Lenten Reflection for 2/24

Saturday of the First Week of Lent

Daily Prayer

Heavenly Father, do not let us lose the trusting faith of our spiritual infancy. It is only when we become like little children that we are rich in hope. Yes, Father, give us again the simplicity and innocence of a child who is assured of Your love. Help us to stay young at heart by cherishing Your love, hope and mercy. Amen

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Scripture Readings

Deuteronomy 26:16-19; Matthew 5:43-48
(Click for today’s Readings.)

Scripture Quote

Matthew 5:46

[Jesus said to his disciples:]
For if you love those who love you,
what recompense will you have?

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Reflection

Think about your childhood prayers and those you prayed for—your parents, your grandparents, your family. You prayed for them because you loved them, and they loved you.

But, as St. Paul says, “When I became a man, I put aside childish things,” (1 Corinthians 13:11). So it is that we must pray and do as an adult. We may be good and moral, devout to the Church, generous to those who need our help, warm and loving to our family and friends. Yet if we don’t challenge ourselves to reach beyond our own circle, how can we grow in Christ’s love? We must welcome encounters and be present to whoever God places before us in our daily journey.

Reflection Questions

How can I reflect today on the depth of God’s love for me?

Has there been a time recently when I have not shown the love of Christ to someone?

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Excerpts from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, DC. Used with permission. All rights reserved. No portion of this text may be reproduced by any means without permission in writing from the copyright owner.