Thursday, February 19th
To complete today's challenge, find time to prayerfully read through the reflections below, attend a recovery meeting, and share what's on your heart and mind on today's discussion board.
REFLECT
Thursday of the Second Week of Lent
We are reminded today to keep our focus on the higher things of God and not the things of the world that will pass away. In our first reading, we are all reminded of our human weaknesses and powerlessness over things of this world, including our addictions, compulsions, and unhealthy attachments. But our Lord gives us hope.
“Blessed are those who trust in the LORD; the LORD will be their trust. They are like a tree planted beside the waters that stretches out its roots to the stream: It does not fear heat when it comes, its leaves stay green; In the year of drought it shows no distress, but still produces fruit” (Jeremiah 17:7-8).
All things are possible with God, and Jeremiah points out that the one who trusts in the Lord and perseveres will bear fruit. When we persevere in recovery, we also succeed and bear fruit in our lives. When we follow our Father’s will we experience joy. In the Responsorial Psalm, we hear this same affirmation: “Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.”
In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus tells the parable of Lazarus and the rich man, and how the rich man, after squandering his life on the things of the world, pleads from the underworld that he may warn his brothers of his terrible fate. He tells Abraham that if they saw a dead man raised they would repent. Abraham responds, “If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead” (Luke 16:31).
But someone did rise from the dead. And He did it for us. Jesus Christ is our hope and our salvation. Our perseverance in our faith, as well as in our recovery, can help us endure the challenges of life and keep our eyes fixed on Heaven. By being diligent in our prayer and sacramental life, we can sustain our recovery and find salvation through Christ, just like Lazarus.
Reflection Questions
- How might the Holy Spirit be inviting you to keep your eyes on the things of God and Heaven?
- Can you recall any deceased loved ones who were examples of holiness and faith for encouragement? Is there someone no longer alive you feel called to pray for?
Daily Mass Readings
First Reading: Jeremiah 17:5-10
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6
Gospel: Luke 16:19-31
Reflection by Jeff R.
Saint John Joseph of the Cross
(1654-1734) — Carlo Gaetano Calosinto was born on an island off the coast of Naples, Italy. He joined the Franciscans before turning 16, taking the name John Joseph of the Cross. Saint Peter of Alcantara started a reform of the Franciscans, and John Joseph of the Cross was the first Italian to follow him. He was ordained a priest and served as convent superior and as Vicar Provincial of the Alcantarine Reform. He is said to have had gifts of healing, prophecy, levitation, and bilocation.
When sent to oversee the founding of a convent, John Joseph of the Cross joined the construction crew and joined in the hard labor himself. A life of penance and austerity led him to the love of others. We lose our lives in order to find them (cf. Matthew 10:39). How have you discovered your identity more fully in recovery?
“Grant, we pray, almighty God, that, purifying us by the sacred practice of penance, you may lead us in sincerity of heart to attain the holy things to come” (Collect prayer for the memorial of Saint John Joseph of the Cross).
Reflection by Brad Farmer
Other Saints
Discuss
Share your thoughts and connect with others on this journey.
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While living a life in active addiction and alcoholism I squandered my Talents, I lived a life of spiritual sloth and I received what was expected. However, while in recovery I learn the skills necessary to invest and multiple my Talents putting them to good use. A use focused and dedicated towards God. Prosperity is the life I have achieved for myself only when I put my Talents to good use for myself but others first.
“The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected
by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes,
and be killed and on the third day be raised.”
Lord forgive me for not seeking you always!
When I converted to Catholicism in 2014, it was one of the greatest moments of my life. My whole family was there, and I felt supported, hopeful, and finally grounded in something that gave me purpose. But as the years went on and I tried to live out the faith sincerely, things changed. Little by little, some of my family began to see me as “too Catholic,” and the rejection that followed cut deeply. It hurt even more because during the same time, I was fighting to become a recovering addict, and I needed their support more than ever.
My brothers don’t speak to me anymore, and that loss has weighed heavily on me. But through all of it, I’ve learned what it means to carry a heavy and burdened Cross. I’ve learned that my place is to walk faithfully, even when misunderstood, and to remember that I am in the world, not of the world.
May God bless you all. 🙏🏻 Peace be with you!