Monday 26^th February 2018

This is the Second Week of Lent. The Gospel today is Luke Chapter 6 Verses 36-68 with its theme, Grant pardon and you will be pardoned. Last month, a local priest had had a very busy Sunday morning. He celebrated two Masses and baptised five children. He spoke to lots of parishioners, signed Mass cards, helped to tidy-up the church after the Masses and so on. He warmed up a bowl of soup and looked forward to having a quiet afternoon. It was not to be. A phone call summoned him to drive through the snow to the hospital to see, Mary, an elderly patient.

On the way, he grumbled a little to the Lord wondering why he had spoiled his afternoon. The lady’s daughter and her husband were at the bedside as the priest anointed the patient and made a Spiritual Communion since Mary was not able to consume the Sacred Host. As the priest blessed her, the old lady turned an looked at the priest. The daughter delightedly remarked that it was the first sign of recognition she had shown in days. But the priest said, “I think she is going. I’m going to pray the commendation of the dying.” As he said the Words, “Go forth Christian soul” she gave a little gasp and slipped away from this life.

The daughter was amazed. She had never seen anyone die before. But she was calm and content.

Her mother had just died but she was calm and content. Why do you think that was so? Do you think the priest grumbled a little to the Lord on his way home? If not, why not?

Pray: Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in Peace. Amen.

Let us ask Mary our Mother to help us know the forgiveness and love of God. Hail Mary….

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Monday 19^th February

Jesus, each time I look at the sacred Host,

sanctify my eyes,

that they may close more and more

to all that is merely earthly.

Jesus, each time I look at the sacred Host,

send a ray of divine light into my soul,

that I may better know you and myself.

Jesus, each time I look at the sacred Host,

send a flame of divine love into my heart

to consume everything in it

that is displeasing to You

and to set it all on fire with Your love.

Now and in eternity

may my only desire be to contemplate

the infinite beauty of Your divine countenance

which delights the angels.

Amen

Our Father…

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By Joseph Nassal, CPPS

Compassionate and Holy God,
stir the dust of our lives and help us remember who we are.
Scatter this dust upon the field of our fear
and give us the courage to yield to redemption.
Ignite the ashes of our burned-out dreams and kindle life.
As we carefully place these ashes in the urn of our heart,
we yearn for sparks of new life.

Loving God,
as we paint our faces with these ashes,
You call us to turn away from sin but not from death.
You tempt us to look the face of death in the eye
as we embrace and remember life.

Merciful God,
as we carry the ash tattoo of the cross upon our foreheads,
kindle within us memories of your mercy.
Give us the courage to turn away from sin and return to You,
and so find our way to one another.
It is in this turning that we find our truth.

Amen.