February 18
Ash Wednesday
READ
“A clean heart create for me, O God, and a steadfast spirit renew within me” (Ps. 51:12).
REFLECT
Today, we recall that our life on earth will end one day. The final purpose of our life is to grow in our love for God to bring about the Kingdom of God on earth, to partake in the Church’s mission to save souls in the ordinary work and responsibilities of our life, and to one day enter into eternal life with God in Heaven.
PRAY
Jesus, you are gracious and merciful, slow to anger and rich in kindness. Help me this Lent to more closely unite all the pains and all the joys of my life to your own sufferings and your own joys. Help me to offer my sorrow and joy with your sacrifice on the Cross to the Father. Amen.
DO
This Lent, it is good to resolve to practice a particular penance and to stick to it as best we can. Lent is a time when we focus on prayer, on fasting, and on good works. Today is an official fast day, which means that we can have one full meal and two small meals, which together do not equal a full meal. Visit a food pantry as a good work or make a visit to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. Smile when you do not feel like it.
February 19
Thursday After Ash Wednesday
READ
“If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23).
REFLECT
The first step in following Christ is repentance. Each of us must repent of the ways in which we do not love God as we ought to. Even if we have not committed serious sins, Jesus is always inviting us to love him more. We must die to our own wishes and desires, if we are to love more perfectly. Love is self-sacrificial.
PRAY
Holy Spirit, I ask today for the grace of the spirit of repentance, so that I may grow in love of you. Amen.
DO
Pray a morning offering or pray the ‘Hail Holy Queen’ prayer before going to bed.
February 20
Friday After Ash Wednesday
READ
“My sacrifice, O God, is a contrite spirit; a heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn” (Ps. 51:19).
REFLECT
Jesus suffered and died so that we could share in his eternal life. Jesus has gone before us into heaven, and we now await the fulfillment of the Kingdom of God when he returns. We are sustained in our waiting by Jesus’ presence with us in the Eucharist.
PRAY
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, I trust in you. Amen.
DO
As we abstain from meat today, let us also make the Stations of the Cross, which you can find online. You can visit a Church or pray the Stations of the Cross at home.
February 21
Saturday After Ash Wednesday
READ
“If you remove from your midst oppression, false accusation and malicious speech… Then light shall rise for you in the darkness, and the gloom shall become for you like midday” (Isaiah 58:9,11).
REFLECT
Your grace, Lord, is the cause of all the good things in our lives. You desire us to know you and to love you. When we are generous in our love for you, you outdo us in your generosity to us. Jesus invites us to bear our crosses with him, so that we can share in his resurrection.
PRAY
Purify my speech, O Lord. Do not let me use your name disrespectfully, and do not let me fall into gossip. Keep me from judging too quickly. Amen.
DO
Today, only go online for work or other essential things and not for entertainment.