Lenten Reflections

Gospel: Matt 25:31-46

Today’s gospel tells us to take care of the least among us, and reminds us that anyone in need (regardless of where they come from, why they are here, what they do for a living, the choices they’ve made, how they dress,) is our neighbor and it is our responsibility to help to have the things that they need. As Jesus says “Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.” and later he says “Amen, I say to you, what you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me.” And these will go off to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.” (Matthew 25:40, 45-46). 

Today, we ask ourselves: Do I recognize those are are least among us, and do what I can to help them?

Gospel: Matt 6:7-15

From today’s gospel reading: “Your Father knows what you need before you ask him. "This is how you are to pray: Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” 

Do I trust that God has my best interest in mind? How can I trust that God will take care of me?

Gospel: Luke 11:29-32

From today’s gospel: “there is something greater than Solomon here.” 

How do share the greatness of Jesus with others?

Gospel: Matt 7:7-12

From today’s gospel: "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” 

What do I need to ask God for today?

Gospel: Matthew 5:20-26

From today’s Gospel: “Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” 

Is there someone in my life I need to forgive? What will it take for me to forgive?

Gospel: Matthew 5:43-48

From today’s gospel: “But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father.” 

How will I remember to pray for people who have been unkind to me this coming week?
 

Gospel: Luke 9:28b-36

In today’s gospel, Peter, James and John were able to see Jesus in a completely new way, the way that most closely revealed who Jesus is as the Son of God. They heard Jesus identified as God’s chosen Son, but they were not sure how to describe what they had seen, so they didn’t tell anyone. Sometimes, it is hard for us to describe experiences of faith or encounters with Jesus that we have experienced. Sometimes, it can be hard to admit we had them at all. We might be afraid that people will treat us like we’re different or look at us funny. Ultimately, Peter, James and John overcame their uncertainty and fear and spent the rest of their lives teaching and spreading Jesus’ message to the world. 

This lent, let us also find a new way we can share our faith with someone, whether that’s a family member, friend, classmate or teacher. 
 

Gospel: Luke 4:1-13

In today’s gospel, after spending 40 days fasting and praying, Jesus was hungry. The devil used Jesus’ hunger to tempt Jesus away from his mission to spread the good news of God’s kingdom. Jesus responds to the temptations of the devil using Scripture and the confidence that he is following the will of the Father. After Jesus turned every temptation, the devil departed him for a time, but not forever. We often also face temptations in our life, in a variety of areas. Maybe it’s to just stand by and watch while a classmate is teased or harassed, or to gossip about something someone said, or post unkind things online. Resisting temptation can be difficult, especially when it happens over and over. Spending time in prayer, being around people who uplift and help us, can help us resist this temptation. During this Lenten season, let us make an effort to resist those temptations that do not recognize the dignity of others and choose actions that build up and help each other. 
 

Gospel: Luke 5:27-32

From today’s gospel reading: “Jesus saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the customs post.
He said to him, "Follow me." And leaving everything behind, he got up and followed him.” (Luke 5:27-28). 

What am I being called to give up so I can more fully follow Jesus? 
 

Gospel: Matthew 9:14-15

From today’s first reading: “This, rather, is the fasting that I wish: releasing those bound unjustly, untying the thongs of the yoke; Setting free the oppressed, breaking every yoke; Sharing your bread with the hungry, sheltering the oppressed and the homeless; Clothing the naked when you see them, and not turning your back on your own. Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your wound shall quickly be healed; Your vindication shall go before you, and the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard. (Isaiah 58:6-8) 

What is one thing I will do to help someone in need this Lenten season? 
 

Gospel: Luke 9:22-25

From today’s gospel reading: "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) 

What is the cross I am being called to take up this lenten season? 
 

Gospel: Matt 6:1-6, 16-18

Ash Wednesday is about refocusing and realigning ourselves in relationship to God and one another. We must encounter our sinfulness and frailty not with shame and blame but with honesty and truth, trusting that God receives our confession. Today our readings remind us to repent and acknowledge our wrongdoings.  We reflect today to remember our sinfulness and ask God for his mercy and forgiveness. During Lent we practice the 3 pillars of prayer, fasting and almsgiving.  We repent and ask God for forgiveness. We receive the Ashes as a visible sign of life that is fleeting and that we should humble our hearts. As we reflect on the season of Lent and the readings we will hear today we ask God to humble our hearts and allow us to follow Christ on the Way of the Cross.
 

-Mary Ridler, Theology Department