Lenten Reflections by Fr. John Forliti
February 18, 2015
Gospel Spirituality, Prayers for LENT, 2015
Feb. 18 ASH WEDNESDAY (Mt. 6 1-6, 16-18)
Jesus said: When we give to charity we should not blast it all over the place so people can see how generous we are. When we pray, we should not pray just so that others will see how holy we think we are. When we fast we should not look gloomy just to trick people into thinking that we are holier than they. No, Jesus insisted: don’t be phonies. Be genuine. Strive to be authentic.
Let us pray: Jesus, you saw the emptiness in hypocrisy. Guide our hearts to desire genuine faith in God and bold honesty with ourselves.
St. Joseph, pray for us.
St. John Baptist DeLaSalle, pray for us.
Live, Jesus, in our hearts. Forever.
Feb. 19 Day 2 (Lk. 5:16)
Jesus often sought the quiet of the desert to pray. Silent conversation with God was as important to him as worship in the Temple. It was in this sacred silent space that he listened for direction, and gained strength of spirit so he could better fulfill his mission in life. We need never be afraid of silence but rather look forward to the gifts that only silence can give.
Let us pray: Jesus, you cherished your time for prayer, for personal and private conversation with God. Help us to do the same.
St. Joseph, pray for us.
St. John Baptist DeLaSalle, pray for us.
Live, Jesus, in our hearts.
Feb. 20 Day 3 (Jn. 13:1-20)
The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke focus on the Eucharist –Jesus taking bread and wine and changing them into his body and blood. John’s Gospel focuses on transformation of heart that leads a disciple to serve. So, Jesus took a towel and a basin of water and washed the feet of his twelve apostles. Though he was their Master, he chose to be their servant. “As I have done to you, so you must be for each other.” True worship leads to service.
Let us pray: Jesus, you washed the feet of your disciples. By this simple but generous act you encourage us to become servants of one another.
St. Joseph, pray for us.
St. John Baptist DeLaSalle, pray for us.
Live, Jesus, in our hearts.
Feb. 23 Day 4 (Lk. 23:39-43)
Jesus was crucified with two criminals, one on his left, the other on his right. One of them knew that Jesus was falsely accused and condemned. This criminal, known in history as the “good thief” spoke a powerful request to Jesus as they were both dying: “Remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus replied: “This day you shall be with me in paradise.”
Let us pray: Jesus, you felt the remorse in the good thief’s heart and you promised him Paradise. No matter our sins and mistakes, teach us to never lose hope.
St. Joseph, pray for us.
St. John Baptist DeLaSalle, pray for us.
Live, Jesus, in our hearts.
Feb. 24 Day 5 (Mt. 14: 26-33)
Jesus called Peter to walk to him across the water. Peter was the impetuous type –he was always ready to throw the first punch or respond without overly analyzing a situation. So, when Jesus invited him to walk on the water, Peter didn’t hesitate, until he saw how strong the wind was. Then he became frightened and began to sink. Jesus stretched out his hand and saved him. Jesus asked Peter: why did you doubt?
Let us pray: Jesus, as you helped Peter work through his doubts, strengthen our faith in you and in your saving presence.
St. Joseph, pray for us.
St John Baptist DeLaSalle, pray for us.
Live, Jesus, in our hearts. Forever.
Feb. 25 Day 6 (Lk. 2:41-52)
When Jesus was a teenager, he liked to go to the Temple and see what he could learn. He had the gift of curiosity and an eagerness to expand his knowledge. He realized that his elders had something to teach him but that he had the responsibility to seek them out and to search them out. Looking for answers he was not bashful about asking questions.
Let us pray: Jesus, you had a passion for learning and were not afraid to seek answers, You inspire us to learn, you encourage us to ask the honest questions.
St. Joseph, pray for us.
St. John Baptist DeLaSalle, prayer for us.
Live, Jesus, in our hearts.
Feb. 26 Day 7 (Mk. 14:32-46)
The night before he was crucified, Jesus experienced what tradition calls his Agony in the Garden. With three of his disciples asleep a short distance away, he felt a deep sadness and a feeling of abandonment. He was beginning to realize that his expected arrest and torture were imminent. The suffering he was about to undergo would challenge the strength of the strongest human beings. His prayer was that he would accept what he could not change.
Let us pray: Jesus, you teach us that some suffering in life is inevitable. Help us to accept what we cannot change and to trust that you walk with us in difficult times.
St. Joseph, pray for us.
St. John Baptist DeLaSalle, pray for us.
Live, Jesus, in our hearts. Forever.
Feb. 27 Day 8 (Lk. 4:16-20)
One Sabbath day, when Jesus went to the synagogue, he was given the Book of Isaiah to read a prophecy aloud. This is what he chose to read: The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor, to proclaim freedom to slaves, sight to the blind, and liberty to the oppressed. Then he startled his listeners by claiming that he, Jesus, was the one whom God had called to fulfill this prophecy.
Let us pray: Jesus, you came to know your mission in life and you embraced it with passion and love. Help us to join with you in bringing light and hope to our world.
St. Joseph, pray for us.
St. John Baptist DeLaSalle, pray for us.
Live, Jesus, in our hearts. Forever.
March 2 Day 9 (Lk. 8: 22-25)
One day Jesus got into a boat with some of his disciples and they began to sail across the lake. It was calm and Jesus fell asleep. Suddenly a strong wind came up and the ship began to take in water and the disciples felt they were in danger. They woke up Jesus who cried out against the wind and the waves and the sea became calm again. Jesus challenged his disciples, asking them “Where is your faith?”
Let us pray: Jesus, you are with us in all kinds of situations. Help us to trust in your presence and in your power to bring calm to the storms we face.
St. Joseph, pray for us.
St. John Baptist DeLaSalle, pray for us.
Live, Jesus, in our hearts. Forever.
March 3 Day 10 (Mt. 4:1-11)
Our faith teaches us that Jesus was like us in all ways except sin. His commitment to God was deep within his heart. His commitment to the good news of God’s forgiveness and love was deep within his bones. Jesus believed that good can overcome evil and that doing good leads to more good works. We have the power to choose good over evil.
Let us pray: Jesus, you chose to resist the temptations of power and wealth. Help us to make good choices, choices that build up rather than destroy.
St. Joseph, pray for us.
St. John Baptist DeLaSalle, pray for us.
Live, Jesus, in our hearts. Forever.
March 4 Day 11 (Mt. 9:35-38)
Jesus had extraordinary powers to heal and he healed many blind, sick and disabled people. Three steps are apparent in his ministry of healing: first he noticed, second he felt compassion, and third he did what he could to help. He noticed, he felt compassion, he did what he was empowered to do. It always started with noticing. He saw another human being in pain, restricted in movement, or suffering a loss.
Let us pray: Jesus, every person has the capacity to bring comfort and healing to others in pain. Help us to see with our hearts and do what we can to help.
St. Joseph, pray for us.
St. John Baptist DeLaSalle, pray for us.
Live, Jesus, in our hearts. Forever.
March 5 Day 12 (Mk. 11:15-19)
Jesus entered the Temple in Jerusalem one day and anger welled up within him. The sacredness of this holy place was being desecrated by money-changers and vendors, buying and selling doves. They had turned a place of prayer into a marketplace. In his anger Jesus overturned the tables of the moneychangers and drove the vendors out of the Temple area. He restored the Temple to its sacred purpose as a place of prayer.
Let us pray: Jesus, your sense of the sacred resulted in a righteous anger for the house of God. Teach us reverence for holy places and things.
St. Joseph, pray for us.
St. John Baptist DeLaSalle, pray for us.
Live, Jesus, in our hearts. Forever.
March 6 Day 13 (Mk. 10:13-16)
One day parents were bringing their children to Jesus just to have him touch and bless them. His disciples thought Jesus didn’t want to be bothered and began to turn them away. Jesus noticed this and made it very clear to all that children were to be welcomed, embraced, and blessed. In fact, Jesus told the adults that they would be better off if they became more like children.
Let us pray: Jesus, you appreciated the simple honesty and goodness of children. Help us to see in children what you saw in them..
St. Joseph, pray for us.
St. John Baptist DeLaSalle, pray for us.
Live, Jesus, in our hearts. Forever.
March 9 Day 14 (Mk. 8:22-26)
Physical blindness is one thing, spiritual blindness another. With a simple touch of the blind man’s eyes, Jesus cured him and the man could see everything around him. Even more importantly, for Jesus, was his mission to heal spiritual blindness so that people could see God’s love in creation, and God’s love for every human being. This kind of sight is what faith is. To see beyond what our eyes can see to the spiritual presence of God in and around us.
Let us pray: Jesus, you brought physical sight to the blind man. Open our eyes of faith so that we can see your love in all we are and do.
St. Joseph, pray for us.
St. John Baptist DeLaSalle, pray for us.
Live, Jesus, in our hearts. Forever.
March 10 Day 15 (Lk. 6:17-19)
Jesus noticed people who were dealing with illnesses as well as those living on the edges of society. He felt their pain and did what he could to help as many as he could. The word compassion means “to suffer with.” Jesus was really good at feeling the pain of others. He was truly a person for others.
Let us pray: Jesus, you seemed to see with your heart as well as your eyes. Open our hearts that we may see, and our hands that we may help.
St. Joseph, pray for us.
St. John Baptist DeLaSalle, pray for us.
Live, Jesus, in our hearts. For ever.
March 11 Day 16 (Jn. 21:15-17)
Peter was a friend as well as a disciple of Jesus, but when he was under great pressure he folded and denied that he even knew Jesus. Fear, lack of courage, weakness of character can affect any of us when we are under pressure. Jesus forgave Peter, of course, but not without first building up his faith.
Let us pray: Jesus, you show us how to forgive. Teach us how to accept the weakness of others while giving them strength and hope.
St. Joseph, pray for us.
St. John Baptist DeLaSalle, pray for us.
Live, Jesus, in our hearts. For ever.
March 12 Day 17 (Mt. 4:18-22)
There must have been something exceptionally attractive about Jesus. As he walked along the seashore, he called out to four fishermen, Peter and Andrew, James and John, “Come, follow me and I will make you fishers of human beings.” Jesus came to announce the good news of God’s love. He began his community of believers with four simple fishermen.
Let us pray: Jesus, your mission was to bridge the distance between God and humanity. You invite us to believe in you and to work with you
St. Joseph, pray for us.
St. John Baptist DeLaSalle, pray for us.
Live, Jesus, in our hearts. For ever.
March 13 Day 18 (Mt. 4:23-25)
Imagine the excitement that surrounded Jesus wherever he went. People hungry for affirmation, tired of being oppressed, sick with diseases and crippled with disabilities, sought him out. He knew they needed to know how much God loved them. Getting this good news across to his followers was his starting point. They would then carry his message throughout the world, and so it continues today.
Let us pray: Jesus, you are the voice and face of God. As we grow in our knowledge and love of you, inspire us that we might proclaim your message of God’s love to all we meet.
St. Joseph, pray for us.
St. John Baptist DeLaSalle, pray for us.
Live, Jesus, in our hearts. For ever.
March 16 Day 19 (Mt. 5:43-44)
Contrary to the dominant attitude of his culture, Jesus challenged society’s expectation that people ought to hate their enemies. No, he said, rather than adding to the violence with more hatred, stop it in its tracks with kindness and genuine love. In the end, love is the more powerful force. Jesus calls us to believe him, and to strive to imitate him in our everyday relationships, exhibiting kindness, gentle strength, and inner peace.
Let us pray: Jesus, your words and example teach us that love is more powerful than hatred. Love begins its winning ways the moment we start to pray for our enemies.
St. Joseph, pray for us.
St. John Baptist DeLaSalle, pray for us.
Live, Jesus, in our hearts. Forever.
March 17 Day 20 (Mt. 7:1-5)
Jesus had a keen eye for hypocrisy. So often, when people pass judgment on others, they fail to see their own faults. Jesus’ advice is simply this: when you see failures in others, take it as a sign that perhaps you fail in this as well. The first priority ought to be cleaning up our own house. Acceptance of others as they are is a good starting point in the practice of not judging others.
Let us pray: Jesus, you understood human nature well, its strengths and weaknesses. You teach us to withhold judgment of others, and to seek understanding and acceptance instead.
St. Joseph, pray for us.
St. John Baptist DeLaSalle, pray for us.
Live, Jesus, in our hearts. For ever.
March 18 Day 21 (Mt. 6:26-34)
Jesus tells us to look at nature, the birds of the air and lilies of the field. See how God provides for them. See how bountifully God provides for us with all the provisions that nature delivers. Jesus encourages us to live simply, trusting in the providential love of God rather than worry ourselves to distraction. Worry has it limits, including the focus it places on the negative rather than the positive. Cherish the gifts that God provides.
Let us pray: Jesus, some days it seems easier to worry. But you teach us that worry won’t change anything. Instead, help us to stay positive, live simply, and trust in God’s love.
St. Joseph, pray for us.
St. John Baptist DeLaSalle, pray for us.
Live, Jesus, in our hearts. Forever.
March 19 Day 22 (Mt. 16:24-26)
Crosses come in various sizes and intensity. They can be self-inflicted by attitudes and actions by which we bring pain and suffering upon ourselves. But often they come from outside of our selves by way of situations over which we have no control. A cross is a burden we have to carry. Jesus advises us to embrace our crosses and follow him.
Let us pray: Jesus, you teach us to embrace the burdens of life, trusting that we do not carry them alone, that you walk with us, sharing our struggles and our pain.
St. Joseph, pray for us.
St. John Baptist DeLaSalle, pray for us.
Live, Jesus, in our hearts. Forever.
March 20 Day 23 (Jn. 14:8-12)
Jesus is the voice of God, teaching us by his words and parables what we need to know to live a full human life. He is also the face of God, showing us by his actions that God is compassionate, kind, forgiving, peace filled and loving. As we come to know Jesus we come to know God whom he loved to call “Father.” He told Philip: ‘Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.” Jesus and God are one, in intimate communion.
Let us Pray: Jesus, we are grateful to God for sending you to show us the way. Thank you for being the voice and face of the One who is the source of life and love.
St. Joseph, pray for us.
St. John Baptist DeLaSalle, pray for us.
Live, Jesus, in our hearts. Forever.
March 23 Day 24 (Jn. 15: 9-12)
Jesus felt totally loved and accepted by God whom he loved to call “Father.” Moreover, he taught that love is the basis of fruitful relationships and that love has its origin in the love of God. He taught: “As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you. Abide in my love.” Live in the love of Jesus. Receive it, embrace it, respond to it. In loving Jesus, we are loving God.
Let us pray: Jesus, voice and face of God, because you chose to dwell in human form we are able to envision you. We can feel your presence as you walk among us. Open our eyes of faith that we might more clearly see God’s love in the love you for us.
St. Joseph, pray for us.
St. John Baptist DeLaSalle, pray for us.
Live, Jesus, in our hearts.
March 24 Day 25 (Mk. 10:17-25)
Jesus saw the danger of riches, and taught that wealth has the power to steal our hearts. We do have a choice in the matter. We do not have to give wealth more power than it should have. Wealth is a means to an end, not an end in itself. A spirit of gratitude for what we have will help keep our priorities in proper order. One of the blessings of Lent can be putting our priorities in line with Christian values.
Let us pray: Jesus, you are the master teacher. You encourage us to give God and good the top priority in our lives. Help us to value spiritual things over material wealth.
St. Joseph, pray for us.
St. John Baptist DeLaSalle, pray for us.
Live, Jesus, in our hearts.
March 25 Day 26 (Mk. 12:41-44)
With his disciples standing next to him Jesus observed wealthy people contributing large sums of money to the Temple treasury. He also noticed a poor widow contributing only a few pennies. Suspecting that his disciples were impressed by the rich men’s contributions while snubbing the widow’s mite, Jesus pointed out that her few pennies were a greater contribution than the large sums from the rich. Why? She was giving from her necessities while the rich were merely giving from their excess.
Let us pray: Jesus, give us hearts willing to sacrifice self for the common good. Help us to recognize genuine love when we see it.
St. Joseph, pray for us.
St. John Baptist DeLaSalle, pray for us.
Live, Jesus, in our hearts. Forever. .
March 26 Day 27 (Lk. 22: 14-20)
At the Last Supper Jesus handed over to his followers a simple ritual of bread and wine that would remind them of His great love for them. Whenever they would repeat this ritual He would be present with them. They would see how much God loved them, even to the point of dying for them. Every time we celebrate Mass we share in Jesus’ victory over sin and death and we welcome His presence among us.
Let us pray: Jesus, you are the One whom God has sent to show us the forgiving love of God. Open our hearts to embrace God’s love, and to place our trust in you.
St. Joseph, pray for us.
St. John Baptist DeLaSalle, pray for us.
Live, Jesus, in our hearts. Forever.
March 27, Day 28 (Lk. 9:18-22)
Jesus was praying alone one day and his disciples were nearby. He approached them and asked them what people saying abut him, about who they thought he was. Different prophets were mentioned then Jesus asked them who they thought he was. It was Peter who told him that he believed he, Jesus, was the true Messiah, sent from God as Savior and Redeemer. Jesus asks each of us what he asked Peter: who do you say that I am?
Let us pray: Jesus, open our minds and hearts to the gift that you are to us and to the world. Strengthen our faith in you as the One whom God has sent. Help us to believe.
St. Joseph, pray for us.
St. John Baptist DeLaSalle, pray for us.
Live, Jesus, in our hearts. Forever.
March 30 Day 29 (Lk. 10:25-37)
The story of the Good Samaritan holds an enduring truth: human beings are brothers and sisters to each other. We share a common humanity. When another person is in dire need, there are no good reasons to hold back from doing what we can. You call us to love the dear neighbor without distinction.
Let us pray: Jesus, Light of the world. Your words and actions invite us to see beyond the barriers that we construct between ourselves. Help us to open our hearts to all members of the human family.
St. Joseph, pray for us.
St. John Baptist DeLaSalle, pray for us.
Live, Jesus, in our hearts.
March 31 Day 30 (Mt. 28:1-7)
The great gift of eternal life is the ultimate gift of our loving God. Three Christian feasts express the core of our Christian faith. God chose to live become one of us to be sure we got the message of how much God loves us: Christmas. Then on Easter Sunday, God chose to give us the gift of eternal life as Jesus resurrection proclaimed. Finally, at Pentecost, God gave us the mission to proclaim God’s love as so profoundly seen in the incarnation and resurrection, which we celebrate at Christmas time and on Easter. God’s love is beyond measure. It remains for us to receive it and believe.
St. Joseph, pray for us.
St. John Baptist DeLaSalle, pray for us.
Live, Jesus, in our hearts. Forever.
April 1 Day 31 (Mt. 28:16-20)
The good news of God’s love is too good to be kept in secret and not shared. So, Jesus, in his final act on earth gathered his disciples and sent them on mission to spread the truth about God’s love to all the world. We begin with ourselves, embracing Jesus and putting our faith in him. Next, we strive to live as Jesus lived, we strive to love as he loved, committing ourselves the live Gospel spirituality, as members of His body on earth.
Let us pray: Jesus, lord of life and light of the world. May our participation in Holy Week services draw us closer to you and to each other. May we be a blessing to our families, our friends, and to the world.
St. Joseph, pray for us.
St. John Baptist DeLaSalle, pray for us.
Live, Jesus, in our hearts. Forever.