Today we lift up Jesus’ earthly father, St. Joseph, who embodied virtue as a father, dedicated worker, compassionate husband, and faithful listener. In fact, our sacred Scriptures recount his choices but never his words. Four times Joseph listens to the angel sent by God to guide his choices, and each time he courageously answers with quiet, trusting obedience. Make time today to emulate his prayer stance by quieting your heart and listening. Today’s readings: 2 Samuel 7:4–5a, 12–14a, 16; Psalm 89:2–3, 4–5, 27 and 29; Romans 4:13, 16–18, 22; Matthew 1:16, 18–21, 24a or Luke 2:41–51a.
Tuesday, March 21 - Holistic Healing
The healing power of Jesus is on full display in the Gospel story about the man who had been sick for thirty-eight years. As with most healing stories attributed to Jesus, being “made well” is twofold. Jesus restores both physical health and implores those who are healed to seek spiritual health by avoiding sin. Lent offers us the path to wholeness. Healing comes in a variety of forms. Where do you need Jesus’ healing touch today? Today’s readings: Ezekiel 47:1–9, 12; Psalm 46:2–3, 5–6, 8–9; John 5:1–16.
Wednesday, March 22 - The Lord is Near
The responsorial psalm today gets right to the hopeful theme of Lent: God desires to be close to us. The descriptions of the Lord as kind, merciful, slow to anger, gracious, kind, compassionate, faithful, attentive, just, and holy lead to the acclamation that “the Lord is near to all who call upon him” (Psalm 145:18). Place Psalm 145 on your bathroom mirror or over your kitchen sink where you will be reminded throughout each day of God’s enduring desire to be in relationship with us. Today’s readings: Isaiah 49:8–15; Psalm 145:8–9, 13cd–14, 17–18; John 5:17–30.
Thursday, March 23 - Sent by God
Jesus makes a bold claim to the Jewish community: “the Father has sent me.” As he says this, Jesus implores them to heed his voice and trace his living presence to the promises made to Moses. They respond with blind resistance. We have the gift of a much longer view on this interchange between Jesus and the community. Do we respond with faith or skepticism? Today’s readings: Exodus 32:7–14; Psalm 106:19–20, 21–22, 23; John 5:31–47.
Friday, March 24 - Close to the Brokenhearted
Our responsorial psalm tenderly proclaims the promise that the Lord is “close to the brokenhearted” (Psalm 34:19). Part of the human condition is the experience of loss, disappointment, rejection, grief, and depression. Our faith offers us confident consolation that the Lord saves “those who are crushed in spirit” (34:19). Remember that we are never alone in our despair; the Lord never forgets us but especially leans in to be close when we are low. Today’s readings: Wisdom 2:1a, 12–22; Psalm 34:17–18, 19–20, 21 and 23; John 7:1–2, 10, 25–30.
Saturday, March 25 - Annunciation of the Lord
The word annunciation means “announcement.” In our faith story, the angel Gabriel’s announcement to Mary changes the course of history. Lent reminds us that God is announcing good news to us in a variety of forms and through the most unexpected messengers. Attend to the angels in our midst, sent by God to inspire, encourage, challenge, and affirm us. The week began with Laetare (Rejoice) Sunday. Today’s feast bookends our week of rejoicing. What good news is God offering us today? Today’s readings: Isaiah 7:10–14; 8:10; Psalm 40:7–8a, 8b–9, 10, 11; Hebrews 10:4–10; Luke 1:26–38.
