I am often discouraged by the state of our world.
I tell myself: I cannot ever do enough. I can’t end wars. I can’t stop violence. I can’t solve world hunger. I can’t reverse climate degradation. It’s too easy to slip down the road of despair.
But Jesus was abundantly clear. In a time when the world was even more violent, even more hungry, and far more sickly than our world today, Jesus said: Do not despair. Have hope.
How, in the face of all this?!?
Reading the lives of the saints can be inspiring. But it can also be scary - I am not good enough for that! I’ll never be good enough for that!
In Pope Francis’s Gaudete et Exsultate (“Rejoice and Be Glad”) he assures us that it’s not about copying the saints. It’s not about being exactly like the saints. It’s about becoming who we are called to be.
Monday Resource
Today’s resource is a collection of landing pages from Papal Messages for Lent. In particular, let us reflect on the consistent themes in the 27 Lenten Messages of Pope St. John Paul II - the poor, the hungry, the marginalized, and a reminder that Lent is a time to serve and pray in solidarity.
Pope John Paul II’s Lenten Messages (1979-2005)
Bonus resources:
For the second week in a row, this weekend’s Gospels (Saturday and Sunday) are both broaden our vision, move our hearts, and increase our hope.
The Fourth Station of the Cross
Jesus Meets His Mother
I am not a parent. From what I understand, many parents view this station through the lens of parenthood. That is natural, in large part because reflecting on the Stations (as with any part of the Gospels) invites us to imagine ourselves with the living breathing Jesus - encountering Him, responding to Him, building a relationship with Him. That is precisely why reflecting on the Gospels is such a fruitful form of prayer.
Papal Wisdom for Lent
Pope Francis spoke about a reflection on forgiveness during Lent 2014. His characterization of God’s forgiveness is powerful.
“God doesn’t forgive with a decree but with a caress”. He forgives by “caressing the wounds caused by our sins, because he is involved in forgiveness, is involved in our salvation”.
-Pope Francis
When we consider our need for forgiveness, let us also consider how God forgives - not with a decree but with a caress.
“Prayer is a matter of relationship…”
Yesterday, we prompted our 5 minute conversation by saying “you probably know what you’d like to talk with God about today.”
Today, let’s flip it.
Is there something God wants to talk to you about? Perhaps something you haven’t particularly wanted to discuss with him lately? (It’s okay if nothing comes to mind! In fact... that’s kind of the point…)
“Prayer is a matter of relationship… Engaging closely with God over time, we allow the Spirit to transform us into people who are more like the images of God we are created to be - that is, more like Jesus.”
–Fr. William Barry, S.J., A Friendship Like No Other
The University of Notre Dame has recently begun a series of short YouTube videos titled “Journey to Sainthood”, highlighting the life story of remarkable Catholics from the United States who are currently on their journey towards potential canonization in the Catholic Church. These stories are inspiring and motivating, serving as excellent reflection points for Notre Dame’s annual Walk the Walk Week.
