One Walk

When: Saturday, February 23, 2008 12:00 AM to Sunday, February 24, 2008 12:00 AM (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada).

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Words of Jesus

What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray.

Matthew 18:12-13

Don't give in to discouragement……. If you are discouraged it is a sign of pride because it shows you trust in your own powers. Never bother about people's opinions. Be obedient to truth. For with humble obedience, you will never be disturbed.

— Bl. Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Abba, Father, Lord God, I feel the time is coming that I need to let the past be just that, the past. I feel You have a plan and purpose for me and that I need to focus finding, knowing and doing that which You will call me to do. So I ask You now Lord; tell me, show me, and convict me to do Your will. Let the words of Lord Jesus be my heart, and the words of all the Prophets, Saints, and all those that preach Your word be the wind that picks me up when I fall, and carry me when I cannot walk. For I never what want to be anything less or more than what You want me to be. I need Jesus and all His teachings to simply do just that – be and do what you want. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Micah 7:14-15, 18-20<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=Mic&ch=7&bv1=14&ev1=15&bv2=18&ev2=20>

14 Shepherd thy people with thy staff, the flock of thy inheritance, who dwell alone in a forest in the midst of a garden land; let them feed in Bashan and Gilead as in the days of old. 15 As in the days when you came out of the land of Egypt I will show them marvelous things. 18 Who is a God like thee, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger for ever because he delights in steadfast love. 19 He will again have compassion upon us, he will tread our iniquities under foot. Thou wilt cast all our sins into the depths of the sea. 20 Thou wilt show faithfulness to Jacob and steadfast love to Abraham, as thou hast sworn to our fathers from the days of old.

Psalm 103:1-4, 9-12<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=Ps&ch=103&bv1=1&ev1=4&bv2=9&ev2=12>

1 Bless the LORD, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless his holy name! 2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, 3 who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, 4 who redeems your life from the Pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, 9 He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger forever. 10 He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor requite us according to our iniquities. 11 For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; 12 as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.

Luke 15:1-3, 11-32<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=Luke&ch=15&bv1=1&ev1=3&bv2=11&ev2=32>

1 Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. 2 And the Pharisees and the scribes murmured, saying, "This man receives sinners and eats with them." 3 So he told them this parable: 11 And he said, "There was a man who had two sons; 12 and the younger of them said to his father, `Father, give me the share of property that falls to me.' And he divided his living between them. 13 Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took his journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in loose living. 14 And when he had spent everything, a great famine arose in that country, and he began to be in want. 15 So he went and joined himself to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed swine. 16 And he would gladly have fed on the pods that the swine ate; and no one gave him anything. 17 But when he came to himself he said, `How many of my father's hired servants have bread enough and to spare, but I perish here with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me as one of your hired servants."' 20 And he arose and came to his father. But while he was yet at a distance, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. 21 And the son said to him, `Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' 22 But the father said to his servants, `Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet; 23 and bring the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and make merry; 24 for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.' And they began to make merry. 25 "Now his elder son was in the field; and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 And he called one of the servants and asked what this meant. 27 And he said to him, `Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has received him safe and sound.' 28 But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, 29 but he answered his father, `Lo, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command; yet you never gave me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your living with harlots, you killed for him the fatted calf!' 31 And he said to him, `Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32 It was fitting to make merry and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.'"

Lenten Reflections<http://origin.ewtn.com/faith/lent/>

Pope Benedict XVI Encyclical Letter<http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/encyclicals/documents/hf_ben-xvi_enc_20071130_spe-salvi_en.html>

When: Thursday, February 21, 2008 12:00 AM to Friday, February 22, 2008 12:00 AM (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada).

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Words of Jesus

"Anyone among you who aspires to greatness must serve the rest."

Matthew 20:27

The home must be in accord with the Church, that all harmful influences be withheld from the souls of children. Where there is true piety in the home, purity of morals reigns supreme.

— St John Vianney

Abba, Father, Lord God, today's Lenten pray ask You to watch over Your Church, and guide it with Your unfailing love. Protecting us from what could harm us and leading us to what will save us. Help us always, for without You we are bound to fail. Yet what harms us most is 'us'; through our weakness of heart and failure to be obedient we fail You. Help me to understand and to find the way to walk in and with Jesus each moment. Meditating of the words of St. Louis de Montfort show me how to Deny myself while carrying my cross, how to follow Jesus Christ in every thought, word and act; for If I am ashamed of the Cross of Jesus Christ and fail His passion, how will He not be ashamed of me before You my Lord God, His Father. How does one learn to Love the Cross and Desire: crosses, contempt, pain, abuse, insults, disgrace, persecution, humiliations, calumnies, illness, injuries, unless Jesus prevails in their hearts and His Passion on the Cross prevails and is present in my mind and on my heart every moment. It is His Divine love Humility, Submission, Patience, Obedience that is my example: complete in me what we have begun in Jesus, help me be prompt in forgiving, joyful in all things, blind to the ways under the sun, persevering in likening my heart to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Thank you for awakening my spirit and for touching me this day, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Jeremiah 17:5-10<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=Jer&ch=17&bv1=5&ev1=10>

5 Thus says the LORD: "Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his arm, whose heart turns away from the LORD. 6 He is like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see any good come. He shall dwell in the parched places of the wilderness, in an uninhabited salt land. 7 "Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD. 8 He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit." 9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately corrupt; who can understand it? 10 "I the LORD search the mind and try the heart, to give to every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings."

Psalm 1:1-4, 6<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=Ps&ch=1&bv1=1&ev1=4&bv2=6&ev2=6>

1 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 2 but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. 3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water, that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. 4 The wicked are not so, but are like chaff which the wind drives away. 6 for the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.

Luke 16:19-31<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=Luke&ch=16&bv1=19&ev1=31>

19 "There was a rich man, who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. 20 And at his gate lay a poor man named Laz'arus, full of sores, 21 who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man's table; moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died and was buried; 23 and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes, and saw Abraham far off and Laz'arus in his bosom. 24 And he called out, `Father Abraham, have mercy upon me, and send Laz'arus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in anguish in this flame.' 25 But Abraham said, `Son, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Laz'arus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. 26 And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.' 27 And he said, `Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father's house, 28 for I have five brothers, so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.' 29 But Abraham said, `They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.' 30 And he said, `No, father Abraham; but if some one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.' 31 He said to him, `If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced if some one should rise from the dead.'"

Lenten Reflections<http://origin.ewtn.com/faith/lent/>

Pope Benedict XVI Encyclical Letter<http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/encyclicals/documents/hf_ben-xvi_enc_20071130_spe-salvi_en.html>

When: Wednesday, February 20, 2008 12:00 AM to Thursday, February 21, 2008 12:00 AM (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada).

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Words of Jesus

"… It shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever would be first among you must be your slave; 28 even as the Son of man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Matthew 20:26-28

What little love for God you have when you give in without a fight because it's not a grave sin!

— St. Josemaria Escriva

Abba, Father, Lord God, Father of light, in You is found no shadow of change but only the fullness of life and limitless truth. Open my heart to the voice of Your Word and free me from the original darkness that shadows my vision. Restore my sight that I may look upon Your Son who calls us to repentance and a change of heart, for He lives and reigns with You forever and ever. O Lord give me a servants heart and the wisdom and knowledge to know how, when and who You want me to serve. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Jeremiah 18:18-20<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=Jer&ch=18&bv1=18&ev1=20>

18 Then they said, "Come, let us make plots against Jeremiah, for the law shall not perish from the priest, nor counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophet. Come, let us smite him with the tongue, and let us not heed any of his words." 19 Give heed to me, O LORD, and hearken to my plea. 20 Is evil a recompense for good? Yet they have dug a pit for my life. Remember how I stood before thee to speak good for them, to turn away thy wrath from them.

Psalm 31:5-6, 14-16<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=Ps&ch=31&bv1=5&ev1=6&bv2=14&ev2=16>

5 Into thy hand I commit my spirit; thou hast redeemed me, O LORD, faithful God. 6 Thou hatest those who pay regard to vain idols; but I trust in the LORD. 14 But I trust in thee, O LORD, I say, "Thou art my God." 15 My times are in thy hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies and persecutors! 16 Let thy face shine on thy servant; save me in thy steadfast love!

Matthew 20:17-28<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=Matt&ch=20&bv1=17&ev1=28>

17 And as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside, and on the way he said to them, 18 "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man will be delivered to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death, 19 and deliver him to the Gentiles to be mocked and scourged and crucified, and he will be raised on the third day." 20 Then the mother of the sons of Zeb'edee came up to him, with her sons, and kneeling before him she asked him for something. 21 And he said to her, "What do you want?" She said to him, "Command that these two sons of mine may sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom." 22 But Jesus answered, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?" They said to him, "We are able." 23 He said to them, "You will drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father." 24 And when the ten heard it, they were indignant at the two brothers. 25 But Jesus called them to him and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. 26 It shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever would be first among you must be your slave; 28 even as the Son of man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Lenten Reflections<http://origin.ewtn.com/faith/lent/>

Pope Benedict XVI Encyclical Letter<http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/encyclicals/documents/hf_ben-xvi_enc_20071130_spe-salvi_en.html>

When: Tuesday, February 19, 2008 12:00 AM to Wednesday, February 20, 2008 12:00 AM (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada).

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Words of Jesus

He who is greatest among you shall be your servant; 12 whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

Matthew 23:12

Prayer is powerful beyond limits when we turn to the Immaculata who is queen even of God's heart.

— St. Maxamillian Kolbe

Abba, Father, Lord God, how grateful I am to know that on the days when I cannot find the words and focus my thoughts to pray for what is on my heart, You always find away to convict and enlighten me. As in the words of the Prophet Isaiah – Come now, let us set things right, says the Lord, and with the movie about David and in today's Lenten Reflection by Father Al Lauer:

If most problems come from unforgiveness, we can understand why Jesus emphasizes forgiveness to an extreme degree. When Peter suggested to Jesus that we should forgive seven times, he was correct. (Mt 18:21) Seven in the Bible stands for an indefinite number of times, so Peter was saying we should forgive indefinitely. This is the correct answer but not the correct emphasis. Jesus proclaims we should forgive "seventy times seven," indefinitely times indefinitely. (Mt 18:22) Jesus further emphasizes forgiveness by saying God's kingdom is a matter of forgiveness and those who do not forgive are handed over to torturers. (Mt 18:23, 34)

And when the disciples asked Him to teach them how to pray, Jesus told them to pray they be forgiven as they forgive. (Mt 6:12) This means prayer will hurt rather than help us if we do not forgive. This is the only point in the Lord's prayer on which Jesus commented. He reiterated: "If you forgive the faults of others, your heavenly Father will forgive you yours.

If you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive you." (Mt 6:14-15) Jesus insists on forgiveness. We must pass on the forgiveness He has given us by the shedding of His blood on Calvary.

O Lord God, Forgive my sins against the unity of your family; make me love as you loved me. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Isaiah 1:10, 16-20<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=Is_&ch=1&bv1=10&ev1=10&bv2=16&ev2=20>

10 Hear the word of the LORD, you rulers of Sodom! Give ear to the teaching of our God, you people of Gomor'rah! 16 Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your doings from before my eyes; cease to do evil, 17 learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; defend the fatherless, plead for the widow. 18 "Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool. 19 If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; 20 But if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured by the sword; for the mouth of the LORD has spoken."

Psalm 50:8-9, 16-17, 21, 23<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=Ps&ch=50&bv1=8&ev1=9&bv2=16&ev2=17&bv3=21&ev3=21&bv4=23&ev4=23>

8 I do not reprove you for your sacrifices; your burnt offerings are continually before me. 9 I will accept no bull from your house, nor he-goat from your folds. 16 But to the wicked God says: "What right have you to recite my statutes, or take my covenant on your lips? 17 For you hate discipline, and you cast my words behind you. 21 These things you have done and I have been silent; you thought that I was one like yourself. But now I rebuke you, and lay the charge before you. 23 He who brings thanksgiving as his sacrifice honors me; to him who orders his way aright I will show the salvation of God!"

Matthew 23:1-12<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=Matt&ch=23&bv1=1&ev1=12>

1 Then said Jesus to the crowds and to his disciples, 2 "The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat; 3 so practice and observe whatever they tell you, but not what they do; for they preach, but do not practice. 4 They bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with their finger. 5 They do all their deeds to be seen by men; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, 6 and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues, 7 and salutations in the market places, and being called rabbi by men. 8 But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brethren. 9 And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. 10 Neither be called masters, for you have one master, the Christ. 11 He who is greatest among you shall be your servant; 12 whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

Lenten Reflections<http://origin.ewtn.com/faith/lent/>

Pope Benedict XVI Encyclical Letter<http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/encyclicals/documents/hf_ben-xvi_enc_20071130_spe-salvi_en.html>

When: Monday, February 18, 2008 12:00 AM to Tuesday, February 19, 2008 12:00 AM (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada).

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Words of Jesus

Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For the measure you give will be the measure you get back.

Luke 6:37-38

Of us God demands purity of heart, that purity which is the life of the soul. He wants besides, since we possess no virtues worthy of Him, a deep respect and true humility. Let us simply be faithful, humble, and confident. He will do the rest.

— St. Peter Julian Eymard

Abba, Father, Lord God, how? I start to ask how we maintain a joyous and positive spirit under the sun given our human condition with a nature prone to sinfulness disobedience and selfish pride. Today's readings at first remind me of this state, while convicting me again of my past sins and permanent condition of selfish pride. My mind is a flurry of thoughts, regrets and hopes. Yet as I start to ask, I see in Jesus Your unconditional love and I read St Peter Julian Eymard and I am reminded that there is nothing I can do but continue to be faithful, continue to seek humbleness, and be confident in Your love, words and promise. Then Jesus tells me who I am to judge; for the measure I give will be the measure I receive. I have no right to judge anyone for that is up to You. I must extend this to myself and cease self judgment for I cannot change what happened, nor can I control what will happen, but I can if I stay in Jesus, obedient to His commands, in the now, the moment. O Lord God create in me a clean heart, renew my spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Daniel 9:4-10<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=Dan&ch=9&bv1=4&ev1=10>

4 I prayed to the LORD, my God, and confessed, "Ah, Lord, great and awesome God, you who keep your merciful covenant toward those who love you and observe your commandments! 5 We have sinned, been wicked and done evil; we have rebelled and departed from your commandments and your laws. 6 We have not obeyed your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes, our fathers, and all the people of the land. 7 Justice, O Lord, is on your side; we are shamefaced even to this day: the men of Judah, the residents of Jerusalem, and all Israel, near and far, in all the countries to which you have scattered them because of their treachery toward you. 8 O LORD, we are shamefaced, like our kings, our princes, and our fathers, for having sinned against you. 9 But yours, O Lord, our God, are compassion and forgiveness! Yet we rebelled against you 10 and paid no heed to your command, O LORD, our God, to live by the law you gave us through your servants the prophets.

Psalm 79:8-9, 11, 13<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=Ps&ch=79&bv1=8&ev1=9&bv2=11&ev2=11&bv3=13&ev3=13>

8 Do not remember against us the iniquities of our forefathers; let thy compassion come speedily to meet us, for we are brought very low. 9 Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name; deliver us, and forgive our sins, for thy name's sake! 11 Let the groans of the prisoners come before thee; according to thy great power preserve those doomed to die! 13 Then we thy people, the flock of thy pasture, will give thanks to thee for ever; from generation to generation we will recount thy praise.

Luke 6:36-38<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=Luke&ch=6&bv1=36&ev1=38>

36 Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. 37 "Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; 38 give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For the measure you give will be the measure you get back."

Lenten Reflections<http://origin.ewtn.com/faith/lent/>

Pope Benedict XVI Encyclical Letter<http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/encyclicals/documents/hf_ben-xvi_enc_20071130_spe-salvi_en.html>

When: Sunday, February 17, 2008 12:00 AM to Monday, February 18, 2008 12:00 AM (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada).

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Words of Jesus

"O faithless and perverse generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him here to me."

Matthew 17:17

Celebrate the feast of Christmas every day, even every moment in the interior temple of your spirit, remaining like a baby in the arms of the heavenly Father, where you will be reborn each moment in the Divine Word, Jesus Christ!

— St. Paul of the Cross

Abba, Father, Lord God, today You give the words of Mother Angelica to calm and feed me…

The object of our prayer-life is to empty ourselves and be filled with the Trinity. The first thing Jesus did when He became Man was to empty Himself.

"His state was Divine, yet He did not cling to His equality with God, but emptied Himself to assume the condition of a slave and become as men are; and as all men are, He was humbler yet." (Phil. 2:6,7)

Our mission in life, then, is to cooperate with God's Grace and empty ourselves and be filled with the Trinity.

We are not to seek detachment to be free of responsibility, but to enable us to love both God and man with a pure love.

We are not to withdraw from the world to be alone, but to be with God.

We are to do penance, not because it erases our guilt, but because it wipes away the traces of sin.

We are to empty ourselves, not for the sake of self-control, but to be filled with God- transformed into Jesus.

There is no definite method by which we can become selfless. Each one of us has a particular virtue and faults that make the process of becoming like Jesus different. We must look at Jesus, read His Word in Scripture and ask His Spirit to enlighten our minds and give us that particular way by which we can best attain the goal He has set for us …. Mother Angelica

O my Jesus help me to let go of myself and embrace You becoming Your image, liken my heart to Yours so I may see with Your eyes, speak with Your words, act in Your ways, and feel with Your heart. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Genesis 12:1-4<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=Gen&ch=12&bv1=1&ev1=4>

1 Now the LORD said to Abram, "Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. 2 And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and him who curses you I will curse; and by you all the families of the earth shall bless themselves." 4 So Abram went, as the LORD had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran.

Psalm 33:4-5, 18-20, 22<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=Ps&ch=33&bv1=4&ev1=5&bv2=18&ev2=20&bv3=22&ev3=22>

4 For the word of the LORD is upright; and all his work is done in faithfulness. 5 He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the LORD. 18 Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love, 19 that he may deliver their soul from death, and keep them alive in famine. 20 Our soul waits for the LORD; he is our help and shield. 22 Let thy steadfast love, O LORD, be upon us, even as we hope in thee.

2 Timothy 1:8-10<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=_2Tim&ch=1&bv1=8&ev1=10>

8 Do not be ashamed then of testifying to our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel in the power of God, 9 who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not in virtue of our works but in virtue of his own purpose and the grace which he gave us in Christ Jesus ages ago, 10 and now has manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

Matthew 17:1-19<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=Matt&ch=17&bv1=1&ev1=19>

1 And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain apart. 2 And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his garments became white as light. 3 And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Eli'jah, talking with him. 4 And Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is well that we are here; if you wish, I will make three booths here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Eli'jah." 5 He was still speaking, when lo, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him." 6 When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces, and were filled with awe. 7 But Jesus came and touched them, saying, "Rise, and have no fear." 8 And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only. 9 And as they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, "Tell no one the vision, until the Son of man is raised from the dead." 10 And the disciples asked him, "Then why do the scribes say that first Eli'jah must come?" 11 He replied, "Eli'jah does come, and he is to restore all things; 12 but I tell you that Eli'jah has already come, and they did not know him, but did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of man will suffer at their hands." 13 Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist. 14 And when they came to the crowd, a man came up to him and kneeling before him said, 15 "Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and he suffers terribly; for often he falls into the fire, and often into the water. 16 And I brought him to your disciples, and they could not heal him." 17 And Jesus answered, "O faithless and perverse generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him here to me." 18 And Jesus rebuked him, and the demon came out of him, and the boy was cured instantly. 19 Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, "Why could we not cast it out?"

Lenten Reflections<http://origin.ewtn.com/faith/lent/>

Pope Benedict XVI Encyclical Letter<http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/encyclicals/documents/hf_ben-xvi_enc_20071130_spe-salvi_en.html>

When: Saturday, February 16, 2008 12:00 AM to Sunday, February 17, 2008 12:00 AM (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada).

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Words of Jesus

"Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven… If you love those who love you, what merit is there in that?"

Matthew 5:44,46

He who desires anything but God deceives himself, and he who loves anything but God errs miserably.

— St. Phillip Neri

Abba, Father, Lord God, look upon us and hear our prayer. By the good works You inspire, help us to discipline our bodies and to be renewed in spirit. Lord Jesus, you spoke peace to a sinful world and brought mankind the gift of reconciliation by the suffering and death you endured. I love you and joyfully bear the name 'Christian.' Teach me to follow your example. Increase my faith, hope and charity so that I may struggle to turn hatred to love and conflict to peace. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Deuteronomy 26:16-19<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=Deut&ch=26&bv1=16&ev1=19>

16 "This day the LORD your God commands you to do these statutes and ordinances; you shall therefore be careful to do them with all your heart and with all your soul. 17 You have declared this day concerning the LORD that he is your God, and that you will walk in his ways, and keep his statutes and his commandments and his ordinances, and will obey his voice; 18 and the LORD has declared this day concerning you that you are a people for his own possession, as he has promised you, and that you are to keep all his commandments, 19 that he will set you high above all nations that he has made, in praise and in fame and in honor, and that you shall be a people holy to the LORD your God, as he has spoken."

Psalm 119:1-2, 4-5, 7-8<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=Ps&ch=119&bv1=1&ev1=2&bv2=4&ev2=5&bv3=7&ev3=8>

1 Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD! 2 Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart, 4 Thou hast commanded thy precepts to be kept diligently. 5 O that my ways may be steadfast in keeping thy statutes! 7 I will praise thee with an upright heart, when I learn thy righteous ordinances. 8 I will observe thy statutes; O forsake me not utterly!

Matthew 5:43-48<http://www.ewtn.com/vbible/search.asp?abbr=Matt&ch=5&bv1=43&ev1=48>

43 "You have heard that it was said, `You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you salute only your brethren, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48 You, therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Lenten Reflections<http://origin.ewtn.com/faith/lent/>

Pope Benedict XVI Encyclical Letter<http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/encyclicals/documents/hf_ben-xvi_enc_20071130_spe-salvi_en.html>