Monday, February 23rd

Today’s Gospel reading makes it clear that Jesus speaks the word of God and whoever believes in Him has eternal life and those who do not will not. Step Two and Step Three in recovery programs offer a similar truth: if we believe in a higher power and turn our will and lives over to the care of God we will discover freedom, healing, and life. Today’s readings remind us to always turn our wills and lives over to the care of God, and that He remains by our sides always with His love.

Reflection Questions

• Consider a time in your life when you needed to be reminded that the “Lord hears the cry of the poor.” How did the Lord respond?
• Reflect on your working of Step Two and Step Three. How did you experience God’s love and presence while working those steps?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: Acts 5:27-33
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 34:2 and 9, 17-18, 19-20
Gospel: John 3:31-36

Reflection by Julie G.

(1748-1783) — The “Beggar Saint” was the oldest of fifteen children born to a prosperous shopkeeper in northern France. Benedict was educated by his uncle, a parish priest, until his uncle’s death when Benedict was 18. He then tried to join the Trappists, Carthusians, and Cistercians, but was rejected by all of them. He became a permanent pilgrim and joined the Third Order of Saint Francis. He traveled to most of the major shrines of Europe, begging for what he needed each day, and sharing what he received with other homeless people. He spent many hours in Eucharistic adoration and was said to go into ecstasies where he would levitate or bilocate. He was reported to heal his fellow homeless and multiply bread for them.

The orders that Benedict tried to join are very austere. His own way of life as a permanent pilgrim was also extreme. Turning our penances or our discomforts into prayer is a valuable spiritual skill. How do you offer up penances and discomfort in prayer for yourself and others?

“We offend God because we do not know His greatness” (Saint Benedict Joseph Labre).

Reflection by Brad Farmer