In the lessons for this 3rd Sunday in Lent, we see the importance of walking in the love of God, of filling our hearts and minds with the heavenly virtues. Ephesians 5:1-14, Luke 11:14-28

Thomas was born into a family that afforded him access to all the "good things" of this world, but, at the age of 19, he recognized the superior glory of the Kingdom of God, and devoted himself to seeking Christ and in this pursuit he put off the works of darkness and set his mind on things above. His life is a model of heavenly virtue and in this purity of heart, he is given keen insight into the faith of the Church Catholic and for this reason he is remembered as the "angelic doctor." Wisdom 7:7

On March 6, the Church commemorates the Holy Martyrs Perpetua and Felicity, arrested in Carthage with other young catechumens. Perpetua, a married woman, well-born about twenty-two years of age, was a mother with an infant at the breast; while Felicity was a serving girl, who, since she was pregnant, was granted a respite, in accordance with the law, until she was delivered. Though she suffered in giving birth, when thrown to the wild beasts she rejoiced. They processed from prison into the amphitheatre with joyful countenances, looking to heaven and treading the devil underfoot.

In this 3rd Sunday in Lent, the Church continues to lead us in the way of Christ, teaching us the way in which we are to order our lives, not just for these 40 days, but how these 40 days are to transform the whole of our existence. Luke 11:14, Eph 5:1

Although the holy life and work of St. Aelred has been perverted in recent years, he stands as a true witness to the grace of God, bearing witness by his preaching, writing, and living, to the transforming power of the love of God. Matthew 19:27-30

Chad was the youngest of 4 brothers, all of whom were raised up in the gospel and all of whom became priests. St. Chad stands as a model of godly living and leadership as he lovingly shepherded Christ's flock in each of the several places he was called to serve the British Christians. Matthew 24:42

We are called today to remember the life and work of St. David, Bishop and Confessor, Patron Saint of Wales. We do not know as much about the life of this blessed David as we would like, but he stands as a witness to the ministry of the British Church before the mission of the Roman Church to convert the Britons. It is said that he was consecrated Archbishop of Wales by the Patriarch of Jerusalem, John III, and in all his labors he is remembered for his holiness and his steadfastness for the orthodox faith. Matthew 25:14

"Always with Christ" is a short program that is broadcast each Sunday on our local AM 1240, KVLF, and each episode provides an overview of the themes that are presented to us in the Sunday Lectionary. This episode takes us into the lessons for the 2nd Sunday in Lent where we read from 1 Thessalonians 4:1-7 and Matthew 15;21-28.

As we continue through Lent, we are exhorted this morning to abound more in more in our pursuit of Christ. In this way we find the will of God, we find transformation after his very image. But the way of the cross is not easy; however the struggle is of great value, for through our weakness the strength of God is manifest. 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8, Matthew 15:21-28.

Today marks the celebration of the grace and goodness of God that made Matthias an Apostle of Jesus Christ, who followed in the steps of his Lord, taking the gospel into Cappadocia and Issus and finally to Ethiopia, where he claims the martyr's crown. Acts 1:15-26