Poemen said:

“The nature of water is soft, that of stone is hard; but if a bottle is hung above the stone, dropping water on it, it wears it away. So it is with the word of God: it is soft, and our hearts are hard, but if one hears the word of God often, it will break open the heart’s hardness in repentance.” (Apophthegmata Patrum, Poemen 181)

This wisdom reminds us that even the hardest of hearts can be softened when we allow God’s Word and His mercy to penetrate us. We must make space for His voice, listen attentively, and allow Him to work in us, breaking away the stubbornness that holds us back.

Take a moment in prayer to invite God into the places of your heart that need healing. What sins or habits is He gently asking you to let go of? What areas of your life are in need of His mercy? Sit in silence and allow His love to wash over you. Let His mercy restore and renew you, just as He did for the people of Nineveh.

Reflection Questions:

1. What sins or habits is God inviting us to repent of this Lent?
2. How can we trust more deeply in God’s mercy and forgiveness?
3. In what ways can our repentance lead others to encounter God’s love?

Closing Prayer:

Lord, You are slow to anger and rich in mercy. Like the people of Nineveh, we come before You in humility, asking for Your forgiveness and grace. Help us to turn away from sin and to reorient our lives toward You. Teach us to trust in the depths of Your love, and may our repentance inspire others to seek Your mercy. Transform our hearts, O Lord, so that we may live as signs of Your compassion and grace in the world.

Amen.

Day 7: The Call of the Disciples – “Leaving Everything to Follow Him”

Scripture Reading (Jerusalem Bible):

Luke 5:1-11
“Once while Jesus was standing beside the lake of Gennesaret, and the crowd was pressing in on Him to hear the word of God, He saw two boats there at the shore of the lake; the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little way from the shore. Then He sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, ‘Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.’ Simon answered, ‘Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if You say so, I will let down the nets.’ When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, ‘Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!’ For he and all who were with him were amazed at the catch of fish that they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Then Jesus said to Simon, ‘Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.’ When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed Him.”

Reflection:

The call of Simon Peter, James, and John is a moment of profound transformation. These ordinary fishermen encounter the extraordinary power of Jesus, and in an instant, their lives are forever changed. In the midst of their daily work—tired and likely discouraged after a fruitless night of fishing—they meet the Lord, who enters their lives with an invitation that will demand everything.

Simon Peter’s initial response is one of hesitation: “Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if You say so, I will let down the nets.” His words reflect the struggle many of us feel when faced with God’s call. We see our own limitations, our failures, and our doubts, but Peter takes a step of faith. That simple act of obedience—trusting Jesus’ word—leads to an abundance beyond anything Peter could have imagined.

When the nets are miraculously filled, Peter falls to his knees, overwhelmed by the presence of holiness: “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!” In this moment, Peter is confronted with his own unworthiness, yet Jesus does not turn away. Instead, He calls Peter deeper: “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.” This is the heart of discipleship—not that we are worthy, but that Christ’s grace transforms us and makes us capable of answering His call.

St. John Paul II spoke often of the courage required to follow Christ’s call: “Duc in altum! Put out into the deep! Do not be afraid to take risks for Christ. If He calls you, He will sustain you. Step forward with faith, and He will provide.”(Novo Millennio Ineunte, 2001)

This call to discipleship is not just for the apostles—it is for each of us. Jesus meets us in the ordinary moments of our lives, asking us to trust Him and to leave behind anything that holds us back. What are the “nets” in your life that you need to leave behind? Perhaps it is fear, pride, or attachment to comfort. Jesus invites us to lay these down and to follow Him wholeheartedly.

The call of the disciples also reminds us that we are not called alone. Simon Peter, James, and John leave their boats together, stepping into a community of faith. Who are the people God has placed in your life to walk this journey with you? How can you support one another as you seek to follow Christ?

The Desert Fathers often reflected on the call to leave everything for Christ. Abba Agathon once said: “If someone desires God, he must be ready to let go of everything else. A heart divided cannot fully belong to Him.”(Apophthegmata Patrum, Alphabetical Collection, Agathon 1) His words remind us that following Jesus requires a full surrender, not holding onto distractions or fears that prevent us from giving ourselves completely to Him.

Take a moment to reflect on Jesus’ words: “Do not be afraid.” Where is He calling you to trust Him more deeply? What risks is He inviting you to take for the sake of His kingdom? Ask for the courage to respond with the same faith and boldness as the disciples.

Reflection Questions:

1. What “nets” are you holding onto that might be preventing you from fully following Jesus?
2. How can you trust Jesus more deeply in the ordinary moments of your life?
3. Who are the people in your life that God has called to journey with you in faith, and how can you support one another?

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus, You called the disciples to leave everything and follow You. Help us to hear Your call in our own lives. Give us the courage to trust You, even when the path is uncertain. Teach us to let go of anything that holds us back and to follow You with our whole hearts. May we never be afraid to step out in faith, knowing that You are always with us. Amen.

Day 6: The Transfiguration – “Beholding the Glory of Christ”

Scripture Reading (Jerusalem Bible):

Matthew 17:1-9
“Six days later, Jesus took with Him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And He was transfigured before them, and His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with Him. Then Peter said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’ While He was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, ‘This is My Son, the Beloved; with Him I am well pleased; listen to Him!’ When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, ‘Get up and do not be afraid.’ And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus Himself alone.”

Reflection:

Today, we are invited to climb the mountain with Jesus and His closest disciples. This moment of Transfiguration is not just a glimpse of Christ’s divine glory, but a revelation meant to strengthen the disciples for the trials that lie ahead. In this dazzling display of light and majesty, they encounter the fullness of who Jesus is: both fully human and fully divine.

The Transfiguration is a reminder for us that in our journey of faith, God gives us moments of clarity, moments where His presence and glory shine through the veil of this world. These moments are gifts, not only to comfort us but to prepare us. Peter, James, and John will soon witness the agony of Gethsemane and the suffering of the cross. But here, on the mountain, they are reminded that the cross is not the end. The glory of Christ points forward to the resurrection and the hope of eternal life.

Notice Peter’s reaction: “Lord, it is good for us to be here.” How often do we long to remain in the comfort of these “mountaintop” experiences, forgetting that our mission lies back in the valleys of daily life? The voice of the Father breaks through Peter’s words, calling him—and us—not to remain still, but to listen: “This is My Son, the Beloved; listen to Him!” Discipleship is not about staying in comfort; it is about listening to Christ and following Him, even when the path leads through suffering.

St. Augustine reflects: “In His Transfiguration, Christ showed His disciples the splendor of His truth, that they might be strengthened for the scandal of the cross.” This is the paradox of our faith: the glory of God is revealed in both the brilliance of the mountaintop and the humility of the cross. The Transfiguration invites us to hold these two realities together, trusting that the light of Christ will guide us through the darkest valleys.

The Desert Fathers also reflected on the necessity of climbing the spiritual mountain in prayer. Abba Evagrius Ponticus taught: “If you desire to see the face of Christ, let your soul ascend the mountain of prayer and contemplation.” (Praktikos 67) His words remind us that the journey to God’s presence is not always easy. It requires effort, perseverance, and an openness to being transformed by the experience of His glory. But the reward is great: a deeper union with Christ, a heart strengthened for the trials of life, and a faith that is no longer shaken by suffering.

Take a moment now to reflect on the “mountaintop” moments in your own life. When have you experienced the glory of God in a way that filled your heart with joy and wonder? How have those moments strengthened your faith for the challenges that followed? Spend time in prayer asking Jesus to help you carry the memory of His glory into the struggles of daily life, trusting that He is with you in both the light and the darkness.

Reflection Questions:

1. How can you hold on to the glory of Christ in moments of difficulty or doubt?
2. What does it mean for you to “listen to Him” in the midst of life’s challenges?
3. How does the Transfiguration prepare you to trust in God’s plan, even when the path is unclear?

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus, You revealed Your glory on the mountain to strengthen Your disciples for the road ahead. Help us to hold onto the light of Your presence in moments of darkness and to trust in Your love when the path is hard. Teach us to listen to You and to follow wherever You lead, knowing that Your glory is always with us. Amen.

Day 5: Into the Wilderness – “Temptation and Proclamation”

Scripture Reading (Jerusalem Bible):

Mark 1:12-15
“The Spirit drove Jesus out into the wilderness and He remained there for forty days, and was tempted by Satan. He was with the wild beasts, and the angels looked after Him. After John had been arrested, Jesus went into Galilee. There He proclaimed the Good News from God. ‘The time has come,’ He said, ‘and the kingdom of God is close at hand. Repent, and believe the Good News.’”

Reflection:

Today, we follow Jesus into the wilderness—a place of solitude, trial, and preparation. The Spirit drives Him there, not as a punishment, but as a necessary step in His mission. In the wilderness, Jesus confronts temptation directly, with Satan himself attempting to divert Him from His path. Yet, even in this desolate place, Jesus is not alone. Angels minister to Him, and God’s presence sustains Him.

The wilderness is a powerful image for our spiritual lives. It represents those times when we feel stripped of comfort, faced with our weaknesses, and confronted by the enemy. Yet, as we see in Jesus, the wilderness is also a place of profound encounter with God. In the silence and the struggle, we are invited to rely not on our own strength, but on His.

Jesus’ victory over temptation in the wilderness reveals that God is always greater than the trials we face. Each time Satan tempts Him, Jesus responds with the truth of God’s Word. This is a reminder for us: when we feel spiritually attacked or overwhelmed by temptation, we are not powerless. We have the Word of God, the sacraments, and the presence of Christ to sustain us.

Consider how Jesus begins His public ministry immediately after leaving the wilderness. Having faced the trials, He is prepared to proclaim the Good News: “The time has come, and the kingdom of God is close at hand. Repent, and believe the Good News.” His call is not only to turn away from sin but to turn toward something infinitely greater—God’s kingdom and the life of grace.

As we reflect on this passage, let us also examine the wilderness moments in our own lives. Where do we feel tempted to give up, to doubt, or to turn away from God? How can these moments become opportunities for deeper trust and reliance on Him? The wilderness is not meant to destroy us; it is meant to prepare us for mission, to sharpen our awareness of God’s presence, and to strengthen us for the journey ahead.

St. John Chrysostom teaches: “Do not fear the wilderness, for it is there that God speaks most clearly to the heart.”In the silence and struggle, we are refined, and like Jesus, we emerge ready to proclaim His love to the world.

The Desert Fathers often spoke of the importance of perseverance in trials. Abba Macarius once said: “If you wish to be saved, do not go out of your cell, but sit there and the cell will teach you everything.” (Apophthegmata Patrum, Macarius 24) His wisdom reminds us that just as Jesus stayed in the wilderness to face temptation, we too must not run from our spiritual battles. Instead, we must remain rooted in prayer, allowing God to form us in patience, endurance, and trust.

Take a moment now to sit quietly and imagine yourself in the wilderness with Jesus. What temptations are you facing? What fears or struggles do you need to surrender to God? Ask for His strength to persevere, for His grace to resist the enemy, and for His love to fill every corner of your heart. The wilderness may feel desolate, but it is also holy ground, where God meets us and transforms us.

Reflection Questions:

1. What are the “wilderness” moments in your life right now, and how is God inviting you to trust Him in them?
2. How can you draw strength from Jesus’ example of resisting temptation through God’s Word?
3. What does it mean for you to repent and believe the Good News in a deeper way during this Lenten journey?

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus, You entered the wilderness and faced temptation, yet You remained faithful to the Father. Help us to follow Your example in our own struggles. When we feel weak, remind us of Your strength. When we feel alone, remind us of Your presence. Lead us through the wilderness of our lives and prepare our hearts to proclaim Your kingdom with courage and joy. Amen.

Scripture Reading (Jerusalem Bible):

Luke 5:27-32
“When Jesus went out, He noticed a tax collector called Levi sitting by the customs house, and He said to him, ‘Follow me.’ And leaving everything, he got up and followed Him. In his house, Levi held a great reception for Jesus, and with them at table was a large gathering of tax collectors and others. The Pharisees and their scribes complained to His disciples and said, ‘Why do You eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?’ Jesus answered them, ‘It is not those who are well who need the doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the virtuous, but sinners to repentance.’”

Reflection:

Today, Jesus speaks those simple yet life-changing words to Levi: “Follow me.” And with no hesitation, Levi leaves everything behind—his job, his income, his old life—and follows Jesus.

This moment is at the heart of Lent. Every day, Jesus speaks these same words to us: “Follow me.” And like Levi, we are invited to let go of what holds us back—our attachments, fears, and sins—and trust in the new life Jesus offers.

But surrendering is not easy. To leave behind the familiar requires trust, courage, and faith. It is human to hesitate, to wonder what might be lost. Yet, Jesus does not ask for perfection; He asks for willingness. He meets us where we are, in the ordinary moments of life, and calls us into something greater than ourselves.

Self-examination can be difficult and sometimes painful. Often, we avoid looking at the darker corners of our lives out of shame, disappointment with ourselves, or even fear. Yet, the gentle Jesus does not leave us alone. It is He who calls us, He who will guide us. Allowing time and space to listen in silence to what He lovingly reveals to us is the first step in following Him. His voice does not shame or accuse; rather, it reveals and invites. He does not condemn but encourages us to let go, to trust, and to be healed in love.

One practical daily practice to help us grow in awareness of God’s presence and discern His call more deeply is the Examen Prayer, as offered by St. Ignatius of Loyola. This prayer helps us to reflect on our day with gratitude, recognize where God was present, and identify where He is leading us to deeper conversion. The Examen is a powerful tool for cultivating a listening heart, learning from our experiences, and growing in trust. A guide for the Examen can be found on DiscerningHearts.com or in the free Discerning Hearts app.

The prophet Isaiah assures us that God will guide us through the challenges of this surrender. When we let go of the burdens we carry, Isaiah promises: “Your light will rise in the darkness, and your shadows become like noon.” (Isaiah 58:10) God strengthens us when we entrust ourselves to Him fully.

The Desert Fathers deeply understood the struggle of surrendering to God. Abba Theodore of Pherme taught:

“Let us strive to enter through the narrow gate. Just as trees cannot bear fruit if they have not stood against the wind, so too does the one who struggles bear the fruit of the Spirit.” (Apophthegmata Patrum, Alphabetical Collection, Theodore of Pherme 5)

Saying yes to Jesus is the narrow way. It involves struggle and sacrifice, but it also leads to freedom, healing, and joy. Jesus does not call us because we are perfect or ready—He calls us because He longs to transform us.

St. Francis de Sales, a master of the spiritual life, encourages us in this journey of trust. He writes:

“Do not fear what might happen tomorrow. The same everlasting Father who cares for you today will take care of you tomorrow and every day. Either He will shield you from suffering or He will give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace, then, and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations.” (Letters to a Devout Life)

Take a moment to imagine yourself in Levi’s place, sitting at your work, at your daily tasks, when suddenly Jesus walks by and speaks directly to you: “Follow me.” What do you feel? Do you hesitate? Do you rise immediately? Ask for the grace to trust His voice, to leave behind what no longer leads you to Him, and to embrace the joy of walking in His footsteps.

Reflection Questions:

1. What attachments or habits make it difficult for us to hear and respond to Jesus’ call to“Follow me”?
2. How can we trust that surrendering to Christ will bring greater freedom and joy?
3. What practical steps can we take today to respond to Jesus’ invitation to follow Him?

Closing Prayer:

Lord, You call us each day with those simple yet powerful words: “Follow me.” Give us the courage to leave behind whatever holds us back—our attachments, fears, and distractions—and to trust fully in You. Strengthen us as we walk the narrow path, and fill our hearts with the light of Your presence. May we, like Levi, respond with joy and trust, knowing that You walk beside us every step of the way. Amen.