Tuesday 28th February

United in prayer

Pope Benedict XVI, may he rest in peace, wrote beautifully on prayer and the Our Father: “In praying our heart is opened. Not only do we enter into communion with God but actually with all the children of God, because we are one body. When we address the Father in our inner room in silence and in recollection we are never alone. Those who speak to God are not alone. We are within the great prayer of the Church, we are part of a great symphony that the Christian community in all the parts of the earth and in all epochs, raises to God.” Pray the Our Father slowly and consciously today, with everyone.

LENTEN WEEKDAY

Today's readings: Isaiah 55:10-11; Matthew 6:7-15 (225).

Wednesday 1st March

Get on board for justice

Today marks the 98th death anniversary of Homer Plessy, the man who attempted to end segregation with his legendary ride on a whites-only streetcar in New Orleans in 1892. His efforts were unsuccessful, and the following seven decades of U.S. jurisprudence included segregation as a bedrock feature. Plessy, however, is much less heralded for the fact that he was a man of faith, a black Catholic whose famous ride was organized by an interracial activist group known as the Comité des Citoyens (Citizens’ Committee). Their holy disobedience was one of the first Catholic-led efforts against the developing hierarchy of racism in the formerly French and Spanish regions of the Deep South. May the courage of Plessy and his allies be of use to us today as we continue the march toward justice.

LENTEN WEEKDAY

Today's readings: Jonah 3:1-10; Luke 11:29-32 (226).

Thursday 2nd March

Read it and reap 

Welcome to Read Across America Day, established in 1998 by the National Education Association to encourage this most central, enjoyable, and enriching of activities. Popular among teachers, students, and librarians, today can also be a day for Catholics to explore and support organizations such as the Catholic Media Association, whose members inform, inspire, and educate readers, keeping them connected to their faith, and telling the story of the church. Check a list of Catholic newspapers and magazines to find one you can support with a subscription. You in turn will be supported in your faith.

LENTEN WEEKDAY

Today's readings: Esther C:12, 14-16, 23-25; Matthew 7:7-12 (227).

Friday 3rd March

Store up treasure in heaven

Saint Katharine Drexel was born in Philadelphia in 1858 to a wealthy family. The Drexels had a reputation for generosity, reportedly opening their home several days a week to feed and care for people in need. They also made time every day to pray together. During a trip to Europe as a young woman, Katharine was able to have an audience with Pope Leo XIII. She asked the Holy Father to send missionaries to Wyoming. He answered, “Why don’t you go?” Not long after, Katharine stunned society by leaving behind her privileged life to dedicate herself to religious life. She worked to improve living conditions and educational opportunities for African Americans and Native Americans. She left a legacy far greater than her family fortune.

LENTEN WEEKDAY

Today's readings: Ezekiel 18:21-28; Matthew 5:20-26 (228).

Saturday 4th March

Short but sweet sainthood

Lenten inspiration can come from anywhere—from scripture to Instagram, from saints to young people. While not a Bible figure or social media influencer, 15th century Casimir of Poland happens to fit the categories of both saint and young person. Saint Casimir was a prince who was under intense pressure from his family and country to take a leading role in government and politics. But Casimir felt called to focus on prayer, study, and care for people in need. Although he had to contend with some very disappointed people, he stood firm in his decision to follow his calling. Disease cut short his life at the tender age of 25, but his example can inspire us to live out our calling and thus help fulfill his.

LENTEN WEEKDAY

Today's readings: Deuteronomy 26:16-19; Matthew 5:43-48 (229).