February 29, 2016 - Monday

As the deer longs for streams of water,
so my soul longs for you, O God.
My soul thirsts for God, the living God.
When can I enter and see the face of God? (Psalm 4:2-3 NABRE)

How badly do you long for the chance to be in the actual presence of God? How desperate are you to look at the face of Jesus and to know his full attention? Is it as deeply as you need water? For the Psalmist, it seems, he thirsted for God with his whole being, as a deer longs for streams of water.

Lord, the thought of being in your company is beyond my capacity to truly experience. I can imagine it, but I hope to feel it too. During this Lenten season, help me to prepare myself for that moment, while at the same time appreciating this very moment, in which you are already present to me. May I appreciate what I have been given in this moment, so I will ultimately come to share the fullness of your presence at that time you have ordained.


Today, I will look forward to the time when I can be more fully in God's presence.


Saint Oswald, known for your sanctity and your love for the poor, pray for us.

February 28, 2016 - Sunday

These things happened as examples for us, so that we might not desire evil things, as they did.
And do not become idolaters, as some of them did, as it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to revel.”
Let us not indulge in immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell within a single day.
Let us not test Christ as some of them did, and suffered death by serpents.
Do not grumble as some of them did, and suffered death by the destroyer.
These things happened to them as an example, and they have been written down as a warning to us, upon whom the end of the ages has come. (1 Corinthians 10:6-11 NABRE)

So many rules! Sometimes it can seem like everything is off limits to us, doesn't it? And yet, we can look to Jesus' summary of the Jewish law which is a useful expression of the moral code by which we should be living:

Jesus replied, “The first is this: ‘Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone!

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’

The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:29-31)

Today, I will heed Paul's warning and examine my actions and choices in the light of Jesus' words.


Blessed Daniel Brottier, whose energetic faith aided soldiers, orphaned and abandoned children, pray for us.

February 27, 2016 - Saturday

He has not dealt with us as our sins merit,
nor requited us as our wrongs deserve.
For as the heavens tower over the earth,
so his mercy towers over those who fear him.
As far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our sins from us.
As a father has compassion on his children,
so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him. (Psalm 103:10-13 NABRE)

I don't think of it often enough, but what a relief it is that God doesn't deal with us as we deserve! Instead of that "eye for an eye" sort of justice, he is full of mercy for those who fear him and call him father. He has compassion on his people, removing our sins from us as though they were never there.

Especially during Lent as we share in this Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, we are called to reflect God's divine generosity by practicing works of mercy toward others.


Today, I will be grateful that the Lord deals with us mercifully and with compassion.


Saint Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows, patron of the clergy, pray for us.

February 26, 2016 - Friday

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. (John 3:16 NABRE)

When we accept the fundamental truths of faith, we find ourselves poised to move forward in a new direction. When we place our trust in the Lord, we begin to experience the physical world in the light of God's involvement with it.

And once we do those things, we begin to grow in the wisdom which is rooted in faith, we begin to seek a deeper connection with God through his Spirit, and we begin to show signs of our own personal development in the Spirit.

And all of this is possible because God the Father sent his only Son, Jesus, as our redeemer, and then sent us the Holy Spirit who remains with us as a continuing presence among us until Jesus returns. May we all demonstrate the Fruit of the Holy Spirit in our daily lives.


Today, on this Friday of the Second Week of Lent, I will seek greater self control through fasting and abstinence.


Saint Maria Bertilla Boscardin, who died in 1922 and for whom rejection, ridicule and disappointment were trials which brought you closer to God and more determined to serve him, pray for us.

February 25, 2016 - Thursday

Blessed are those who trust in the LORD;
the LORD will be their trust.
They are like a tree planted beside the waters
that stretches out its roots to the stream:
It does not fear heat when it comes,
its leaves stay green;
In the year of drought it shows no distress,
but still produces fruit. (Jeremiah 17:7-8 NABRE)

I love this passage from Jeremiah! Carry it into every moment!


Today, I will trust in the Lord.


Blessed Sebastian of Aparicio, who helped men and women recognize their God-given dignity and destiny, pray for us.

February 24, 2016 - Wednesday

But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave. (Matthew 20:26-27 NABRE)

At the heart of Jesus' message is a call to serve others. In order to respond to this message, we work first to put aside our pride and replace it with humility.

Saint Paul puts it this way: "For by the grace given to me I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than one ought to think, but to think soberly, each according to the measure of faith that God has apportioned." (Romans 12:3)

And so, as I work to resist the impulse to think more highly of myself than I should, I create room in my heart for Jesus' message and I begin to seek out opportunities to express his love for each one of us by my service.


Today, I will seek to serve.


Blessed Luke Belludi, travelling companion and attendant to Saint Anthony, pray for us.

February 23, 2016 - Tuesday

Wash yourselves clean!
Put away your misdeeds from before my eyes;
cease doing evil;
learn to do good.
Make justice your aim: redress the wronged,
hear the orphan’s plea, defend the widow.
Come now, let us set things right,
says the LORD:
Though your sins be like scarlet,
they may become white as snow;
Though they be red like crimson,
they may become white as wool. (Isaiah 1:16-18 NABRE)

Let's apply these challenging lines to our modern lives. Let's challenge ourselves to rethink our day, how we spend our energy, and how we see our role in this world. Where do we get our value and our purpose? These lines reflect in a very beautiful way God's answer to life's mysteries and problems.

I can put forth an effort to do good deeds. I can speak out when I witness someone being wronged. I can take action today to help someone in need. I can change my heart by focusing my thoughts on others. And when I seek to increasingly put the benefit of others at the forefront of my every thought, word, and action, I change myself in the process.


Today, I will evaluate my purpose in the context of God's Word.


Saint Polycarp, patron of those with earaches, pray for us.

February 22, 2016 - Monday

He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”
Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father.
And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. (Matthew 16:15-18 NABRE)

Saint Peter was a friend of Jesus. At some point during their friendship, God revealed to Peter some understanding of the divine nature of Jesus and of the purpose of his presence here. His friend was more than a teacher or a prophet. He was the one God had promised to send as a savior for his people. And more than that, as Peter became aware, Jesus was God's own son. It is almost too much to take in.

In today's passage, we read the moment when God's son, the second person of the Trinity, installed Peter as the head of his church and empowered that same church to withstand all threats of evil for all time. Jesus' church will endure. As has been said, the battle has already been won. And we are undeservedly and impossibly blessed to share in God's promise of eternal salvation.


Today, on this Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter, I will recall the continuity of the Church established by Jesus himself, the leadership of which was made human in the person of the first Holy Father, Simon Peter, and I will pray especially for Pope Francis and his intentions.


Saint Peter, whose office we still honor today, pray for us.

February 21, 2016 - Sunday

But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we also await a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will change our lowly body to conform with his glorified body by the power that enables him also to bring all things into subjection to himself. (Philippians 3:20-21 NABRE)

Christians constitute a colony of heaven, as Philippi was a colonia of Rome (Acts 16:12). The hope Paul expresses involves the final coming of Christ, not a status already attained.*

Father God, may I be mindful at all times that I am your child, a citizen of heaven, and may I wait joyfully for the return of your son, Jesus. Thank you for the many blessings of this day, and especially for the chance to share your mercy with others.


Today, on this Second Sunday of Lent, I will recall my heavenly citizenship.


Saint Peter Damian, a reformer who live a thousand years ago who would have encouraged us to continue renewing the Church and to place an increasing reliance on prayer, pray for us.

February 20, 2016 - Saturday

But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have? (Matthew 5:44-46a NABRE)

We are consumed today with revenge, with vengeance, with payback, with our version of fair. We are quick to understand and encourage someone who has been wronged to seek retribution, to sue, to take all they can as compensation for the loss.

But when we think this way, we lose sight of Jesus. Jesus did not seek any of these things. Jesus is the perfect imprint of God, and he calls us to live differently. Jesus, tells us to love our enemies--stop for a minute now and think who your enemies are. Who persecutes you in some way? Who is unfair with you? Who dislikes you and is glad to disparage or gossip about you?

Take another minute now, and decide to pray for that one person. Promise yourself, right now to love them as much as you love yourself. And be confident that it will lead you to the heart Jesus wants you to have.


Today, I will pray for everyone I encounter, regardless of how they treat me.


Blesseds Jacinta and Francisco Marto, to whom our Lady of Fatima appeared in 1917, pray for us.

February 19, 2016 - Friday

You say, “The LORD’s way is not fair!” Hear now, house of Israel: Is it my way that is unfair? Are not your ways unfair?
When the just turn away from justice to do evil and die, on account of the evil they did they must die.
But if the wicked turn from the wickedness they did and do what is right and just, they save their lives. (Ezekiel 18:25-27 NABRE)

For many of us, it is really difficult to accept our individual responsibility. In fact, as I write this, I find it difficult to think that I am one of those who is unfair, who turns away from justice, who does evil things. I do not like to think of my personal culpability. I'd rather blame someone else, even God, for my bad choices. Instead, I prefer to think positively about myself, that I am fair and fair minded, that I avoid doing evil things, and that I do what is right and just.

But Lord, how is it that I am so often deceived--most often deceived about myself? Lord, grant me sight so that I might come to recognize my true shortcomings, so that I might change those attitudes, beliefs, and habits which draw me farther and farther away from you. Lead me away from evil choices that lead to death. Lead me toward right choices, toward the just decisions which lead to life in your presence.


Today, I will remember my individual responsibility to choose what is right and just.


Saint Conrad of Piacenza, who reminds us of the greatness of God and of the joys of heaven, pray for us.

February 18, 2016 - Thursday

The LORD is with me to the end.
LORD, your mercy endures forever.
Never forsake the work of your hands! (Psalm 138:8 NABRE)

The psalmist, having experienced salvation, trusts that God will always be there in moments of danger.* Each one of us is a work of God's hands. His mercy is unfathomable and he never turns his gaze away from us. May we trust that he is with us at all times, especially at times of greatest difficulty and challenge, and times when we do not sense his presence. May our faith in his promise carry us through such times to see the fulfillment of the promise.


Today, I will ask the Lord to be with me in my moments of danger.


Blessed John of Fiesole, known as Fra Angelico, patron of Christian artists, pray for us.

The Virgin of the Annunciation - Fra Angelico

February 17, 2016 - Wednesday

Have mercy on me, God, in accord with your merciful love;
in your abundant compassion blot out my transgressions.
Thoroughly wash away my guilt;
and from my sin cleanse me.
A clean heart create for me, God;
renew within me a steadfast spirit.
Do not drive me from before your face,
nor take from me your holy spirit. (Psalm 51:3-4, 12-13 NABRE)

Today's passage asks deliverance from sin, not just from a past act but also from its emotional, physical, and social consequences. It also seeks something more profound than wiping the slate clean: nearness to God, living by the spirit of God.*

Dear Lord, if I could just walk away from my sinful nature! Since you are my only means to a clean heart, I ask in all humility that you would be merciful to me, a sinner. Thank you for watching over me and for the Spirit you have placed within me.


Today, I will ask the Lord to wash away my guilt.


Seven Founders of the Servite Order, who remind us that we are all faced in a new and urgent way with the challenge to make our lives decisively centered in Christ, pray for us.

February 16, 2016 - Tuesday

If you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you.
But if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions. (Matthew 6:14-15 NABRE)

These verses reflect a set pattern which theologians call “Principles of Holy Law.” Human action now will be met by a corresponding action of God at the final judgment.* The main thrust of this passage is that forgiveness of our fellow man/woman is crucial to our relationship with the Father through the Son.  We cannot ask God to forgive us if we withhold our forgiveness of others.*


Today, I will not withhold my forgiveness from anyone who has hurt me.


Saint Gilbert of Sempringham, who chose to share his wealth with the poor, filling "the plate of the Lord Jesus,", pray for us.

February 15, 2016 - Monday

The law of the LORD is perfect,
refreshing the soul.
The decree of the LORD is trustworthy,
giving wisdom to the simple.
The precepts of the LORD are right,
rejoicing the heart.
The command of the LORD is clear,
enlightening the eye. (Psalm 19:8-9 NABRE)

While it may not be intuitive, rules can give us freedom. In today's passage from Psalm 19, we see David's awareness of just this. He reminds us that God's guidance is perfect and meant to refresh the soul. God's Word is trustworthy, gives us wisdom if we are open to it. His direction is objectively correct, giving us joy. And his commands are clear.

I read the Bible to gain clear, correct, trustworthy and perfect guidance.

I read the Bible for refreshment, wisdom, joy and enlightenment.

Thank you, king David, for reminding me of these remarkable benefits of knowing and living by the precepts of God.


Today, on this Monday of the First Week of Lent, I will read from God's Word.


Saint Claude de la Colombière, who promoted devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray for us.

February 14, 2016 - Sunday

Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone.’”

Jesus said to him in reply, “It is written: ‘You shall worship the Lord, your God, and him alone shall you serve.’”

Jesus said to him in reply, “It also says, ‘You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test.’” (Luke 4:4, 8, 12 NABRE)

In the desert, Satan tempted Jesus three times. And three times Jesus--a man like us--avoided the temptation offered to him. How did he do it? At the moment of choice, what did he do consistently to avoid a temptation?

Each time Jesus was tempted, he quoted scripture. In fact, he quoted Deuteronomy, the fifth book of the Bible, the conclusion of the Torah, which contains laws given by Moses to the Israelites.

Deuteronomy 8:3 states, "He therefore let you be afflicted with hunger, and then fed you with manna, a food unknown to you and your ancestors, so you might know that it is not by bread alone that people live, but by all that comes forth from the mouth of the LORD."

Deuteronomy 6:13 states, "The LORD, your God, shall you fear; him shall you serve,^* and by his name shall you swear."

Deuteronomy 6:16 states, "You shall not put the LORD, your God, to the test, as you did at Massah."


Today, on this First Sunday of Lent, I will try recalling scripture if I encounter temptation.


Saints Cyril and Methodius, patrons of Slavic peoples, pray for us.

February 13, 2016 - Saturday

Teach me, LORD, your way
that I may walk in your truth,
single-hearted and revering your name. (Psalm 86:11 NABRE)

During Lent, we encounter many passages from God's word which are either instructive or condemning, many verses which make us uncomfortable--if we really think about them--and even have the power to spur us to action.

Today's verse, however, does none of these things. Today's verse, words of a king, are a simple and humble plea to God. In these words, David acknowledges his own personal need for God's instruction. May we put aside any arrogance we might have and adopt this same humility.

And with David, may we pursue God's way, God's truth, and God's presence in our day.


Today, on this Saturday after Ash Wednesday, I will examine my own heart for arrogance, asking God to replace it with humility before him, and an openness to his instruction.


Saint Giles Mary of St. Joseph, who had a healthy sense of his own sinfulness—not paralyzing but not superficial either, pray for us.

February 12, 2016 - Friday

Is this not, rather, the fast that I choose:
releasing those bound unjustly,
untying the thongs of the yoke;
Setting free the oppressed,
breaking off every yoke?
Is it not sharing your bread with the hungry,
bringing the afflicted and the homeless into your house;
Clothing the naked when you see them,
and not turning your back on your own flesh? (Isaiah 58:6-7 NABRE)

These words of God to Isaiah explain the type of fasting he chooses, rather than the hypocritical fasting that was occurring without alignment with other actions. In other words, God wants us to fast as a sign of a personal change that leads us to help others in need. He does not want us to deny ourselves food, for example, while ignoring those who have no food.

And do you hear the echo of Jesus' final judgment (Matthew 25:31-46)? May we see clearly the connection between our fasting, our attitudes and actions toward those in need, and our final salvation.


Today, on this Friday after Ash Wednesday, I will continue my personal Lenten journey focused on the corporal and spiritual works of mercy which extend God's love to those most in need.


Saint Apollonia, patron of dentists and those with toothaches, pray for us.

February 11, 2016 - Thursday

Then [Jesus] said to all, “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.
For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. (Luke 9:23-24 NABRE)

Luke adds the word "daily" to this saying of Jesus. By so doing, he removes the saying from a context that envisioned the imminent suffering and death of the disciple of Jesus (as does the saying in Mark 8:34–35) to one that focuses on the demands of daily Christian existence.*

Dear Lord, you have shown me how to follow you and it does not happen easily for me! Help me to challenge myself each day, to disrupt my own thinking and inclinations, and to push through my desire for self-protection. Denying myself requires a crystal clear choice based on a firm and resolute faith. Grant me, by your Spirit, the courage and discernment to make these choices throughout the day which lead me toward you, even when it means difficulty for me. For I know you are always with me.


Today, I will take up my cross, recognizing the demands of daily Christian living.


Our Lady of Lourdes, patroness of those suffering bodily ills, pray for us.

February 10, 2016 - Wednesday

Yet even now—oracle of the LORD—
return to me with your whole heart,
with fasting, weeping, and mourning.
Rend your hearts, not your garments,
and return to the LORD, your God,
For he is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love,
and relenting in punishment. (Joel 2:12-13 NABRE)

God calls us back to him. He desires a relationship with us. In his perfection, he extends grace and mercy to us, his creatures, for the many ways we turn away from him and even deny his existence. May we answer his call, turning our hearts back to him, constantly, aware of our failings, willing to change ourselves, and grateful for his love and mercy.


Today, on this Ash Wednesday, I will begin my personal Lenten journey focused on the corporal and spiritual works of mercy which extend God's love to those most in need.


Saint Scholastica, twin sister of Saint Benedict and patroness of nuns, pray for us.

February 9, 2016 - Tuesday

He responded, “Well did Isaiah prophesy about you hypocrites, as it is written:
‘This people honors me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me;
In vain do they worship me,
teaching as doctrines human precepts.’
You disregard God’s commandment but cling to human tradition.”
He went on to say, “How well you have set aside the commandment of God in order to uphold your tradition! (Mark 7:6-9 NABRE)

Jesus had harsh words for the religious leaders of his day. They had drifted away from the spirit of God's laws, misled by the traditions that had grown up around them. And so, what likely began out of good intention, changed with time into something far from the original intent.

Lord Jesus, thank you for reminding me of the importance of understanding our traditions in the light of your commands. May I always look to our long-established traditions to see how they reflect the will of the Father. When I don't understand or agree with our tradition, lead me to study its history, how it was established, and why it has endured. And may I accept our traditions as I learn to better understand them.


Today, I will examine places in my life where I cling to human tradition while disregarding God's commandment.


Saint Jerome Emiliani, patron of orphans and abandoned children, pray for us.

February 8, 2016 - Monday

He went around all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and curing every disease and illness among the people. (Matthew 4:23 NABRE)

Jesus had become well known in the region and knowledge of him spread by the activities of his ministry: Teaching, proclaiming the gospel, and healing people.* While we don't often think about it, his impact made such a deep and wide impression on people that we remember much of what he did even today. Added to his impossible resurrection from the dead, his healings and re-evaluating of the path to salvation became the foundation for our faith today.


Today, I will try and imagine myself present during the ministry of Jesus, able to see him, hear him, and possibly touch him myself.


Saint Josephine Bakhita, a slave who worked under many "masters" was finally happy to address God as "master" and carry out everything that she believed to be God's will for her, pray for us.

February 7, 2016 - Sunday

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?” “Here I am,” I said; “send me!” (Isaiah 6:8 NABRE)

The sending of Isaiah has two parts. God's call and Isaiah's response. Isaiah's willing and enthusiastic response to God's call is unusual. More often than not, mankind tends to run from God's call rather than toward it.


Today, I will run enthusiastically toward God's call.


Saint Colette, who once said, "May the Father of all mercy, the Son by his holy passion, and the Holy Spirit, source of peace, sweetness and love, fill us with their consolation," pray for us.

February 6, 2016 - Saturday

Now, LORD, my God, you have made me, your servant, king to succeed David my father; but I am a mere youth, not knowing at all how to act—
I, your servant, among the people you have chosen, a people so vast that it cannot be numbered or counted.
Give your servant, therefore, a listening heart to judge your people and to distinguish between good and evil. For who is able to give judgment for this vast people of yours?” (1 Kings 3:7-9 NABRE)

Solomon was the son of King David. He became king after his father and has since been remembered for his great wisdom. Today's passage illustrates how much like his father Solomon was.

The Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream and said, "Whatever you ask I shall give you." As we read, Solomon does not ask the Lord for a long life, riches, or the destruction of his many enemies. Instead, he asks God for discernment to know what is right. And God granted this and more.


Today, I will thank God for his Spirit, who provides each of us with discernment to know what is right.


Saint Paul Mika and Companions, 26 faith-filled souls who became martyrs in Japan in 1597, pray for us.

February 5, 2016 - Friday

With his every deed he offered thanks
to God Most High, in words of praise.
With his whole heart he loved his Maker
and daily had his praises sung;
He added beauty to the feasts
and solemnized the seasons of each year
With string music before the altar,
providing sweet melody for the psalms
So that when the Holy Name was praised,
before daybreak the sanctuary would resound. (Sirach 47:8-10 NABRE)

The Book of Sirach was written in Hebrew in the early years of the second century B.C., finished about 175. The text was translated into Greek by the author’s grandson, Yeshua, after 117 B.C. Yeshua also wrote a foreword which contains valuable information about the book, its author, and himself as translator. We know that this book, The Wisdom of Ben Sira, got its title from the author, “Yeshua [Jesus], son of Eleazar, son of Sira” (50:27). A large portion of Sirach contains a eulogy of the heroes of Israel, including King David, the subject of today's compelling passage.(44:1–50:24)*

Lord God, let me emulate David's constant habit of giving you thanks. I want to be consciously grateful in every moment of my day. Let me offer you words of praise throughout each day. I want to open my heart to you entirely as David did. May the many expressions of my joy and confidence in you add beauty to my world, solemnize my world, and cause the places I spend my day to resound with reminders of your presence.


Today, I will give thanks and praise to the Lord.


Saint Agatha, virgin, martyr, and patroness of nurses, foundry workers, and against breast disease, pray for us.

February 4, 2016 - Thursday

He summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits.
He instructed them to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick—no food, no sack, no money in their belts.
They were, however, to wear sandals but not a second tunic. (Mark 6:7-9 NABRE)

Jesus required of his apostles a total dependence on God for food and shelter.*

This should challenge us today. While we are out in the world doing the work of Jesus, do we rely on God, or do we rely on Visa? We are so deeply conditioned in our society to believe in our own abilities and the sometimes-too-easily-accessed resources of our instant-gratification culture that we either minimize God's role in our daily work or forget him completely. We have flipped over the model of life and mission which Jesus asked his apostles to follow.

We are not all called to live by taking nothing for our journey; but we are, I believe, called to take what we need, to remember that God is our provider, and to rely on his sufficient care. We are called to set aside the extravagant excesses of this world and remember we are merely passing through this life, looking forward to the next.


Today, I will spend some time thinking about where I might let go of wasteful excess in my day.


Saint Joseph of Leonissa, whose life challenges us to face life courageously and get to the heart of it: life with God, pray for us.

February 3, 2016 - Wednesday

Then I declared my sin to you;
my guilt I did not hide.
I said, “I confess my transgression to the LORD,”
and you took away the guilt of my sin.
Therefore every loyal person should pray to you
in time of distress.
Though flood waters threaten,
they will never reach him.
You are my shelter; you guard me from distress;
with joyful shouts of deliverance you surround me. (Psalm 32:5-7 NABRE)

It may be one of the most difficult things we are asked to do, to be honest about our own faults.

We may call them shortcomings or sins, transgressions or bad choices. They are the thoughts, actions, and decisions we make, both big and small, that hurt our relationship with the Lord.

But when we recognize that each of us struggles with imperfection, each a little differently, that we can accept that we are merely human. Once we find some sense of humility, we turn to God, honestly declaring to him our sins as David did. We no longer hide our guilt and we confess what we have done and failed to do. And in his great mercy, God hears our distress and heals us. More, he strengthens us for whatever we will face next.


Today, I will pray to the Lord, confident in his Divine Mercy.


Saint Blaise, patron of throat ailments, pray for us.

February 2, 2016 - Tuesday

A light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and glory for your people Israel. (Luke 2:32 NABRE)

When Mary and Joseph brought the baby Jesus to the Temple, forty days after he was born according to custom, an elderly man, Simeon, had this to say when he recognized Jesus as the promised Messiah.

Simeon was informed by the Spirit of God. He, along with an elderly woman, Anna, represent the hopes and expectations of faithful and devout Jews who at this time were looking forward to the restoration of God’s rule in Israel. The birth of Jesus brings these hopes to fulfillment.*


Today, on this Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, I will remember Mary's purity and the arrival of a savior in our midst.


Mary, Mother of God, pray for us.

February 1, 2016 - Monday

Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, exclaiming, “A great prophet has arisen in our midst,” and “God has visited his people.” (Luke 7:16 NABRE)

Luke remarks that God has visited his people. He makes the same remark in the Canticle of Zachariah. (Luke 1:68) Recall that Zachariah was Elizabeth's husband, John the Baptist's father.

Let us never forget that God has indeed visited us. The person of Jesus, son of Mary and Joseph, is our Lord and God. He dwelt among us, raised the son of a carpenter about two thousand years ago. And during his visit with us, he did some truly astounding things, miracles that at times raised questions, fear, excitement, and confusion. With the benefit of hindsight, we are fortunate to be able to reflect on these events in a wider context.


Today, I will remember that God indeed visited his people.


Saint Ansgar, patron of Denmark, known as the “apostle of the north,” pray for us.