Day 23: “The Battle Within”

Scripture Reading (Jerusalem Bible):
Luke 11:14–23
Jesus was casting out a devil and it was dumb; but when the devil had gone out the dumb man spoke, and the people were amazed. But some of them said, ‘It is through Beelzebul, the prince of devils, that he casts out devils.’ Others asked him, as a test, for a sign from heaven; but, knowing what they were thinking, he said to them, ‘Every kingdom divided against itself is heading for ruin, and a household divided against itself collapses. So too with Satan: if he is divided against himself, how can his kingdom stand? – since you assert that it is through Beelzebul that I cast out devils. Now if it is through Beelzebul that I cast out devils, through whom do your own experts cast them out? Let them be your judges then. But if it is through the finger of God that I cast out devils, then know that the kingdom of God has overtaken you. So long as a strong man fully armed guards his own palace, his goods are undisturbed; but when someone stronger than he is attacks and defeats him, the stronger man takes away all the weapons he relied on and shares out his spoil.

  ‘He who is not with me is against me; and he who does not gather with me scatters.’

Reflection:

By this point in our Lenten journey, we may have begun to taste the fruits of prayer, self-awareness, and even forgiveness. But with every step toward healing and holiness, we also encounter resistance. The enemy does not want us to grow in love. The more we open ourselves to grace, the more temptation may rise—whispers of accusation, discouragement, or the old lies that once held us captive.

Today’s Gospel makes this dynamic visible. Jesus casts out a demon and restores speech to the mute man—but some in the crowd twist this act of mercy, accusing Him of using the devil’s power. Jesus responds by exposing the contradiction: evil cannot cast out evil. And He offers a deeper truth—that it is by the “finger of God” that He heals and frees.

The real battle, Jesus teaches, is not merely external but within our hearts. We all have “strongholds”—areas where fear, sin, or pride have taken root. And like the strong man guarding his palace, we may have learned to defend ourselves with coping mechanisms or self-reliance. But Jesus is not a rival; He is the Redeemer. He comes not to take from us, but to rescue us, to reclaim us for the Kingdom of God.

St. Gregory the Great, a Benedictine and Doctor of the Church, affirms this spiritual reality:

“When we open our hearts to Christ, the darkness cannot remain. The devil flees not from words, but from the presence of God within.”
(Homilies on the Gospels, Homily 16)

The Desert Fathers, too, understood that the struggle is often inward and lifelong. Abba Anthony the Great offered a striking insight:
“Whoever has not experienced temptation cannot enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Without temptations, no one can be saved.”
(Apophthegmata Patrum, Anthony 1)

At first, these words may seem startling, especially if we are unfamiliar with the depth of monastic teaching. But they reveal a profound truth: temptation is not a sign that we have failed—it is part of the path to holiness. The spiritual life isn’t about avoiding the battle; it’s about recognizing that, through grace, we can engage it with Christ. Temptation becomes the arena in which we grow in humility, perseverance, and trust in God. Without the struggle, we might never know our need for Him—or the depth of His strength within us.

St. Teresa of Ávila, too, reminds us that the real battleground is interior:

“The devil fears a soul united to God as he does God Himself.”
(Interior Castle, Fifth Mansion)

Temptation is not a sign of failure but of progress. It shows that the enemy is threatened. It is precisely through temptation—and through choosing Christ again and again—that we are strengthened in love.

We resist evil not by white-knuckled effort alone but by drawing close to Christ through spiritual practices: regular prayer—especially the Examen—times of contemplative silence, reflection on Scripture, and the grace received in the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist and Reconciliation. These practices deepen our union with Jesus, who alone can disarm the lies of the enemy and bring freedom.

Each time we feel tempted to give in to discouragement, division, or despair, let us remember that we are not fighting alone. Christ is with us. He is the one who sets us free.

Reflection Questions:

1. Where in your life do you feel spiritual resistance or inner division?
2. What lies have you believed about yourself, and how might Jesus be inviting you to renounce them?
3. Which practices—prayer, silence, sacraments—help you stand firm in Christ when the battle gets difficult?

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus, You have overcome the darkness. Enter the places in our lives where fear, discouragement, or sin still hold power. With the finger of God, cast out all that is not of You. Draw us into Your peace and make ourhearts whole. Give us strength to endure in prayer, wisdom to recognize the lies of the enemy, and courage to stay close to You. In You alone is our safety, our victory, and our home. Amen.

Day 22: “The Law of Love”

Scripture Reading (Jerusalem Bible):

Matthew 22:37-40
“Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.’”

Reflection:

Jesus distills the entire law and prophetic tradition into two commandments: to love God and to love our neighbor. At the heart of the Christian life is this law of love—simple in words, yet profound and demanding in practice.

In the Scriptures and the Christian tradition, we see that love is not a single concept but a reality with many expressions. The New Testament, written in Greek, refers to several kinds of love: philia (brotherly affection), eros(romantic or passionate love), and agape—a self-giving, sacrificial love that wills the good of the other, even when it costs us. It is this agape love that Christ speaks of and models most fully on the Cross.

Agape is not about liking someone or feeling warmth in their presence. It is not contingent on emotion. It is an act of the will—a deliberate choice to love even when we are tired, wounded, or feel nothing at all. This is why Jesus can command love: not as sentiment, but as decision.

St. Thomas Aquinas writes:
“To love is to will the good of the other.” (Summa Theologiae, I-II, q.26, a.4)

This understanding liberates us from the tyranny of our emotions. We may not always feel loving, but we can choose to love by being patient, forgiving, and generous, especially with those who challenge us most.

The Desert Fathers lived this love in the silence of the desert, but not in isolation. They knew that loving others—even the difficult ones—was the clearest path to God. Abba Dorotheus of Gaza taught:
“The closer we come to our neighbor, the closer we come to God.”
(Apophthegmata Patrum, Dorotheus 2)

And St. John of the Cross, in his mystical depth, offers this piercing reminder:
“In the evening of life, we will be judged on love alone.” (Sayings of Light and Love, 59)

When we are hurt or weary, when love feels far from our grasp, it helps to remember: God never asks of us what He does not give the grace to fulfill. If Christ calls us to love—even enemies—it is because He Himself will sustain us in that call.

As we pray today, let us not be discouraged by the difficulty of love, but strengthened in the knowledge that it is in loving—especially when it is hard—that we become most like Christ.

Reflection Questions:

1. In what situations do I find it hardest to love, and how can I choose love as an act of the will in those moments?

2. What is one concrete way I can show agape love to someone in my life today?

3. How can I ask God to help me grow in this self-giving love, especially in prayer?

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus, You have shown us the perfection of love in laying down Your life. Teach us to love not just in feeling, but in will—choosing always what is good and true, even when it costs us. May our love for You be visible in how we love others, and may this love become a reflection of Your heart in the world. Amen.

Day 21: “Faithfulness in the Little Things”

Scripture Reading (Jerusalem Bible):

Luke 16:10
“Whoever is faithful in very little is also faithful in much, and whoever is dishonest in very little is also dishonest in much.”

Reflection:

Faithfulness in the little things prepares us for faithfulness in greater things. Jesus reminds us that holiness is not found only in grand gestures but in the small, often unseen acts of love and obedience. The spiritual life is built in the hidden moments of daily perseverance—choosing to trust, to serve, to remain steadfast in prayer even when we feel nothing.

Lent is a time when we are invited to examine our small, daily choices. Are we faithful in the way we speak to others? Do we show patience in moments of frustration? Do we bring our hearts to prayer, even when it feels dry? Holiness is not about feeling spiritual—it is about remaining faithful.

The Desert Fathers understood this well. Abba Dorotheus taught:
“Do not seek to do great things. Do the small things with great love, and God will entrust you with more.” (Discourses and Sayings, Dorotheus of Gaza)

Similarly, St. Thérèse of Lisieux, known for her “Little Way,” reminds us:
“God does not look at the greatness of our works, but at the love with which they are done.”

Faithfulness in small things teaches us to trust God even when we do not see immediate fruit. Just as a seed must be planted and watered before it grows, our small acts of perseverance prepare our souls for deeper transformation.

As we reflect today, let us ask: Where is God calling me to greater faithfulness in the small things? How can I embrace perseverance in prayer and trust, even when I do not see results right away?

Reflection Questions:

1. Where in my daily life can I grow in faithfulness?
2. How can I remain steadfast in prayer, even when I feel nothing?
3. How does trusting God in small things prepare me for greater challenges?
4. What small acts of love can I offer today as a path to holiness?

Closing Prayer:

Lord, You call us to be faithful in the little things, trusting that You are at work even when we do not see it. Teach us to persevere, to pray with faith, and to love in the small moments of daily life. May our hidden acts of love bear fruit in Your time. Amen.

Scripture Reading (Jerusalem Bible):

Matthew 18:21-22
“Then Peter came and said to Him, ‘Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times.’”

Reflection:

Forgiveness is at the heart of the Gospel, yet it is one of the most challenging commands to live out. When Peter asks Jesus about the limits of forgiveness, Jesus responds with a number that signifies boundlessness: “Seventy-seven times.” In other words, forgiveness is not something we can measure or ration; it must flow freely, just as God’s forgiveness flows freely to us.

This kind of forgiveness is only possible when we recognize how deeply we have been forgiven by God. It is through God’s mercy that our hearts are softened and made capable of forgiving others. Forgiveness does not mean excusing sin or forgetting the hurt; rather, it is a decision to let go of resentment and to entrust justice to God.

The Desert Fathers taught the importance of forgiveness as a path to spiritual freedom. Abba Joseph said:

“If you want to find rest here and hereafter, in every trial say, ‘Who am I?’ and do not judge others.” (Apophthegmata Patrum, Alphabetical Collection, Joseph 3)

Similarly, St. John Chrysostom, one of the greatest preachers of the early Church, reminds us:

“Nothing causes us to resemble God more than our willingness to forgive.”

Forgiveness transforms not only the person who forgives but also the community. It opens the door to healing and reconciliation. As we reflect today, let us ask: How can we embrace Jesus’ call to forgive without limits? Who in our lives are we being called to forgive?

Reflection Questions:

1. Are there any hurts or grudges that you are holding onto? How can you begin to release them?
2. How does God’s forgiveness of your sins inspire you to forgive others?
3. What steps can you take to foster reconciliation in your relationships?

Closing Prayer:

Lord, You teach us to forgive not just seven times, but seventy-seven times. Help us to let go of resentment and to entrust justice to You. Fill our hearts with Your mercy, so that we may forgive those who have hurt us and seek reconciliation with those we have wronged. May our lives reflect Your boundless love and mercy.

Amen.

Day 19: “Thirsting for God: The Call to Prayer and Renewal”

Scripture Reading (Jerusalem Bible):

John 4:13-14
“Jesus said to her, ‘Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.’”

Reflection:

The Samaritan woman came to the well for ordinary water, but she left with something far greater—an encounter with Christ that changed her forever. This Gospel reminds us that all of us thirst—not just physically, but spiritually. We thirst for meaning, for love, for peace, and for healing. Jesus meets us in that thirst and invites us deeper, offering living water—the gift of His presence that alone can satisfy the soul.

Lent is a time of spiritual renewal, a season where we recognize the wells we have drawn from that do not satisfy. It is easy to look for fulfillment in the world, in busyness, distractions, or fleeting pleasures, only to find ourselves empty again. But Christ calls us to something more: to drink deeply from the well of prayer, silence, and communion with Him.

The Desert Fathers saw thirst for God as the heart of prayer. Abba Longinus said:

“Give your heart to prayer, and your soul will be filled with living water.” (Apophthegmata Patrum, Longinus 3)

Just as the Samaritan woman had to let go of her past and receive Christ’s invitation, so too are we called to let go of distractions and make space for God in prayer. Lent is not only about sacrifice but about making room for the One who alone can satisfy our hearts.

The more we drink of this living water—through prayer, contemplation, and surrender—the more we become transformed. St. Augustine recognized this longing when he wrote:

“You have made us for Yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You.” (Confessions, 1.1)

Like the Samaritan woman, Christ does not force us to drink—He invites. He waits patiently, offering us something far greater than what we came seeking. Will we let go of lesser things to receive Him fully?

As we reflect today, let us ask: What are the empty wells we keep returning to? Where is Christ calling us to deeper prayer and renewal? How can we allow His living water to transform us?

Reflection Questions:

1. What are the things I turn to when I feel empty or restless? Are they truly satisfying?
2. How can I deepen my relationship with Christ through prayer and contemplation?
3. Like the Samaritan woman, what is Christ asking me to leave behind so that I can fully receive His gift of living water?
4. Where is God calling me to renewal in my spiritual life this Lent?

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus, You are the source of living water. Help me to turn away from the things that do not satisfy and seek You with my whole heart. Teach me to sit with You in silence, to drink deeply from Your presence, and to be transformed by Your love. Renew my spirit this Lent and draw me closer to You, the wellspring of life.

Amen.

Scripture Reading (Jerusalem Bible):

Luke 15:20-24
“So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. Then the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Quickly, bring out a robe—the best one—and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!’ And they began to celebrate.”

Reflection:

L His love is extravagant, almost shocking. While the son is still far off, the father runs to meet him, filled with compassion. There is no hesitation, no rebuke—only mercy, welcome, and joy.

This parable reveals the heart of God: a Father who is always watching, always waiting, and always ready to embrace us, no matter how far we’ve strayed. God’s love is not transactional; it does not depend on our worthiness. He celebrates not because we have “earned” forgiveness but because we have come home to Him.

The Desert Fathers also emphasized the boundless mercy of God. Abba Pambo said:

“If you have a heart, you can be saved.” (Apophthegmata Patrum, Alphabetical Collection, Pambo 1)

This simple yet profound saying reminds us that salvation begins with an open heart—a willingness to turn back to God. Similarly, St. Therese of Lisieux, reflecting on God’s mercy, wrote:

“Even if I had committed all possible crimes, I would still have the same trust. I would throw myself into the arms of my Savior, full of sorrow but filled with confidence.” (Story of a Soul)

As we reflect today, let us ask: Do we truly trust in God’s mercy, or do we hold back, believing our sins are too great to forgive? How can we, like the Prodigal Son, rise and return to the Father, confident in His love?

Reflection Questions:

1. Are there areas of your life where you struggle to accept God’s forgiveness and love?
2. How does the father’s response in the parable challenge or inspire you?
3. In what ways can you reflect God’s mercy to others who may feel unworthy or distant?

Closing Prayer:

Lord, You are a loving Father who runs to meet us when we turn back to You. Teach us to trust in Your mercy and to let go of the fear that keeps us from Your embrace. Help us to reflect Your love to others, welcoming them with the same compassion and joy. May we always celebrate the gift of Your forgiveness, which makes us alive again in You.

Amen.

Scripture Reading (Jerusalem Bible):

Micah 7:18-19
“Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over the transgression of the remnant of your possession? He does not retain his anger forever because he delights in showing steadfast love. He will again have compassion upon us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.”

Reflection:

Today’s scripture draws us into the heart of God’s steadfast love and mercy. “He does not retain His anger forever because He delights in showing steadfast love.” These words from the prophet Micah remind us of the boundless mercy of God, who longs not to condemn but to forgive, to heal, and to restore.

God’s forgiveness is not something we earn; it is a gift freely given. Yet, this gift calls for a response from us—a willingness to turn back to Him with contrite hearts. Lent is a time to embrace this call to repentance and to trust in God’s promise to “cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.” No matter how far we may feel from Him, His mercy is always greater.

The Desert Fathers knew that the path to forgiveness often began with humility and the courage to face one’s own weaknesses. Abba Moses the Black said:

“The one who knows his sins is greater than the one who raises the dead.” (Apophthegmata Patrum, Alphabetical Collection, Moses 11)

Similarly, St. Faustina Kowalska, the Apostle of Divine Mercy, reminds us:

“The greater the sinner, the greater the right they have to My mercy.” (Diary of St. Faustina, 723)

God’s mercy is not limited by our failures. It is infinite, waiting to embrace us when we turn to Him in trust. As we reflect today, let us ask: How can we open our hearts more fully to God’s forgiveness? And how can we extend that same mercy to others, reflecting the love we ourselves have received?

Reflection Questions:

1. How does God’s steadfast love and forgiveness inspire us to return to Him with trust?
2. What areas of our lives are in need of healing and repentance?
3. How can we reflect God’s mercy in our relationships with others, especially those who have hurt us?

Closing Prayer:

Lord, You are rich in mercy and delight in showing steadfast love. Teach us to trust in Your forgiveness and to turn back to You with humble hearts. Cast away our sins and fill us with Your healing grace. May Your mercy transform our lives so that we may reflect Your love and compassion to the world. Amen.

Scripture Reading (Jerusalem Bible):

Jeremiah 17:7-8
“Blessed are those who trust in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. They shall be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream. It shall not fear when heat comes, and its leaves shall stay green; in the year of drought it is not anxious, and it does not cease to bear fruit.”

Reflection:

Trust in the Lord is the foundation of a life rooted in grace. The prophet Jeremiah paints a beautiful image of this trust: “like a tree planted by water,” drawing sustenance from the stream. Even in times of drought, when life feels barren or uncertain, the tree remains alive and fruitful. In the same way, when we place our trust in God, His grace sustains us, even through trials.

Yet trusting in God can be difficult. We often rely on our own strength, trying to control situations or solve problems on our own. Self-reliance, while seemingly virtuous, can be a subtle yet severe temptation to pride. When we trust only in ourselves, we risk shutting God out, believing that our abilities alone will carry us through. This is the danger of self-reliance—it leads us away from the humility of depending on God and places the weight of life’s burdens squarely on our own shoulders.

St. Bernard of Clairvaux warns of this temptation:

“The man who trusts in himself is lost. He who trusts in the Lord will never be confounded.” (Sermon on the Song of Songs, 61.3)

Trust in God is not passive—it requires an active surrender, choosing again and again to place our lives in His hands. The Desert Fathers understood this well. Abba Poemen said:

“Do not worry about tomorrow, for it belongs to God. Leave it in His hands.” (Apophthegmata Patrum, Alphabetical Collection, Poemen 26)

St. Francis de Sales, known for his gentle spirituality, echoed this trust in his Introduction to the Devout Life:

“Do not fear what may happen tomorrow. The same loving Father who cares for you today will care for you tomorrow and every day.”

Lent invites us to recognize the places where we are still clinging to control. This is why taking time in silence and deep listening to the Lord in prayer is vital—it is an everyday discerning of His guidance, a continual surrender to His wisdom and direction. Are we trusting in God’s providence or in our own plans? Do we allow Him to lead us, or do we insist on charting our own course? To grow in trust means to surrender—not just in our words but in the very way we live.

As we reflect today, let us ask ourselves: Where is God calling me to let go? What areas of my life am I holding onto too tightly? How can I rest in the knowledge that He is always faithful?

Reflection Questions:

1. What areas of your life feel uncertain or barren, and how can you entrust them to God?
2. How can you remind yourself of God’s faithfulness when doubts arise?
3. What practical steps can you take to deepen your trust in the Lord each day?
4. Where might self-reliance be keeping you from experiencing the freedom of true dependence on God?

Closing Prayer:

Lord, You are the source of life and hope. Teach us to trust in You, even when the path ahead feels uncertain. Help us to surrender our fears and to place our lives in Your loving hands. May we draw strength from Your promises, like a tree planted by the water, and bear fruit in every season.

Amen.

Day 15: “Whoever Wishes to Be Great Must Be a Servant”

Scripture Reading (Jerusalem Bible):

Matthew 20:26-28
“Whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be your slave; just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Reflection:

Jesus challenges us today with a profound truth about greatness: it is not about power or prestige but about service and sacrifice. “Whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant.” Jesus doesn’t simply teach this principle—He lives it. His life is the ultimate example of self-giving love, culminating in His death on the cross for the salvation of all.

This teaching calls us to examine our own hearts. Do we seek recognition or influence? Or are we willing to humble ourselves, to serve without expectation of reward? True service comes from a heart transformed by God’s love, one that seeks to imitate Christ in putting others first.

The Desert Fathers understood the power of humility in the life of service. Abba Isaiah said:
“Let yourself be persecuted, but do not persecute others. Let yourself be crucified, but do not crucify others. Let yourself be wronged, but do not wrong others.” (Apophthegmata Patrum, Alphabetical Collection, Isaiah 14)

Service, then, is not simply an action but a disposition of the heart—a willingness to bear burdens for the sake of others. St. Francis of Assisi, known for his radical embrace of humility and poverty, expressed this beautifully:
“It is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.”

As we reflect today, let us ask ourselves: How can we embrace this call to serve others as Christ served us? What small acts of service can we offer in our daily lives, and how can they bring us closer to the heart of Jesus?

Reflection Questions:

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

1. How can we follow Jesus’ example of selfless service in our relationships?
2. Are there ways we can set aside pride or self-interest to serve others more freely?
3. How does serving others draw us closer to Christ and His love?

Closing Prayer:

Let us now bring our time of reflection to God in prayer, asking for the grace to serve others with humility and love.

Lord, You came not to be served but to serve and to give Your life for us. Teach us to follow Your example, embracing humility and seeking to serve others with joy. Transform our hearts so that we may give without expecting anything in return and love as You love. May our lives reflect the greatness that comes from serving others in Your name. Amen.

Scripture Reading (Jerusalem Bible):

Matthew 23:11-12
“The greatest among you must be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”

Reflection:

Jesus turns our understanding of greatness upside down: “The greatest among you must be your servant.” In a world that often celebrates power, ambition, and self-promotion, Jesus calls us to a different kind of greatness—one rooted in humility and service.

To be a servant is to put others before ourselves, to meet their needs with love and generosity. It is not a sign of weakness but of strength—a strength that comes from knowing who we are as beloved children of God. True humility does not diminish our dignity but elevates it, allowing us to reflect God’s love in our actions.

The Desert Fathers emphasized humility as the foundation of the spiritual life. Abba Macarius taught:

“If you are humble, you will inherit the earth without even trying. Humility brings peace to the soul.” (Apophthegmata Patrum, Alphabetical Collection, Macarius 15)

St. Bernard of Clairvaux, one of the great teachers of humility, reminds us:

“No spiritual house can stand if humility is not its foundation.” (Sermon on the Song of Songs, 16.2)

Humility is seeing our giftedness as well as our limitations, recognizing that all has a purpose in God’s plan for our lives and His mission to the world. It is not thinking less of ourselves, but thinking of ourselves less. It is an interior disposition that recognizes all good comes from God. St. Bernard also warns of the dangers of pride, calling it “the enemy of grace”, for when we seek our own exaltation, we close ourselves off to God’s work in our hearts.

Humility frees us from the burden of constantly proving ourselves. It allows us to serve others with joy, knowing that our reward is not in the praise of men but in the love of God. When we embrace humility, we allow Christ to lead us on the path to true greatness—a greatness measured not by power, but by love.

As we reflect on Jesus’ words, let us consider: How is He calling us to embrace humility and service today? Where do we need to let go of pride and seek instead the grace of a servant’s heart?

Reflection Questions:

1. How can I embrace humility in my daily life?
2. Who are the people God is calling me to serve, and how can I do so with a humble heart?
3. How does serving others draw me closer to Christ, who came to serve and not to be served?
4. In what areas of my life do I struggle with pride, and how can I surrender them to God?

Closing Prayer:

Lord, You humbled Yourself to serve us, even to the point of death on the cross. Teach us to follow Your example, embracing humility and seeking greatness in service. Help us to put others before ourselves and to love as You love. May our lives reflect Your light and bring glory to Your name.

Amen.