#40 Holy Saturday 4/4/2026 Newness of life is now.

Holy Saturday is quiet. We meditate on the death of our Lord. We pray with the saints in pondering what death means and how can Jesus, the Son of God die. We seek to be still in a busy world. And we hope in the words of St. Paul in the newness of life. “We were indeed buried with him through baptism into death, so that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might live in newness of life.” (Rm 6:4) Living for today is pouring our love into the search for truth and holiness. It is placing our lives fully and completely into the plan of salvation. It is hearing the call to life and embracing the goodness and uniting ourselves with Jesus Christ in his Church.

#39 Good Friday 4/3/2026 Seven Words of Silence

Today the Church sits in silence. There will be no Mass celebrated today. Today Jesus dies on the Cross and we come to church to venerate the blessing and wonder of the cross. Today we are called to sit in silence. Silence in the modern world is very hard. The noise of society intrudes into almost every corner of our lives and yet, we are challenged to find silence in the presence of our Lord. To get lost in the contemplation of life, like a parent gazing at they sleeping child. The silence of sitting in front of a great work of art, being drawn deeper into a mystery that expands and expands the more we seeks to discover a depth of love. Let us take time today to listen to St. Mark’s Passion and offer a time of silence to the Lord.

#38 Holy Thursday 4/2/2026 Doubling Down

Today we hear the request for the body and the surprise of Pilate that Jesus had died so soon. He had expected much more suffering. That is what happened. The casual cruelty of sin shows forth in all its terrible destruction. But there is also the kindness of Joseph of Arimathea in this cruelty, this is where God is and we are challenged and invited to search for this blessing amidst the pain and suffering in our lives. As we begin this sacred Triduum ending our Lent, let us double down on our commitment to prayer, renew our desire in fasting, and lovingly extend our alms to those around us. Amen.

#37 Holy Wednesday 4/1/2026 Paying attention

What happens after the excitement, the worry, the troubles are deemed finished? What happens next? Today Joseph of Arimathea comes and takes Jesus’ body to a tomb. Most people have left to go about their daily routines. What happens next? In our life this is a pattern, a disaster, the championship game, a wedding or a funeral happen and then it can be quickly forgotten by so many. But someone is left behind. There is still need of cleaning up, healing a broken heart or the need to have someone to talk with for a little while longer. In our spiritual journey we need to leave behind but we cannot stop paying attention. Sin needs to be left but the attentiveness to the healing, the renewing needs to be continued. Let us always pay attention to the voice of our Lord.

#36 Holy Tuesday 3/31/2026 Holding Jesus

As the Holy Triduum of Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday draw near we may want to reflect back on these past days of Lent and ask, where do I stand with Jesus? Near? Close but not to close? Or afraid and distant? Our challenge as we reflect on the Passion according to St. Mark is to, no matter what stage we are in, to turn and face Jesus. To move ever closer to Jesus. To take Jesus in our hands with faith, hope and love. I would continue to encourage you to take the Gospel of St. Mark and re-read the Passion narrative once more today. God Bless

#35 Holy Monday 3/30/2026 And he saw how he breathed his last

What drew that centurion to look at Jesus in those last minutes of his life? In the pains and sufferings of life, we are invited by our God to look on the face of His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. To see the peace and freedom that comes from the obedience of love. We are challenged to keep seeking him even in the most troubling moments of life. I would challenge you once more to take your Bible and read the Passion of St. Mark from the first verse of Chapter 14 until the end of Gospel…reflecting back on what you prayed this Lenten season.

Palm Sunday of the Passion of our Lord 3/29/2026

Today we begin Holy Week with the triumphant procession into Jerusalem followed quickly by the reading of the Passion of the Lord from the Gospel of St. Matthew. We, in faith, trust in the goodness of the Lord. We believe Jesus’ Passion, Death and Resurrection is the gift of eternal life. It is where we discover how goodness and love will always defeat the evil of the world. Where we will always discover God’s loving presence in our life. I would invite you this week to take the Passion of St. Mark, pick up your Bible, and read it completely. You may want to do this as a family and reflect back on the Little Black Book. Blessed Holy Week.

#34 Lenten Reflection 3/28/2026 Spend some quiet time with the Lord.

Death comes for everyone and today Jesus cries out from the cross one last time and breathes his last. St. Mark shares this in just a few short words but those who love Jesus remain. It is the recognition that death does not have the final say, Jesus brings life and brings us to true life. Let us today spend some quiet time with Jesus. Remembering those who have gone before us and that we one day will follow them as Jesus holds us and leads us to life.

#33 Lenten Reflection 3/27/2026 The Cry from the Cross

Give glory and praise to God for the gift of life. Jesus cries from the Cross the words of the Psalms and we are called to listen and respond, not to the despondency of the situation but rather in the sharing of the relationship of love. A relationship that grows stronger when we share who we are, not the curated image that is air brushed and only recognizes the “good” feelings and well framed photographs but embraces the messiness and difficulties that come from a life lived in community and sacrifice for others. Sharing who we are with God, the fullness of who we are, brings us closer to the true gift of our humanity: we get to choose love and mercy.

#32 Lenten Reflection 3/26/2026 A Cross on the Wall

Do you have a Cross/Crucifix on the wall of your home? I walked around the rectory one day and counted the number of Crosses/Crucifixes I had in my rooms: my office and livings spaces. I had 21 then and have added several more. They aren’t art work that is static but they are living memories. A few come from the Eucharistic Missionaries of the Most Holy Trinity, the sisters I serve in San Jose. Four were gifts from Worldwide Marriage Encounter. One is from the family of my Godfather, another from a good friend who gave it to me at the funeral of her father. Each cross carries a story of love and as I sit and ponder the image of the cross above my television it carries the greatest image a love that gently draws my life into unity with Jesus in the embrace of the Most Holy Trinity. Take time and sit and allow the Cross of Jesus Christ to draw you into true life and love. Amen.

#31 Lenten Reflection 3/25/2026 Solemnity of the Annunciation

Jesus begins his six hours on the Cross. Six long hours of torture, unable to find comfort, each movement bringing more pain. Have you ever tried to remain still for six hours? Standing for six hours? Sitting for six hours? Even, just laying down, without sleeping or movement for six hours? Our body revolts at such stillness and yet we often run by that one sentence that it was 9:00 a.m. when they crucified him. We may want to stop and pause in prayer for our Church as we begin to ponder the next six hours, the final hours. Let us pray…

#30 Lenten Reflection 3/24/2026 Venerable Edward Flanagan…Pray for us

Today we rejoice as a Church as the founder of Boys Town, Fr. Edward Flanagan has been named Venerable, one of the steps to becoming a canonized saint in the Catholic Church. We are also reflecting on the the words, “Then they crucified him.” Jesus is crucified and dies for our sins. We are asked to meditate on the brutality and pain of this type of death, not as some morbid fascination or curiosity, but with the eyes of faith leading us to a deeper understanding of love. How in love we will suffer and die for the other. Choosing to offer our life in sacrificial love…pouring out everything in the hope of life. It could be in the service of those in need, like Venerable Fr. Flanagan or the martyrdom of St. Oscar Romero in speaking out for the poor. There is but one answer, to take up our cross and follow Him. St. Oscar Romero….pray for us. Venerable Edward Flanagan…pray for us.

#29 Lenten Reflection 3/23/2026 Carrying our cross

The last line in the reflection booklet today has such a powerful and wonderful gift in our final weeks of the Lenten Journey…we don’t know where we are going, or why this and not that, or how soon or late we will arrive…we just have to know Jesus and follow him. It may be a good time to look back and follow the path of transformation and conversion you are experiencing during our times of prayer. It may be a good time to go to the Sacrament of Reconciliation to find God’s mercy and grace. It may be time to just sit in silence with God. Amen. “He carried the cross, not knowing why, or where he was going. But he wasn’t lost, He was following the Lord.” (77)

5th Sunday in Lent 3/22/2026 Lazarus come out

Jesus calls us by name from the moment of our conception in the womb of our mother until the hour of our death…but the greatest call is at the moment of our death when God calls us from death into eternal life. In the Sacraments, this is the grace of God. In baptism he calls us to new life through the grace. In Reconciliation he calls us to new life in grace and in the Last Rites he calls us to new life. God’s grace, His gracious love is beyond anything we can imagine and yet we are invited to participate in the small moments of charity and mercy that we experience day by day. Let us hear Jesus’ call, to come out into the light of life and to abandon our death to sin as Jesus invites us to unwrap one another in mercy and love.

#28 Lenten Reflection 3/21/2026 The Way of the Cross

The Way of the Cross or the Stations of the Cross are a wonderful spiritual way to enter into the Lenten journey. They ask us to go beyond the surface of the Gospel story and enter into a deeper and more profound understanding of why we walk with Jesus and why he asked us to follow him. The great mystery of salvation history is found in the love Jesus has for us as he dies for our sins so that we may be saved. The looking deeper asks us to reflect on the implications of God’s fidelity to His people but our choosing to see and know God in the most vulnerable and the most in need. You may want to go back to the pray of St. Augustine to the Holy Spirit on page 60 to help you reflect on this day.

#27 Lenten Reflection 3/20/2026 Caring for Jesus–Caring for the other

When I see a person in need, what is my first reaction? We all have our blind spots, the area in life where we don’t see the other person as someone worthy or to be loved and cared for, this is the reality of life. As Jesus is beaten, crowned with thorns, mocked and spat upon, the soldiers and all those watching with glee not only failed to see the Son of God, the failed to see the dignity of the human person made in the image and likeness of God. It is the sin we can all carry if we are not careful of seeking humility in life. Yesterday, we learned how St. Joseph chose to relearn God’s love as he took Mary into his home, are we willing to relearn and drop are prejudices to become love?

#26 Lenten Reflection 3/19/2026 St. Joseph, Husband of Mary, Pray for us.

Today we are reminded of the quiet faith of a man who without a spoken word shines forth as a great light of faith. St. Joseph, the husband of Mary and foster father of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, is a example of what simple acts of courage and faith can do to change the world. Each day of his life, St. Joseph, in faith, prepared his heart to hear God’s word and to act on this word. This trust in God, opening his heart to God, doing the holy work of God was who St. Joseph was because he chose that path through faith, hope and love. St. Joseph has many titles but his first and greatest is Husband of Mary in his choosing her in the obedience of love. St. Joseph…pray for us.

#25 Lenten Reflections 3/18/2026 Making a Choice

Choosing the good and rejecting the evil is life. It is the small blessings allowing us to see the better in life. The little catch phrase, “God is Good” that seems everywhere and on the lips of many can ring hallow by the actions of mercy and forgiveness Jesus lives in our lives. The invitation to return to God is “making the choice” to change the direction of our journey and follow the cross of Jesus Christ. It is being obedient in love of God and neighbor in choosing the good for our neighbor, both enemy and friend. St. Cyril of Jerusalem…pray for us.

#24 Lenten Reflections 3/17/26 St. Patrick

With Sound! Sorry about the no sound on the last two videos…I fixed it…I hope. We are reminded in our reflections today that when everything seems to be going wrong and life is so difficult with all the accusations flying about…God is still present, the peace of Christ is within us and the strength of the Holy Spirit still fills us with love. Let us continue to hold on to the power of the grace God fills us with and move forward knowing God’s plan is to bring us to heaven. Let us hold on to the plan and take the next step on our pilgrim journey, the way of the cross.

#23 Lenten Reflection 3/16/26 Discipline (now we have sound)

We all have routines that involve discipline in our lives. It may be getting out of bed at a certain time each day. It could be eating a healthy diet or having specific exercises we do each day. Discipline is an important part of life and especially our faith life. The discipline of fasting, praying and almsgiving during Lent are an extension of our normal faith life where we choose to be more intentional or more strict in our “routines” in faith. These little acts of courage strengthen our resolve, give us courage in our building up of our relationship with God. Discipline is always pointed towards a goal and our Lenten goal is the Resurrection of Easter Sunday. Give glory and praise to God.

4th Sunday in Lent 3/15/2026 Come Holy Spirit

Now with Sound…sorry about the earlier error>>>>>Today we are given the “Holy Spirit Prayer” from St. Augustine of Hippo in our Little Black Book. St. Augustine reminds us we call upon the Holy Spirit to give us strength and direction in our life of faith. Like the man born blind in the Gospel of St. John, Jesus gives us a vision of reality where the blessings of God illuminate our life. The world often tries to dim the light of life, but with the breath of the Holy Spirit our thoughts become pure and noble in character, as St. Paul writes “You were once darkness,
but now you are light in the Lord.” Today we pray for the elect of the Church as they move towards the Easter Sacraments and also for our Church, may we be the light in the darkness of the world.

22 Lenten Reflections 3/14/26 You are forgiven

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is vital for life in Christ. We are invited by God to come and seek mercy and reconciliation in the forgiveness of our sins. God calls us back again and again in our failings and seeks to heal us in his love. Make an appointment to receive the Sacrament or check out your local parishes to see what hours you can go to give thanks for God’s mercy and love.

#21 Lenten Reflections 3/13/2026 Courtyards and Traps

As we hear St. Peter deny Jesus in the courtyard we are asked to reflect on where our courtyard is where we find it a little easier to deny Jesus in our lives. Where we find it a little easier to turn a blind eye to a sin being committed. Where we close our ears to slander and gossip. Where we walk around the problem rather than seeking reconciliation and healing. Where is our courtyard? We may have one…or we may have many but no matter how many or how big our courtyard may be, Jesus’ mercy, love and healing are bigger and more gracious than anything we can imagine. It is moving from the courtyard of sin and holding on to the forgiveness of the cross. Practice the gift of sacramental healing in Reconciliation.

#20 Lenten Reflections 3/12/2026 Spiritual Perseverance

Today as we hear the recounting of Jesus being abused by the guards, beaten, spat upon, and mocked we are reminded how the cross calls for sacrifice. Trusting in God’s plan, learning His will and opening our hearts to hear his word is hard a difficult and we can often feel discouraged and alone, but Jesus is with us. It can be lonely. St. John Paul II in a Lenten prayer reminds us; “Teach us to follow you on the path of the Cross. Grant us strength in our weakness, light in our darkness, and courage in our trials.”

#19 Lenten Reflection 3/11/2026 Goodness

The goodness of God shines forth in the earth. “I believe that I will see the LORD’s goodness in the land of the living.” (Psalm 27:13) How often do I search out goodness? Or do I simply wait for it to land on my doorstep? Where do I look for goodness? Our reflection today reminds us that we will encounter goodness all over the place in many different people and circumstances. Do I open my eyes to goodness? A lot of questions. When we already think we have the answers, the religious leaders of Jesus’ day (and our day too) we become blind to the greater possibility of goodness/holiness in our lives. As we continue to read and pray the Passion of Jesus may we seek the truth of goodness and the blessing of our brothers and sisters.

#18 Lenten Reflection 3/10/2026 The joy of the truth.

The great lie that seems to twist the truth but is so easily believed when we simply want to avoid conflict. Sadly this lie will only lead to more conflict. Blessed Miguel Augustin Pro and St. John Olgilvie both Jesuit priest and both were martyred for their faith under anti-Catholic persecution. Both these men, under great persecution and torture chose the truth and to seek to witness to the love, peace and joy of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We are called to follow in the footsteps of Jesus and the example of the martyrs of the Church. Being reminded how we are invited to choose truth and faith so we too may endure the trials of life.

Blessed Miguel Augustin Pro…Pray for us. St. John Olgilvie…Pray for us.

#17 Lenten Reflection 3/9/2026 How about right now?

What a great question to ask each and every day. I see a pile of laundry that needs to be folded and put away..How about right now. We can often put off the things of this world. It is call procrastination. We also have “spiritual procrastination” where we fail to walk next to Jesus…as St. Peter did…and so many others…including me. Choosing to do good, to be Christlike in our actions, our thoughts and our prayers, takes hard work and a consistent reliance on God’s grace to strengthen our call to discipleship…right now.

3rd Sunday in Lent 3/8/2026 Give Me a Drink

Today’s Gospel reminds us of God’s gentle and surprising invitation to serve him through others. Jesus invites the woman into an act of service; a simple act and a surprising invitation. She hears the invitation “give me a drink” in confusion and doubt. Jesus is offering the invitation to share in the gift of life, “give me a drink.” How often do we hear this same invitation, In different words, but the same invitation from a spouse, a child, a parent, or anyone. Can you, give me a drink? Our answer, we pray will be yes and not only yes, it will be the sharing of the good news of life, love and peace.

16 Lent 3 7 2026 A forgotten upload. Ooof. Saturday was busy and between morning men’s group, Mass, heading over to hear Confessions at a teen retreat, and everything else…I forgot. please enjoy…although late.

#15 Lenten Reflection 3 6 2026 If you want peace, work for justice (St. Paul VI)

Cutting off the ear of someone you disagree with will never solve the problem. Violence will only beget more violence. In this time when we seem to be experiencing so much war, violence and distrust of others in our country and world, we pray for peace. Jesus reminds us that His word will bring about dissension both within the family and the larger community. Building trust, the first fruits of peace, come through listening and hearing to voice of the other. Self defense is necessary, but we are called to disarm the violence of conflict by seeking first and always a just outcome where violence and destruction are not sought as a solution. Let us pray for peace and let us work for Justice. St. Paul VI, pray for us.

#14 Lenten Reflection 3 5 2026 It is never to early to begin…not to late

Today we hear a beautiful story of St. Thèrése and the Sacrifice Beads that her family practiced. It was a spiritual practice, given to her at a very young age (before 4 years old), she practiced as she grew in holiness. This story reminds us of our need for spiritual practice and for families with children to challenge them to a spiritual practice throughout the years. Our Lenten practice of fasting, prayer and almsgiving should extend to the whole year, just deepened in Lent. These spiritual practice become a bulwark against the temptations of sin. Just remember… It is never to early to begin nor is it to late.

#13 Lenten Reflection 3 4 2026 Pray for us St. Casmir

A daily reflection where we examine our life and conscience is important for any growth. It helps us to remember all God’s blessings we have received (which we often forget among the troubles) as well as where we need to improve (to turn away from sin) so that we can life the more joy filled and holy life. As we are reminded, we often have good intentions that are left behind because we lack the strength or courage to turn them into actions. When we examine our day we are reminded how we need to call on God for the grace to be courageous and strong in living the Christian life and to become the saint God Called us to be.

#12 Lenten Reflection 3 3 2026 Thy Will be Done

The petition in the Our Father “The will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven” can be both a joy and a burden in our lives. The cup of gladness, of the will of the Father, brings us great joy and celebration as we grow and live with the people of God. The cup of bitterness and sorrow, also the will of the Father, brings us suffering and pain as we can doubt the direction, the necessary pruning that occur in our lives. Choosing to live the will of the Father is choosing to follow Jesus in the Way of the Cross, taking up our crosses daily in love of the Most Holy Trinity as we join with the saints in our life of faith…trusting in the will of the Father, on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.

#11 Lenten Reflection 3 2 2026 Preparing our heart with Prayer

St. Michael the Archangel defend us in battle. These words that begin the great prayer of St. Michael remind us that we are not in the battle alone. We are surrounded by a heavenly host and the Holy Catholic Church on earth. Prayer is a preparation for the struggle to “stay awake” in our journey of faith. As we face the adversities of life, we are called to prepare for the battle through constant prayer and joyful hope. God never gives up on us and is with us always. Let us walk with Him in prayer calling out to the Holy Spirit to fill us and strengthen us with the fire of grace.

2nd Sunday Prayer in the Community

We are reminded again how prayer takes many different forms. A life of prayer is found in the fullness of the human experience. We need quiet prayer where we sit alone with God and allow His word to fill us in a unique way. We need prayer in community where we not only hear the prayers of others but experience the noise and distraction of the community honing our hearts in sacrifice and service of others. A life of prayer encompasses both in joy, knowing God is present in the two extremes but also in all the manners of prayer in between. In a special way, let us sit with God and pray for peace in our world .