We need conversion, and acts of penance are essential aspect of the spiritual life. During Lent, let us intensify our spirit of penance. Look at Christ on the Cross. Jesus invites us to accompany him in lovingly embracing the Cross. A meditation by Father Henry Bocala.

Let us ask Saint Joseph to teach us to be the salt of the earth. Saint Joseph was a courageous soul, an ordinary man who went unnoticed, on whom God relied to do great things. With Joseph as our model, we too can enliven our surroundings with the savor of the peace and joy of Christ. A meditation by Father John Agnew.

We all have a mission as sons and daughters of God. That mission is to make Christ present in this world. Jesus asks each of us, are you willing to do it? Can you drink the cup that Jesus drank? Let us hear Christ’s words: “The Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe.” A meditation given by Father Thomas Bohlin at a men’s evening of recollection at Murray Hill Place.

We are entering Lent, a time of self-denial and penance. It can be easy to see this period largely as a time of greater discipline, of sacrifice, of making myself the best version of myself that I can possibly be. But let us remember what Lent is really about: Looking to Christ crucified, Jesus on the Cross, so we come to understand better the love Christ has shown for us. A meditation by Father John Agnew.

Jesus has addressed this call to each one of us: Unless you take up your cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple. Let us respond to this call, giving thanks to God. There we will discover joy. A meditation by Father Timothy Uhen. 

Jesus told his disciples: “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age.” If we truly believe in Jesus, we will take to heart his command to make disciples of all the nations. A meditation by Father Timothy Uhen.

A meditation by Father Thomas Bohlin.

Even though the Christmas season has ended, Jesus remains with us. Every day can be a Christmas for us, because we can receive Christ in the Eucharist.  Christ is our strength and consolation. We are invited, in Christ, to live as children of God. The Baptism of Jesus in the river Jordan is a demonstration of this reality. God wants to say of each of us those words heard at the Baptism of our Lord: “You are my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”