TURNING AROUNDDaily Refections with The Messageby Ann Nafziger

Copyright © 2014 by Ann Nafziger & The Pastoral Center

Commentary and questions by Ann Nafziger, MDiv, MABL Edited and designed by Paul CanaveseCover image by Robin Benad. Provided by Crew Labs Inc. on Unsplash.com. Creative Commons Zero/public domain.

Published by ACTA Publications, 4848 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60640, (800) 397-2282, actapublications.com

Scripture texts in this work are taken from The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language (Catholic/Ecumenical Edition), © 2013 by Eugene Peterson. Used with permission of NavPress.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced ortransmited in any form or by any means, electronic, digital, or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, including the Internet, without permission from the publisher. Permission is hereby given to use short excerpts with proper citation in reviews and marketing copy, newsleters, bulletins, class handouts, and scholarly papers.

ISBN: 978-0-87946-534-6Printed in the United States of America by Total Printing Systems Year 20 19 18 17 16 15 14Printing 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 First

Text printed on 30% post-consumer recycled paper

The MessageThe Scripture passages in this booklet come from The Message: Catholic/Ecumenical Edition. It is a fresh, challenging, and faith-filled translation of the Bible from the original languages into contemporary, conversational American English. It's a Bible that talks like we do. This “paraphrasal” translation tries to reproduce the spirit of the original text rather than provide a literal translationof the words. While The Message has sold over sixteen million copies in various editions, the Catholic/Ecumenical Edition has onlyrecently become available.

You may find some of the Bible passages jarring at first, and that's part of the point—these readings are more direct in the original languages than we sometimes realize. We hope they will provide new insights into overly familiar texts and help you think again about what they have to say to us today. Compare The Message with other translations, pray with it, and let it challenge you this Lent.

Visit TheMessageCatholic.com for further information about this translation.

How to Use This BookletThis booklet is intended to give you food for thought and invite God's movement in your heart during this Lenten season. Many people find their prayer time more fruitful if they set aside time at the same place and time each day. Perhaps you'll want to reflect on it before getting out of bed in the morning, over your morning cup of coffee, while you are on your daily commute, or in a few minutes of quiet before retiring for the night. Make a commitment to find a time and place that works for you, even if it takes some experimentation.

Consider asking a friend, family member, or a fellow church member to go through this Lenten booklet with you. Then you could discuss it together, offer support and encouragement, and hold each other accountable as you respond to God's invitation to a deeper relationship over these next 40 days.

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February 18 – Ash Wednesday

Joel 2:12-18 ● 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2 ● Matthew 6:1-6,16-18

Come Back to MeBut there’s also this, it’s not too late— GOD’s personal Message!—“Come back to me and really mean it! Come fasting and weeping, sorry for your sins!”Change your life, not just your clothes. Come back to GOD, your God.And here’s why: God is kind and merciful. He takes a deep breath, puts up with a lot,This most patient God, extravagant in love, always ready to cancel catastrophe.

Joel 2:12-13

REFLECTION

Ash Wednesday sounds the call to Christians to “turn around,” to head back in the right direction, to repent. But what if we think wehaven't done anything blatantly and seriously sinful? Joel practically shouts out to us that we are to come back to the God we have left behind in our lives of busyness and self-sufficiency. Orperhaps we have pretended not to hear the still, small whisperingsof God, or we've heard but ignored them. This God is calling for our attention during Lent and it is an urgent call. Do we have the humility to turn back and listen?

ACTION

What concrete, practical step can you commit to during Lent to “come back” to God? Is it reading a spiritual book? Taking 5-10 minutes of quiet time in the morning for prayer? Attending a parish Lenten offering? Finding a spiritual companion to talk with regularly? Make it practical and realistic and get started. “It's not too late.”

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February 19 – Thursday After Ash Wednesday

Deuteronomy 30:15-20 ● Luke 9:22-25

Choose LifeI command you today: Love GOD, your God. Walk in his ways. Keep his commandments, regulations, and rules so that you will live, really live, live exuberantly, blessed by GOD, your God,in the land you are about to enter and possess.

I call Heaven and Earth to witness against you today: I place before you Life and Death, Blessing and Curse. Choose life so that you and your children will live.

Deuteronomy 30:16,19-20

REFLECTION

It seems like such a clear choice. Who among us wouldn't choose life over death, good over evil? Yet in reality, our every day choices are almost never so clear. So where do we find help in discerning what really leads to life? Deuteronomy reminds us we have been given commandments, regulations and rules of love that will help us walk in God's ways. We don't have to discern all on our own. We have Scripture and a long-standing religious tradition that will help us make the life-giving choices.

ACTION

When faced with a decision, even a decision between two goods, how can you call on help in your discernment? Pray about it. Talk with your spouse or a good friend about your dilemma. Seek out aspiritual director. Join a small faith sharing group and broach your dilemma. Don't try to make the decision on your own. Use the community of faith and its wisdom to help you discern!

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February 20 – Friday After Ash Wednesday

Isaiah 58:1-9a ● Matthew 9:14-15

The Kind of Fast Day I'm AfterThe kind of fasting you do won’t get your prayers off the ground.Do you call that fasting, a fast day that I, GOD, would like?This is the kind of fast day I’m after: to break the chains of injustice, get rid of exploitation in the workplace, free the oppressed, cancel debts.What I’m interested in seeing you do is: sharing your food with the hungry, inviting the homeless poor into your homes, putting clothes on the shivering ill-clad, being available to your own families.Do this and the lights will turn on, and your lives will turn around at once.

Isaiah 30:4b, 5b-8a

REFLECTION

Fasting from food or abstaining from meat is positively easy compared to the kind of fasting God requires. God wants action that offers life to others, and to us.

ACTION

What kind of fast can you enact—starting right now—that will break a chain of injustice? A fast from buying clothes made in sweatshops? A fast from pretending not to see the homeless beggars on the street corner? A fast from the technology (e.g. smart phones, iPads, YouTube, Facebook) that keep you from being available to your own family? A fast from underpaying thosewho work for you, whether in your business, in your home, or at a restaurant?

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February 21 – Saturday After Ash Wednesday

Isaiah 58:9b-14 ● Luke 5:27-32

Who Needs a Doctor?The Pharisees and their religion scholars came to his disciples greatly offended. “What is he doing eating and drinking with crooks and ‘sinners’?”

Jesus heard about it and spoke up, “Who needs a doctor: the healthy or the sick? I’m here inviting outsiders, not insiders—an invitation to a changed life, changed inside and out.”

Luke 5:30-32

REFLECTION

Often we identify with a particular character or group of characters in the Gospel stories. Who we identify with or relate to may change over time depending on our life situations. That's whythe Bible is said to be the Living Word—it will have new meaning for us time and time again as we come back to it.

ACTION

Do you find yourself relating to the Pharisees at this point in your life—feeling indignant that Jesus' mercy extends to those you dislike or judge unworthy? If so, pray to feel Jesus' compassion forthem. Ask God's help in letting go of your judgments.

Or do you feel like one of the sinners who has been unexpectedly invited to the party? If so, say a prayer of thanksgiving for the experience of knowing God's mercy.

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February 22 – 1st Sunday of Lent

Genesis 9:8-15 ● 1 Peter 3:18-22 ● Mark 1:12-15

Time's UpAt once, this same Spirit pushed Jesus out into the wild. For forty wilderness days and nights he was tested by Satan. Wild animals were his companions, and angels took care of him.

After John was arrested, Jesus went to Galilee preaching theMessage of God: “Time’s up! God’s kingdom is here. Changeyour life and believe the Message.”

Mark 1:12-15

REFLECTION

It is good that we worship a God who became human, who knows what it is like to experience all the human emotions we experience. Like Jesus, we, too, get pushed out of our comfort zones into the wild where we are tested. It may feel as if wild animals are threatening us, but there are angels there too.

ACTION

Call to mind a desert experience you've had in your life – perhaps a time of grief or great loss, depression or illness. It may be easy to identify the “wild animals” that threatened you, but can you name the angels who took care of you, even if you didn't recognize them at the time? Thank God for them now, and consider sending them a note or giving them a phone call to thankthem personally.

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February 23 – Monday of the 1st Week in Lent

Leviticus 19:1-2,11-18 ● Matthew 25:31-46

You Did It To MeThen the King will say to those on his right, “Enter, you who are blessed by my Father! Take what’s coming to you in this kingdom. It’s been ready for you since the world’s foundation. And here’s why:

I was hungry and you fed me,I was thirsty and you gave me a drink,I was homeless and you gave me a room,I was shivering and you gave me clothes,I was sick and you stopped to visit,I was in prison and you came to me.’

“I’m telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me.”

Matthew 25:34-36,45

REFLECTION

Jesus gives us a clear, can't-be-missed lesson on doing God's will. Failing to care for others is a failure to care for Jesus himself. On the positive side, all we need to do to show our love for Jesus is to show it to others, especially the most needy.

ACTION

Who in my life now comes to me as Jesus in “the distressing disguise of the poor” (Mother Teresa's phrase)? What concrete, specific action can I do to address his or her needs?

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February 24 – Tuesday of the 1st Week in Lent

Isaiah 55:10-11 ● Matthew 6:7-15

Pray Very SimplyThe world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer-ignorant. They’re full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God. Don’t fall for that nonsense. This is your Father you are dealingwith, and he knows better than you what you need. With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply. Like this:

Our Father in heaven,Reveal who you are.Set the world right;Do what’s best— as above, so below.Keep us alive with three square meals.Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.You’re in charge! You can do anything you want!You’re ablaze in beauty! Yes. Yes. Yes.

Matthew 6:7-13

REFLECTION

How many times do we say, or hear others say, “I don't know how to pray?” Fortunately, Jesus has a response for that problem/excuse. If we come back to the simple “Our Father” we can't go wrong. Does the creative translation above give you any insights into this prayer that is so familiar to us?

ACTION

Take a few moments to pray the Our Father with thoughtfulness and intentionality. Trust that God knows what you need, even if you can't articulate it yourself.

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February 25 – Wednesday of the 1st Week in Lent

Jonah 3:1-10 ● Luke 11:29-32

Everyone Must Turn AroundWhen the message reached the king of Nineveh, he got up off his throne, threw down his royal robes, dressed in burlap, and sat down in the dirt. “Everyone must turn around, turn back from an evil life and the violent ways that stain their hands. Who knows? Maybe God will turn around and change his mind about us, quit being angry with us and let us live!”

God saw what they had done, that they had turned away from their evil lives. He did change his mind about them. What he said he would do to them he didn’t do.

Jonah 3:6,8b-10

REFLECTION

Although we may be tempted to despair of the direction our world is going—the growing gap between rich and poor, the breakdown of families and communities, environmental degradation—the book of Jonah reminds us that it's never too late to repent and change our ways. What seemed irreversible was not, because nothing is impossible with God.

ACTION

What is God inviting you to get “up on your feet” to do? Pray for the strength and initiative to do it, then commit to a concrete plan to begin.

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February 26 – Thursday of the 1st Week in Lent

Esther C:12,14-16,23-25 ● Matthew 7:7-12

Ask For What You NeedDon’t bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need. Thisisn’t a cat-and-mouse, hide-and-seek game we’re in. If your child asks for bread, do you trick him with sawdust? If he asks for fish, do you scare him with a live snake on his plate? As badas you are, you wouldn’t think of such a thing. You’re at least decent to your own children. So don’t you think the God who conceived you in love will be even better?

Matthew 7:7-11

REFLECTION

Some people don't ask God directly for what they want because they think it would be selfish. But in strong, loving human relationships, people are free to ask for what they want or need, and the other person is freed from having to guess at what it is. Here Jesus tells us God can handle our directness and our honesty, even better than the person in our life who loves us the most.

ACTION

Today take the time to ask God directly for what you need. Be bold in your asking. Then watch and wait in trust that you will get it, though it may come in a form different from what you imagine.

Are you waiting for someone in your life to do something for you? Are you asking him or her to change? Can you take the initiative and do what you want them to do for you?

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February 27 – Friday of the 1st Week in Lent

Ezekiel 18:21-28 ● Matthew 5:20-26

Make Things RightYou’re familiar with the command to the ancients, “Do not murder.” I’m telling you that anyone who is so much as angry with a brother or sister is guilty of murder. Carelessly call a brother ‘idiot!’ and you just might find yourself hauled into court. Thoughtlessly yell ‘stupid!’ at a sister and you are on thebrink of hellfire. The simple moral fact is that words kill.

This is how I want you to conduct yourself in these matters. If you enter your place of worship and, about to make an offering, you suddenly remember a grudge a friend has againstyou, abandon your offering, leave immediately, go to this friend and make things right. Then and only then, come back and work things out with God.

Matthew 5:21-24

REFLECTION

Once again, Jesus' words in Matthew's gospel are challenging andconvicting. Having religious sentiment isn't enough. We have to do the hard work of reconciling ourselves to others, not just paying lip service to it. Jesus asks a lot of us, but his challenges always lead to a better life in the long run.

ACTION

What relationships in your life need to be made right? Ask God forthe courage and humility to take the initiative to begin a process of reconciliation.

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February 28 – Saturday of the 1st Week in Lent

Deuteronomy 26:16-19 ● Matthew 5:43-48

Now Live Like ItYou’re familiar with the old written law, “Love your friend,” andits unwritten companion, “Hate your enemy.” I’m challenging that. I’m telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best—the sun to warm andthe rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do youexpect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that.

In a word, what I’m saying is, Grow up. You’re kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.

Matthew 5:43-48

REFLECTION

What? Let our enemies bring out the best in us? Sometimes it seems Jesus is asking the impossible of us! Yet then he shows us how it can be done. He showed us how to hate the sin, but love the sinner. He gave us examples of how to live generously and graciously toward others, even people who supposedly weren't deserving of his generosity. He does not ask us to do anything he didn't do himself.

ACTION

Who is the “enemy” in your life whom Jesus wants you to love?

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March 1 – 2nd Sunday of Lent

Gen. 22:1-2,9a,10-13,15-18 ● Rom. 8:31b-34 ● Mark 9:2-10

Marked By My LoveJesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain. His appearance changed from the inside out, rightbefore their eyes. His clothes shimmered, glistening white, whiter than any bleach could make them.

A light-radiant cloud enveloped them, and from deep in the cloud, a voice: “This is my Son, marked by my love. Listen to him.”

The next minute the disciples were looking around, rubbing their eyes, seeing nothing but Jesus, only Jesus.

Mark 9:2-3,7-8

REFLECTION

For a few moments these three disciples got a glimpse of Jesus' true identity. The veil was lifted. They saw him in relation to the great prophets of old. They heard unequivocally that he is God's son. Then a moment later, he looked like the same human they had always known him to be.

ACTION

How might you treat someone differently if you remembered that he or she is a cherished child of God, marked by love? Practice doing that today.

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March 2 – Monday of the 2nd Week in Lent

Daniel 9:4b-10 ● Luke 6:36-38

Give Away Your LifeI tell you, love your enemies. Help and give without expecting a return. You’ll never—I promise—regret it.

Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults—unless, of course, you want the same treatment. Don’t condemn those who are down; that hardness can boomerang. Be easy on people; you’ll find life a lot easier. Give away your life; you’ll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity.

Luke 6:35,37-38

REFLECTION

Perhaps you've had experiences of trying to hold onto something—a relationship, a valuable object, or a way of life—that only led to a kind of death for you. Or maybe you know what it's like to do the hard work of “dying” and giving away your life, only to gain life anew. Again, Jesus doesn't ask us to do anything he's unwillingto do. He had to let go of his life so that he could come to the resurrection. It wasn't easy for him either. He agonized about his death in the Garden of Gethsemane. He knows how hard it is to give, not get, and he asks us to do the same.

ACTION

Is there anything you need to give away—or die to—in order to letGod bring life back “with bonus and blessing”? Ask God for the courage to let go, just as Jesus did.

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March 3 – Tuesday of the 2nd Week in Lent

Isaiah 1:10,16-20 ● Matthew 23:1-12

I'm Sick of Your ReligionQuit your worship charades. I can’t stand your trivial religious games:Monthly conferences, weekly Sabbaths, special meetings— meetings, meetings, meetings—I can’t stand one more!Meetings for this, meetings for that. I hate them! You’ve worn me out!I’m sick of your religion, religion, religion, while you go right on sinning.

When you put on your next prayer-performance, I’ll be looking theother way. No matter how long or loud or often you pray, I’ll not be listening. And do you know why? Because you’ve been tearingpeople to pieces, and your hands are bloody.

Go home and wash up. Clean up your act. Sweep your lives clean of your evildoings so I don’t have to look at them any longer. Say no to wrong. Learn to do good. Work for justice. Help the down-and-out. Stand up for the homeless. Go to bat for the defenseless.

Isaiah 1:13-17

REFLECTION

This is a prophet at his strongest and most challenging! He sees through religious pretense and calls for true justice. Our God, Isaiah says, wants action, not lip-service.

ACTION

Isaiah's words can be quite convicting to those of us with religious commitments. Can we drop any defensiveness and re-evaluate if the church programs, committees, and parish events we participate in are taking our time, energy, and money away from helping the down-and-out, standing up for the homeless, and going to bat for the defenseless? Is God calling you to change in some way?

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March 4 – Wednesday of the 2nd Week in Lent

Jeremiah 18:18-20 ● Matthew 20:17-28

Becoming a ServantThe mother of the Zebedee brothers said, “Give your word that these two sons of mine will be awarded the highest placesof honor in your kingdom.”

Jesus responded, “That’s not my business. My Father is taking care of that.”

When the ten others heard about this, they lost their tempers, thoroughly disgusted with the two brothers. So Jesus got them together to settle things down. He said, “You’ve observed how godless rulers throw their weight around, how quickly a little power goes to their heads. It’s not going to be that way with you. Whoever wants to be great must become a servant. Whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave. That is what the Son of Man has done: He came to serve, not be served.

Matthew 20:21a,23b-27

REFLECTION

These apostles were some of Jesus' best friends. They traveled all over Palestine with him, and heard him teach more than anyone else did. Yet they still acted like kids sometimes, maneuvering to be the “favorites,” or whining and complaining and arguing with each other. Thankfully, Jesus never gave up on them. Neither doeshe give up on us when we are less than Christ-like.

ACTION

What can you do to be of service to someone today even though you would prefer to be served?

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March 5 – Thursday of the 2nd Week in Lent

Jeremiah 17:5-10 ● Luke 16:19-31

Trusting in GodGOD’s Message:“Cursed is the strong one who depends on mere humans,Who thinks he can make it on muscle alone and sets GOD aside as dead weight.He’s like a tumbleweed on the prairie, out of touch with the good earth.He lives rootless and aimless in a land where nothing grows.

“But blessed is the man who trusts me, GOD, the woman who sticks with GOD.They’re like trees replanted in Eden, putting down roots near the rivers—Never a worry through the hottest of summers, never dropping a leaf,Serene and calm through droughts, bearing fresh fruit every season.

Jeremiah 17:5-8

REFLECTION

So often we go through our lives avoiding blatant and serious sin, but unaware that we have set God aside and are living under the illusion that we have things under control. Then a crisis comes, some storm or drought, that tests us. It can be a shock to realize how much we need God, but have neglected our relationship with him when things were going well.

ACTION

What can you do today to put your roots down further into God? Listen to spiritual music while you commute or do the dishes? List 10 things you're thankful for today? Spend a few extra minutes of quiet time with God? Do it.

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March 6 – Friday of the 2nd Week in Lent

Genesis 37:3-4,12-13a,17b-28a ● Matthew 21:33-43,45-46

The CornerstoneJesus said, “You can read it for yourselves in your Bibles:

The stone the masons threw out is now the cornerstone.This is God’s work; we rub our eyes, we can hardly believe it!

“This is the way it is with you. God’s kingdom will be taken back from you and handed over to a people who will live out a kingdom life.”

Matthew 21:42-43

REFLECTION

Sadly, it can be too easy for us to discount others or view them as disposable. Our country's enemies. Our political party's opposition. The alcoholic who begs for money on the street corner. The mentally ill homeless people sleeping in our city parks.But Jesus is telling us that God can take the kingdom from us and give it to people such as these! No wonder the religious leaders were infuriated by this story. Jesus was turning so many cherished assumptions upside down.

ACTION

Do you operate from a place of presumption that you deserve to inherit the Kingdom of God, that you've earned it somehow? Search yourself for any sinful pride that would have you feel resentful at the thought of God offering this kingdom to those youconsider less worthy. Ask God to free you of this presumption.

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March 7 – Saturday of the 2nd Week in Lent

Micah 7:14-15,18-20 ● Luke 15:1-3,11-32

Compassion Is on Its WayWhere is the god who can compare with you— wiping the slate clean of guilt,Turning a blind eye, a deaf ear, to the past sins of your purged and precious people?You don’t nurse your anger and don’t stay angry long, for mercy is your specialty. That’s what you love most.And compassion is on its way to us. You’ll stamp out our wrongdoing.You’ll sink our sins to the bottom of the ocean.

Micah 7:18-19

REFLECTION

At times, the Hebrew prophets are good at issuing strong, convicting challenges to us. At other times they are good at reminding us of the amazing, incomprehensible compassion, mercy, and faithfulness of our God. They call us to acknowledge our sins and change our ways. Then they remind us that God welcomes us back with open arms and let us start anew.

ACTION

Is there a past sin you can't let go of although God has already promised forgiveness? If so, find someone to speak with about it, perhaps a priest, therapist, spiritual director, partner, or trusted friend. Pray for the grace to believe that God stamps out your wrongdoing.

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March 8 – 3rd Sunday of Lent

Exodus 20:1-17 ● 1 Corinthians 1:22-25 ● John 2:13-25

Upending the TablesJesus found the Temple teeming with people selling cattle and sheep and doves. The loan sharks were also there in full strength.

Jesus put together a whip out of strips of leather and chased them out of the Temple, stampeding the sheep and cattle, upending the tables of the loan sharks, spilling coins left and right. He told the dove merchants, “Get your things out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a shopping mall!” That’s when his disciples remembered the Scripture, “Zeal for your house consumes me.”

John 2:14-17

REFLECTION

Who ever said that anger is a sin? Here we have a perfect exampleof appropriate anger. Jesus, a man full of emotion, reacted as any righteous person should at the injustices going on in the Temple. Business people were swindling the poor. The educated elite weretaking advantage of the illiterates. Religion was being turned into a commercial affair. How could he not have been incensed?

ACTION

Do you overlook injustices in our churches today that should infuriate you?

Pray about how you might challenge or speak out against religiousinjustices, even if it means angering the religious authorities. Ask to be given the courage that Jesus had.

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March 9 – Monday of the 3nd Week in Lent

2 Kings 5:1-15ab ● Luke 4:24-30

Prophet in His HometownHe answered, “I suppose you’re going to quote the proverb, ‘Doctor, go heal yourself. Do here in your hometown what we heard you did in Capernaum.’ Well, let me tell you something: No prophet is ever welcomed in his hometown.”

They threw him out, banishing him from the village, then took him to a mountain cliff at the edge of the village to throw him to his doom, but he gave them the slip and was on his way.

Luke 4:23-24,29-30

REFLECTION

Jesus was a man of strong emotions, and he elicited strong emotions from others. It serves us to pay attention to those wordsof his that most upset others (and sometimes ourselves!). When his words provoke such an emotional reaction, it clues us into the fact that there is something important happening. In the verse prior to this passage, someone had just questioned where Jesus got his authority, because after all, wasn't he just a carpenter's son? They were offended to be challenged by someone who didn't have any initials after his name, someone who didn't have credentials from the foremost synagogue of his day. Then again, none of the Hebrew prophets had those kinds of credentials either.

ACTION

Is there someone in your life who has something to teach you, yet you are dismissive or resistant to it because of his or her lack of credentials? Perhaps it's someone who hasn't even graduated from high school. Pray to be more open to this person during Lentand beyond.

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March 10 – Tuesday of the 3nd Week in Lent

Daniel 3:25,34-43 ● Matthew 18:21-35

Wrap Us in Your Wondrous Ways“We follow you with our whole heart; fearing you still, we wantto look upon your face.

“Wrap us in your wondrous ways; restore glory to your name, O Lord.

“Confound those who persecute your servants; break the hold they have on us; shatter their strength against our weakness.

“Let them know you're the Lord, the one and only God, gloriously reigning over the whole world”

Daniel 3:41,43-45

REFLECTION

Remember this about the scriptures: there are always verses for when we need to be challenged and, like the Daniel passage today, there are always sections that speak to our longings. The book of Daniel was written during a time of great suffering and tribulation when Daniel was clear about the people's need for God. Sometimes the best prayer is simply letting yourself feel the longings within you – the groaning for God to be made more manifest in the world, overturn evil, and fully reign. Such is this prayer passage – an address to God to come, and to come now, because we humans can't make everything right by ourselves.

ACTION

Spend a few minutes getting in touch with your deepest longings in your life now. Let your desires speak to God for you.

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March 11 – Wednesday of the 3nd Week in Lent

Deuteronomy 4:1,5-9 ● Matthew 5:17-19

Don't Let Your Heart Wander OffPay attention: I’m teaching you the rules and regulations that GOD commanded me, so that you may live by them in the land you are entering to take up ownership. Keep them. Practice them. You’ll become wise and understanding. When people hear and see what’s going on, they’ll say, “What a great nation!So wise, so understanding! We’ve never seen anything like it.”

Just make sure you stay alert. Keep close watch over yourselves. Don’t forget anything of what you’ve seen. Don’t let your heart wander off. Stay vigilant as long as you live.

Deuteronomy 4:5-6,9ab

REFLECTION

Moses had been teaching the Israelites the ten commandments, along with many others that were given as regulations to guide the community to live with justice and wisdom. He reminds them that now that they know them, they have to be faithful to them, practice them diligently, and pass them onto the next generations.There's no reason they will need to re-invent the wheel from generation to generation, because the teachings are there for them. It will save the people a lot of grief if they'll simply practice them and teach others to practice them.

ACTION

Is there a commandment, rule, or regulation that is life-giving for you but from which we've been slacking in adherence? Prayerfully re-commit yourself to it now. Tell a friend or loved one of your resolve as a way to ask for accountability.

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March 12 – Thursday of the 3nd Week in Lent

Jeremiah 7:23-28 ● Luke 11:14-23

Stubborn as Mules“Israel’s God: ‘Go ahead! Put your burnt offerings with all your other sacrificial offerings and make a good meal for yourselves. I sure don’t want them! When I delivered your ancestors out of Egypt, I never said anything to them about wanting burnt offerings and sacrifices as such. But I did say this, commanded this: “Obey me. Do what I say and I will be your God and you will be my people. Live the way I tell you. Do what I command so that your lives will go well.”

“‘But do you think they listened? Not a word of it. Stubborn asmules and worse than their ancestors!’”

Jeremiah 7:23-24a,26

REFLECTION

The God of the Hebrew Scriptures may at times sound like a jealous, self-centered authoritarian who demanded mindless submission from the people. But what if instead of reacting against this notion of authority, we hear the promise that goes with it? “Do what I command so that your lives will go well.” Our God isn't authoritarian because of some egotistical complex. Our God wants to make life better for us. This God knows that if the people follow his teachings faithfully they will have life in greater abundance. Yet there are many, many examples of those who weretoo stubborn to obey and suffered needlessly.

ACTION

Is there something God is asking for your obedience in but you are stubbornly refusing to do? Pray for a change of heart so that you may do God's will.

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March 13 – Friday of the 3nd Week in Lent

Hosea 14:2-10 ● Mark 12:28-34

Love Your God and OthersOne of the religion scholars came up. Hearing the lively exchanges of question and answer and seeing how sharp Jesus was in his answers, he put in his question: “Which is most important of all the commandments?”

Jesus said, “The first in importance is, ‘Listen, Israel: The Lord your God is one; so love the Lord God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence and energy.’ And here is the second: ‘Loveothers as well as you love yourself.’ There is no other commandment that ranks with these.”

The religion scholar said, “A wonderful answer, Teacher! So lucid and accurate—that God is one and there is no other. And loving him with all passion and intelligence and energy, and loving othersas well as you love yourself. Why, that’s better than all offerings and sacrifices put together!”

When Jesus realized how insightful he was, he said, “You’re almost there, right on the border of God’s kingdom.”

Mark 12:28-34

REFLECTION

In Jewish tradition, there is great respect for the give-and-take of religious debate. It was not offensive to question the rabbis or challenge their authority, and Jesus and this scholar appreciated each other's repartee. But lest the mutual admiration for each other obscure the point of the passage, let's not forget Jesus' three-part answer: we must love God, ourselves, and others.

ACTION

Which of these commandments are you weakest at practicing? Can you express your love for God more? Or is there a way to love your neighbor better? Or might this passage be inviting you to love yourself as much as you love God and others?

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March 14 – Saturday of the 3nd Week in Lent

Hosea 6:1-6 ● Luke 18:9-14

Become More Than YourselfJesus said: “Two men went up to the Temple to pray, one a Pharisee, the other a tax man. The Pharisee posed and prayed like this: ‘Oh, God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, crooks, adulterers, or, heaven forbid, like this tax man. I fast twice a week and tithe on all my income.’

“Meanwhile the tax man, slumped in the shadows, his face in his hands, not daring to look up, said, ‘God, give mercy. Forgive me, a sinner.’”

Jesus commented, “This tax man, not the other, went home made right with God. If you walk around with your nose in the air, you’re going to end up flat on your face, but if you’re content to be simply yourself, you will become more than yourself.”

Luke 18:10-14

REFLECTION

You've probably experienced times in your life when you could relate to both of these men. Sometimes things are going well and you are pleased about your “performance,” perhaps forgetting that all good things are not to your own credit. At other times, everything seems to go wrong and you know yourself as a victim of some bad choices. It is at those times when we are completely honest about our sinfulness and our brokenness, that our need forGod stands out. We are then “made right with God” not because we are miserable sinners, but because we have come to know humility.

ACTION

Pray to know God's love for you as a loved sinner—not a loved righteous person, and not 'just' a sinner, but a loved sinner.

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March 15 – 4th Sunday of Lent

2 Chronicles 36:14-16,19-23 ● Ephesians 2:4-10 ● John 3:14-21

God Has Us Where He Wants UsNow God has us where he wants us, with all the time in this world and the next to shower grace and kindness upon us in Christ Jesus. Saving is all his idea, and all his work. All we do is trust him enough to let him do it. It’s God’s gift from start to finish! We don’t play the major role. If we did, we’d probably go around bragging that we’d done the whole thing! No, we neither make nor save ourselves. God does both the making and saving.

Ephesians 2:7-9

REFLECTION

Some churches are better than others at reminding their congregants that God's grace is a complete gift, freely given, and never earned. But we all need to hear this, over and over!Often it's not so easy to accept this, especially because our culture focuses us on hard work and responsibility, and praises those who pull themselves up by their bootstraps. It doesn't seem right to accept something we haven't worked to deserve, right? But think of tiny newborn babies – we shower them with grace and kindnessalthough they haven't done a single thing to earn it, only offering us poopy diapers, crying, and interruptions to our sleep. Our God loves us like that! Our God wants to shower us with even more, and doesn't ask us to earn it.

ACTION

Is there some grace or some gift that you are being offered in your life now which you resist accepting? Pray to be able to receive what it is that God wants to give you.

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March 16 – Monday of the 4th Week in Lent

Isaiah 65:17-21 ● John 4:43-54

Look Ahead with Joy“Pay close attention now: I’m creating new heavens and a new earth.All the earlier troubles, chaos, and pain are things of the past, to be forgotten.Look ahead with joy. Anticipate what I’m creating:I’ll create Jerusalem as sheer joy, create my people as pure delight.I’ll take joy in Jerusalem, take delight in my people:No more sounds of weeping in the city, no cries of anguish;No more babies dying in the cradle, or old people who don’t enjoy a full lifetime.

Isaiah 65:17-20a

REFLECTION

Here in the midst of our Lenten desert journey Isaiah reminds us that all the pain and suffering we experience and see in our world will not have the final word. We are not to Easter yet, but we knowhow the story ends: not with suffering and death, but in resurrection and joy. We need to hang onto this wonderful anticipation and hope so that we can endure the troubles until then.

ACTION

Spend some time anticipating, hoping, and dreaming of what Godwants to do for our world. Ask God for the gift of hope and joy to temper your thoughts and feelings about the depressing news of current events.

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March 17 – Tuesday of the 4th Week in Lent

Ezekiel 47:1-9,12 ● John 5:1-16

It's Against the RulesJesus said, “Get up, take your bedroll, start walking.” The manwas healed on the spot. He picked up his bedroll and walked off.

That day happened to be the Sabbath. The Jews stopped the healed man and said, “It’s the Sabbath. You can’t carry your bedroll around. It’s against the rules. Who gave you the order to take it up and start walking?” But the healed man didn’t know, for Jesus had slipped away into the crowd.

A little later Jesus found him in the Temple and said, “You lookwonderful! You’re well! Don’t return to a sinning life or something worse might happen.”

The man went back and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well. That is why the Jews were out to get Jesus—because he did this kind of thing on the Sabbath.

John 5:8-10,12-16

REFLECTION

Sometimes it seems Jesus just can't win. He cures a guy who then gets him in trouble. Then again, there's almost the sense in this passage that Jesus was trying to provoke a reaction—he didn't have to instruct him to pick up the bedroll. He could have let him walk away, leaving behind the wretched thing he'd been lying on for so long. Jesus was like that, though, sometimes flaunting the fact that God's rules take precedence over human rules. The spirit of the law trumps the letter of the law.

ACTION

Examen your spiritual life searching for times you accuse others of breaking the letter of the law. Is there a call in there for you to practice more compassion and mercy?

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March 18 – Wednesday of the 4th Week in Lent

Isaiah 49:8-15 ● John 5:17-30

I'd Never Forget YouHeavens, raise the roof! Earth, wake the dead! Mountains, send up cheers!GOD has comforted his people. He has tenderly nursed his beaten-up, beaten-down people.But Zion said, “I don’t get it. GOD has left me. My Master has forgotten I even exist.”“Can a mother forget the infant at her breast, walk away from the baby she bore?But even if mothers forget, I’d never forget you—never.”

Isaiah 49:13-15

REFLECTION

Sometimes our memory is long on times of hurt but short on experiences of grace. God showers us with blessings, graces, and gifts, but soon afterwards we forget what we've received. Then comes a time of wounding or suffering and when it passes, we can't let it go. Why is it that it's easier to focus on the negatives than celebrate the positive? Here Isaiah calls us to remember whatGod has done. Let's remember and not forget! God has comforted us. God has nursed us back to life. Yes, we've known suffering, and perhaps are still suffering deeply, but Isaiah wants us to know that even in such times God will never, ever forget us.

ACTION

Spend a few minutes now, and some time throughout the day today, recalling great things God has done for you, and ways that God has comforted you. Give thanks for those times, and let yourself revisit and savor those memories of consolation.

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March 19 – Solemnity of St. Joseph

2 Samuel 7:4-5a,12-14a,16 ● Romans 4:13,16-18,22 ● Matthew1:16,8-21,24a

God's Promise & Our TrustIf those who get what God gives them only get it by doing everything they are told to do and filling out all the right formsproperly signed, that eliminates personal trust completely and turns the promise into an ironclad contract! That’s not a holy promise; that’s a business deal. A contract drawn up by a hard-nosed lawyer and with plenty of fine print only makes sure thatyou will never be able to collect. But if there is no contract in the first place, simply a promise—and God’s promise at that—you can’t break it.

This is why the fulfillment of God’s promise depends entirely on trusting God and his way, and then simply embracing him and what he does. God’s promise arrives as pure gift. That’s the only way everyone can be sure to get in on it, those who keep the religious traditions and those who have never heard of them.

Romans 4:14-16

REFLECTION

Our modern culture operates from contractual relationships basedon a fundamental distrust of others. Yet God's ways are far above human ways and God wants to give good things to us as “pure gift.” Since we're not in the habit of receiving gifts with no strings attached it can be hard to trust the Giver and the gift. But that's what God asks of us—to receive freely what God wants to give us,without thinking we have to earn it.

ACTION

What gift is God offering you that you can simply embrace today without protesting that you don't deserve it?

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March 20 – Friday of the 4th Week in Lent

Wisdom 2:1a,12-22 ● John 7:1-2,10,25-30

How the Godless ThinkHere's how the godless think.

“Let's give the just the run-around; they're no good to us. They're always underfoot, always better-than-thou when it comes to observance of God's word. What they accuse us of amounts to nothing more than a few white lies.”

And, “If they claim they're true children of God, let's put them to the test; let's see if God will take up their cause and preventthem from getting hurt.”

And, “Let's condemn them to a really messy death and see if, as their very words always promise, God comes to save them.”

These were the ravings and ramblings of the godless; but they have a fatal flaw. Malice prevents them from seeing the truth. They haven't a clue about their obligations to God, nor do they know that holiness is its own reward, nor do they reckon the honor that awaits lives filled with fidelity.

Wisdom 2:1a,12,18,20,21-22

REFLECTION

The godless in this passage sound a lot like Satan when he tempts Jesus in the desert. They continually put God—and those who try to follow God faithfully—to the test. Yet Jesus showed us throughhis temptations and through his passion and death how to stay steady, despite the suffering. He showed us how to wait in trust for God's victory.

ACTION

Where in your life are you consistently tempted away from faithfulness? Pray to hear God's voice then, and to ignore the voice of the Tempter.

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March 21 – Saturday of the 4th Week in Lent

Jeremiah 11:18-20 ● John 7:40-53

Clear My NameGOD told me what was going on. That’s how I knew. You, GOD, opened my eyes to their evil scheming.I had no idea what was going on—naive as a lamb being led to slaughter!I didn’t know they had it in for me, didn’t know of their behind-the-scenes plots:“Let’s get rid of the preacher. That will stop the sermons!Let’s get rid of him for good. He won’t be remembered for long.”Then I said, “GOD-of-the-Angel-Armies, you’re a fair judge.You examine and cross-examine human actions and motives.I want to see these people shown up and put down! I’m an open book before you. Clear my name.”

Jeremiah 11:18-20

REFLECTION

Jeremiah is a great role model for us in his ability to be bold, direct, and utterly honesty with God. God asks a lot of him and Jeremiah in turn asks a lot of God. Not only in this passage, but throughout the book of Jeremiah, we find a follower who trusts that God can handle his strong emotions and prayers. He doesn't always get the answer that he wants, but God always hears him and responds. It is an example of a truly mutual relationship.

ACTION

Do you ever “edit” your conversation with God? Are you fearful ofasking too much? Pray for the ability to be more and more honest and bold with the God you love and who loves you, knowing that God can handle your honesty.

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March 22 – 5th Sunday of Lent

Jeremiah 31:31-34 ● Hebrews 5:7-9 ● John 12:20-33

Reckless in Your LoveJesus answered, “Time’s up. The time has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.

“Listen carefully: Unless a grain of wheat is buried in the ground, dead to the world, it is never any more than a grain of wheat. But if it is buried, it sprouts and reproduces itself many times over. In the same way, anyone who holds on to life just as it is destroys that life. But if you let it go, reckless in your love, you’ll have it forever, real and eternal.

John 12:23-25

REFLECTION

When we experience the death of a loved one—or a death of any sort—it may seem nearly impossible to imagine any way that new life can come of our pain. That is when we need this reminder fromJesus. Not only do we know that seeds appear to be dead before sprouting again, we have the example of Jesus showing us that death does not have the final say. We may not want to let someone or something in our life go, but we can do so in an act offaith. Jesus had to do this when he was facing his death in the Garden of Gethsemane. He, like us, was afraid—terrified—that death would be the end. But he chose to act in faith, to act despite his feelings, trusting that God could bring life in some unforeseen way out of his death.

ACTION

Ask God for the strength to believe that new life can spring from death, even if you can't feel any hopefulness at this time. Ask for the consolation of past experiences of life coming from death.

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March 23 – Monday of the 5th Week in Lent

Daniel 13:1-9,15-17,19-30,33-62 ● John 8:1-11

The Sinless One Among You“Teacher, this woman was caught red-handed in the act of adultery. Moses, in the Law, gives orders to stone such persons. What do you say?” They were trying to trap him into saying something incriminating so they could bring charges against him.

Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger in the dirt. They kept at him, badgering him. He straightened up and said, “Thesinless one among you, go first: Throw the stone.” Bending down again, he wrote some more in the dirt.

Hearing that, they walked away, one after another, beginning with the oldest. The woman was left alone. Jesus stood up andspoke to her. “Woman, where are they? Does no one condemnyou?”

“No one, Master.”

“Neither do I,” said Jesus. “Go on your way. From now on, don’t sin.”

John 8:4-11

REFLECTION

Once again Jesus refuses to see things as only black or white. His listeners could only imagine two answers: either he would uphold the Law of Moses and condemn the woman, or he would publicly disrespect the law of a revered leader in order to let the woman off. But he finds a way to respect the Law without letting it put boundaries on his compassion and justice.

ACTION

Is there someone in your life at whom you are tempted to throw stones? If so, ask God for the gift to feel greater compassion for him/her—and for yourself in your own sinfulness.

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March 24 – Tuesday of the 5th Week in Lent

Numbers 21:4-9 ● John 8:21-30

Just Who Are You Anyway?Then he went over the same ground again. “I’m leaving and you are going to look for me, but you’re missing God in this and are headed for a dead end. There is no way you can come with me.”

The Jews said, “So, is he going to kill himself? Is that what he means by ‘You can’t come with me’?”

Jesus said, “You’re tied down to the mundane; I’m in touch with what is beyond your horizons. You live in terms of what you see and touch. I’m living on other terms. I told you that you were missing God in all this. You’re at a dead end. If you won’t believe I am who I say I am, you’re at the dead end of sins. You’re missing God in your lives.”

John 8:21-26

REFLECTION

When Jesus speaks in John's gospel it can sometimes be maddening to try to make sense of what he wants us to understand. He speaks on the symbolic level, so trying to understand him on the literal level, like “the Jews” in this passage,will only leave us confused. Jesus asks them, and us, for trust in things beyond what we can see and touch. This is faith he's calling us to, because if we can see and touch it, it wouldn't be faith.

ACTION

Sometimes we get so distraught because we are not able to see or feel Jesus' presence but we don't realize we're looking in the wrong place. Might Jesus be in plain sight in some other part of your life where you've not thought to look? Pray to have your eyesopened to where he is and how he is present to you now.

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March 25 – Annunciation of the Lord

Isaiah 7:10-14;8:10 ● Hebrews 10:4-10 ● Luke 1:26-38

Nothing Is Impossible With GodUpon entering, Gabriel greeted Mary:

“Good morning! You’re beautiful with God’s beauty, Beautiful inside and out! God be with you.”

She was thoroughly shaken, wondering what was behind a greeting like that. But the angel assured her, “Mary, you have nothing to fear. God has a surprise for you: You will become pregnant and give birth to a son and call his name Jesus. Nothing, you see, is impossible with God.”

And Mary said, “Yes, I see it all now: I’m the Lord’s maid, ready to serve. Let it be with me just as you say.”

Luke 1:28-31,37-38a

REFLECTION

Did Mary really “see it all”? Perhaps the veil between this world and the next was lifted for a moment and everything was made clear then. But almost certainly things weren't always as clear afterthe angel left her. Later, she puzzled over things people told her about Jesus, she was hurt by his pre-teen rebuke when she found him in the temple, she felt confusion about his calling when he began his public ministry, and she felt the agony of watching him be tortured and killed. But she continued to honor her “yes” to God, despite not knowing how things would end.

ACTION

Recall a wonderful, profound, or beautiful experience in your life that was clearly of God's doing although it may have initially seemed impossible. Thank God for that now, and ask that this memory strengthen your faith that nothing is impossible with God.

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March 26 – Thursday of the 5th Week in Lent

Genesis 17:3-9 ● John 8:51-59

Never Look Death in the FaceJesus said, “I’m not crazy. I simply honor my Father, while you dishonor me. I am not trying to get anything for myself. God intends something gloriously grand here and is making the decisions that will bring it about. I say this with absolute confidence. If you practice what I’m telling you, you’ll never have to look death in the face.”

At this point the Jews said, “Now we know you’re crazy. Abraham died. The prophets died. And you show up saying, ‘Ifyou practice what I’m telling you, you’ll never have to face death, not even a taste.’”

Jesus said, “If I turned the spotlight on myself, it wouldn’t amount to anything. But my Father, the same One you say is your Father, put me here at this time and place of splendor.”

John 8:49-52,54

REFLECTION

Sometimes we can be labelled as crazy for following Jesus' gospelof love. But what if it is really the culture of individualism, over-consumption, militarism, and economic inequality that is crazy instead? If our savior was accused of being crazy for opposing the cultural and societal norms of his time, isn't it telling if we get labelled as crazy with him? If we honor the Father, love our neighbors (near and far), and trust that physical death isn't the ultimate end, then we are in Jesus' good company, even if others think we are crazy.

ACTION

Consider today how you might surround yourself more with people who are counter-cultural in their efforts to follow a “crazy” Jesus.

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March 27 – Friday of the 5th Week in Lent

Jeremiah 20:10-13 ● John 10:31-42

He Is in Me; I Am in HimAgain the Jews picked up rocks to throw at him. Jesus said, “I have made a present to you from the Father of a great many good actions. For which of these acts do you stone me?”

The Jews said, “We’re not stoning you for anything good you did, but for what you said—this blasphemy of calling yourself God.”

Jesus said, “If I don’t do the things my Father does, well and good; don’t believe me. But if I am doing them, put aside for amoment what you hear me say about myself and just take the evidence of the actions that are right before your eyes. Then perhaps things will come together for you, and you’ll see that not only are we doing the same thing, we are the same—Father and Son. He is in me; I am in him.”

John 10:31-33,37-38

REFLECTION

The gospels give us many examples of opportunities to “judge a tree by it's fruit.” Jesus asks the Jews to judge him by his good actions, not by his words. So too, are we asked to evaluate others.Someone we know may not be Christian, but shows to others the compassion and mercy Jesus showed. Others may technically be following the religious laws (like “the Jews” in this passage) but beutterly missing the spirit of those laws. Can we let go of names and labels, and simply look for the fruit that a person is producing?

ACTION

Today train your eyes on someone's “good fruit” and thank God for how God is working through him/her.

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March 28 – Saturday of the 5th Week in Lent

Ezekiel 37:21-28 ● John 11:45-56

He Keeps On Doing ThingsThe high priests and Pharisees called a meeting of the Jewish ruling body. “What do we do now?” they asked. “This man keeps on doing things, creating God-signs. If we let him go on,pretty soon everyone will be believing in him and the Romans will come and remove what little power and privilege we still have.”

From that day on, they plotted to kill him. So Jesus no longer went out in public among the Jews. He withdrew into the country bordering the desert to a town called Ephraim and secluded himself there with his disciples.

The Jewish Passover was coming up. Crowds of people were making their way from the country up to Jerusalem to get themselves ready for the Feast. They were curious about Jesus. There was a lot of talk of him among those standing around in the Temple: “What do you think? Do you think he’ll show up at the Feast or not?”

John 11:47-48,53-56

REFLECTION

Do you ever get the impression that the religious leaders in the gospels sound like little kids incessantly arguing and complaining? Jesus isn't following their rules, and he definitely isn't conforming to their assumptions of how God acts. They can't abide by his non-conformity, so they have to eliminate him. Jesus understands the danger so he withdraws to prepare himself for the confrontation that inevitably is to come.

ACTION

Where can you withdraw to prepare yourself for a trial that is coming your way? With whom can you safely surround yourself?

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March 29 – Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion

Mark 11:1-10 ● Is. 50:4-7 ● Phil. 2:6-11 ● Mark 14:1-15:47

Blessed Is HeWhen they were nearing Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethanyon Mount Olives, he sent off two of the disciples with instructions: “Go to the village across from you. As soon as you enter, you’ll find a colt tethered, one that has never yet been ridden. Untie it and bring it.”

The people gave him a wonderful welcome, some throwing their coats on the street, others spreading out rushes they hadcut in the fields. Running ahead and following after, they were calling out,

Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in God’s name! Blessed the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in highest heaven!

Mark 11:1-2,8-10

REFLECTION

Jesus didn't show up in Jerusalem like a mighty warrior riding a war-tested military horse. He entered on an inexperienced young colt, without an army or accompanying bodyguards. The common people gave him the only welcome poor people could give, spreading out their own coats and cut foliage for their version of aroyal carpet. Yet it was a spontaneous, wonderful, joyous welcomeas they recognized his true authority—not as the military king of their country, but the one who comes in God's name.

ACTION

Do you ever miss the coming of God into your life because He shows up without fanfare and perhaps in a much lowlier state thanyou were expecting? Pray to have your eyes opened to the unexpected ways Jesus will come to you today.

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March 30 – Monday of Holy Week

Isaiah 42:1-7 ● John 12:1-11

The Fragrance of the OilsMary came in with a jar of very expensive aromatic oils, anointed and massaged Jesus’ feet, and then wiped them withher hair. The fragrance of the oils filled the house.

Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples, even then getting ready to betray him, said, “Why wasn’t this oil sold and the money given to the poor? It would have easily brought three hundred silver pieces.” He said this not because he cared two cents about the poor but because he was a thief. He was in charge of their common funds, but also embezzled them.

Jesus said, “Let her alone. She’s anticipating and honoring the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you. You don’talways have me.”

John 12:3-8

REFLECTION

We can read this story is a microcosm of the Gospel message. A luxurious gift is offered with deep love, and Jesus shows us how toreceive it with gratitude. But a dark spirit of jealousy, miserliness, judgment, and self-interest opposes the gift and finds fault with it.Yet Jesus refuses to give into this spirit and upholds the beauty and love offered.

ACTION

When have you opposed or protested giving gifts of love (in the form of money, acts of service, forgiveness, etc.) to others for any reason? Pray for the ability to be gracious and generous in your own giving, as well as celebratory of others' generosity.

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March 31 – Tuesday of Holy Week

Isaiah 49:1-6 ● John 13:21-33,36-38

You Will Follow LaterJesus said, “Children, I am with you for only a short time longer. You are going to look high and low for me. But just as I told the Jews, I’m telling you: ‘Where I go, you are not able to come.’

Simon Peter asked, “Master, just where are you going?”

Jesus answered, “You can’t now follow me where I’m going. You will follow later.”

“Master,” said Peter, “why can’t I follow now? I’ll lay down my life for you!”

“Really? You’ll lay down your life for me? The truth is that before the rooster crows, you’ll deny me three times.”

John 13:33,36-38

REFLECTION

Jesus' close friends are beginning to feel the sadness and grief of their imminent parting and Jesus is trying to prepare them for it. The disciples don't know how things will unfold, but in John's gospel, Jesus does. He is rather matter-of-fact about it, even whileimpetuous and outspoken Peter tries to be brave. Even though Peter's betrayal will be known and felt throughout all of history, Jesus does not condemn Peter or shame him for it. He simply states an observation about Peter, without any judgment attached.

ACTION

Are you stuck focusing on someone's failure, sin, or shortcoming (perhaps your own) with judgment? Pray for the grace to let go of that judgment and replace it with a simple observation, or better yet, compassion.

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April 1 – Wednesday of Holy Week

Isaiah 50:4-9a ● Matthew 26:14-25

My Champion is Right HereThe Master, GOD, opened my ears, and I didn’t go back to sleep, didn’t pull the covers back over my head.I followed orders, stood there and took it while they beat me, held steady while they pulled out my beard,Didn’t dodge their insults, faced them as they spit in my face.And the Master, GOD, stays right there and helps me, so I’m not disgraced.Therefore I set my face like flint, confident that I’ll never regret this.My champion is right here. Let’s take our stand together!Who dares bring suit against me? Let him try!Look! the Master, GOD, is right here. Who would dare call me guilty?

Isaiah 50:5-9a

REFLECTION

To be God's servant, we are called to listen attentively, to stay awake, and to “take orders” faithfully, trusting that God has a greater plan than what we can see. As Christians, we know that suffering is inevitable, but that God stands right there with us in the midst of it.

ACTION

Listen closely today for how you are called to take a stand against evil even though it might entail suffering. Ask for the courage to “follow God's orders.”

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April 2 – Holy Thursday

Exodus 12:1-8,11-14 ● 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 ● John 13:1-15

Wash Each Others' FeetJesus knew that the Father had put him in complete charge of everything, that he came from God and was on his way back toGod. So he got up from the supper table, set aside his robe, and put on an apron. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the feet of the disciples, drying them with his apron.

Then he said, “Do you understand what I have done to you? You address me as ‘Teacher’ and ‘Master,’ and rightly so. That is what I am. So if I, the Master and Teacher, washed your feet, you must now wash each other’s feet. I’ve laid down a pattern for you. What I’ve done, you do. I’m only pointing out the obvious. A servant is not ranked above his master; an employee doesn’t give orders to the employer. If you understand what I’m telling you, act like it—and live a blessed life.

John 13:3-5,12-17

REFLECTION

With this foot washing, Jesus isn't simply reversing the hierarchy of his hierarchical culture. With his example, he is showing his disciples a different way—one in which no one is a master and no one has to be a slave. In Jesus' community of friends, all are askedto serve one another and be served.

ACTION

Think of a relationship you are in now in which you experience a power imbalance. Prayerfully consider if you are called to take some action to equalize the relationship. Are you being asked to wash someone else's feet? Are you being invited to have your feetwashed by another?

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April 3 – Good Friday of the Lord's Passion

Isaiah 52:13-53:12 ● Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9 ● John 18:1-19:42

Take the Mercy, Accept the HelpNow that we know what we have—Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God—let’s not let it slip through our fingers. We don’t have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He’s been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. So let’s walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept thehelp.

While he lived on earth, anticipating death, Jesus cried out in pain and wept in sorrow as he offered up priestly prayers to God. Because he honored God, God answered him. Though hewas God’s Son, he learned trusting-obedience by what he suffered, just as we do.

Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9

REFLECTION

What separates Christianity from all of the other great world religions is Jesus: God who became human, a human who “experienced it all” except for sin. How fortunate we are to have aGod we can pray to who has been through weakness and testing, who knows what it is like to cry out in pain and weep in sorrow. This Jesus is our greatest advocate, and we can go directly to him to ask for help. We don't need to be ashamed to ask, because Jesus knows what it is like to try to trust in God even while suffering.

ACTION

The scriptures often urge us to ask God boldly and directly for what we need. Bring your requests to Jesus now, without shame.

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April 4-5 – Holy Saturday / Easter Sunday

Mark 16:1-7 ● John 20:1-9

He's Been Raised UpMary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed all in white. They were completely taken aback, astonished.

He said, “Don’t be afraid. I know you’re looking for Jesus the Nazarene, the One they nailed on the cross. He’s been raised up; he’s here no longer. You can see for yourselves that the place is empty. Now—on your way. Tell his disciples and Peter that he is going on ahead of you to Galilee. You’ll see him there, exactly as he said.”

Mark 16:5-7

REFLECTION

The resurrection stories can be boiled down to three mandates. First: “Do not be afraid.” Second: “Peace be with you.” Third: “Goand tell someone the good news.” Here we read of two of these injunctions: the encouragement to let go of fear and to start spreading the good news. In fact, even before the resurrection stories, the Bible is full of injunctions from angels and from Jesus to “be not afraid.” So let's let go of our fear and go out with boldness to spread the joy of the resurrection—in our workplaces, in our families, and in our neighborhoods, remembering the saying, “Preach the gospel at all times. When necessary, use words.”

ACTION

What keeps you from sharing the good news of the gospel more often? Is it fear of ridicule? Fear of being cast as a religious weirdo? Fear that others think that God is irrelevant? Ask for the grace to let go of your fear and to have the courage to more boldly proclaim, with your life and/or with your words, the good news that Jesus is for you.

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Ann Naffziger has written articles in the field of spirituality and scripture forAmerica, Commonweal, The National Catholic Reporter, Spiritual Life: A Journal of Contemplative Spirituality, Celebration, and other publications. She writes a regular scripture column for BustedHalo.com.

She has an M.Div. from the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University where she is now an adjunct faculty member, as well as an M.A. in Biblical Languages from the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California. She has a background in parish ministry, hospital chaplaincy, and spiritual direction.

Ann and her husband, Paul Canavese, are co-directors of GrowingUpCatholic.com, which provides resources for coaching parents to form their own children in the Catholic faith. They now find themselves attempting to translate the gospel message to their daughters, 8 and 5, who regularly ask complicated biblical questions.

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More of The MessageThe Message: Catholic/Ecumenical EditionThis recently published edition of The Message includes for the first time translations of the Deuterocanonical books, resulting in a complete Catholic Bible.

This Transforming WordThis series includes all of the Sunday and Feast DayMass readings in The Message translation, as well asexcellent reflections and questions by award-winningauthor and Scripture commentator Alice Camille.

Other Books Featuring The Message

Great Men of the Bible: A Guide For GuysFocusing on eleven men — the ones (in addition to Jesus) he considers “great,” Father Martin Pable explains their identity, sacred stories, and message for today’s men.

Faith, Friends, and Flotation Devices: A Woman's Guide to Abundant LivingMichele Howe speaks in a direct and friendly style intwenty reflections, each focusing on a single Christiantheme — forgiveness, providence, regret, content-ment, and more.

Find these and other great books at ThePastoralCenter.com.

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