Catholics Living Discipleship

How Forgiveness Can Be Easier: Lent 2026 Day 18 Reflection

Today I will reflect on how Resentments; Forgiveness; and Compassion are all tied together
Welcome to Day 18 of Lent 2026 today is Monday March 10, 2026. Today's Gospel reading and Encounter with Jesus is Matthew 18:21-35 
Scroll down to find the Gospel reading: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031026.cfm
In today’s Gospel reading is that familiar story where Jesus responds to Peters question about forgiveness. He asks Jesus if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? Jesus responds, “not seven times, but seventy-seven times”
What is your first reaction when you hear this?  
What happens when we don't forgive someone? Resentments
Compassion towards the other and their suffering helps me to have a heart of forgiveness.
Them doing me wrong, is not about me personally. When I have compassion for the person who has harmed me, I begin to see that what they have done to me is a result of something that needs healing in them. When I have compassion for the person who has harmed me, it helps me to see that this isn't about me.
Now, I am not saying that Forgiveness is easy for everything. I have been hurt in significant ways by others, and yes it has taken me some time to work on Forgiveness. The way I work on it is with Compassion. Compassion has help bring more peace to my heart.
Remember, the other scripture passages on Mercy - Be Merciful like your Father is Merciful.
So again, another great reflection for Lent: Who in your life do you need to have more compassion for so that your heart is more at peace and less about resentments
Let us pray
Tomorrow is the Day 19  of Lent  if you would like to take a look ahead. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031126.cfm
The Return of the Prodigal Son book  https://amzn.to/4de8Yps
Recommended Commentary
Matthew  https://amzn.to/40oIHx5
Mark https://amzn.to/4sv08sb
Luke https://amzn.to/4rIiG8i
John https://amzn.to/3OAYk1Z
 
Catechism of the Catholic Church
https://amzn.to/3MPFEec
#biblestudy #lentreflection #lent #discipleship #catholicism #catholicchurch #jesus #scripturestudy #catechism #mercy #compassion #forgiveness

Why Do We Resist the Truth? | Lent Day 17 Reflection

In today’s Lent reflection, we are going to think about how we are handling the Truth during this Lent: 
Welcome to Day 17 of Lent 2026 today is Monday March 9, 2026. Today's Gospel reading and Encounter with Jesus is Luke 4:24-30 
Scroll down to find the Gospel reading: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030926.cfm
In today’s Gospel reading is that familiar story where Jesus returns to his home town of Nazareth. He speaks in the Synagogue and what he says upsets the town’s people so much that they want to throw him off a cliff. 
Why Do We Resist the Truth?
 
Let’s pray. 
Tomorrow is the Day 18  of Lent and is another great scripture passage that challenges us a little bit.: Matthew 18:21-35  if you would like to take a look ahead. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031026.cfm
The Return of the Prodigal Son book  https://amzn.to/4de8Yps
Recommended Commentary
Matthew  https://amzn.to/40oIHx5
Mark https://amzn.to/4sv08sb
Luke https://amzn.to/4rIiG8i
John https://amzn.to/3OAYk1Z
 
Catechism of the Catholic Church
https://amzn.to/3MPFEec
#biblestudy #lentreflection #lent #discipleship #catholicism #catholicchurch #jesus #scripturestudy #catechism #mercy #compassion #truth

The Woman at the Well: How an Encounter with Jesus Changes Everything- 3rd Sun of Lent

This reflection  is on  the Third Sunday of Lent 2026 and one of my favorite Gospel Readings The Woman at the Well: John 4:5-42  You can find the readings here https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030826.cfm
How are you a witness to others about  the encounters you have with Jesus?
The woman at the well has a conversation with Jesus that leads to her conversion and then her desire to go and witness about who Jesus is to others. 
Ananias Training https://siena.org/ananias
Recommended Commentary
Matthew  https://amzn.to/40oIHx5
Mark https://amzn.to/4sv08sb
Luke https://amzn.to/4rIiG8i
John https://amzn.to/3OAYk1Z
 
Catechism of the Catholic Church
https://amzn.to/3MPFEec
#biblestudy #lentreflection #lent #discipleship #catholicism #catholicchurch #jesus #scripturestudy #catechism #mercy #compassion #womanatthewell

The Prodigal Son Challenge (A Powerful Lent Reflection) Day 16

Welcome to Day 16 of Lent 2026 today is Sat March 7, 2026. Today's Gospel reading and Encounter with Jesus is Luke 15:1-3, 11-32
Key reflection:
“He was lost, and has been found”
I don’t think many of us like to admit we are lost. It really pushes buttons with our ego. What helps me is asking myself, “Do I really think I am that perfect?” Lost doesntt have to mean as distant as the prodigal son. I am lost in grief, I am lost in loneliness, I am lost in a feeling of selfworth, I am lost in my career. 
I am going to allow Lent to be a time for me to claim where I am lost, and bring it to Jesus so he can strengthen and heal me and welcome me into his arms.
Lets pray.
 At the end of the reflection I take a moment to pray with you and give you tomorrow’s Gospel reading if you want to read it ahead of time. 
Tomorrow is the Third Sunday of Lent and one of my favorite Gospel Readings The Woman at the Well: John 4:5-42  if you would like to take a look ahead. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030826.cfm
The Return of the Prodigal Son book https://amzn.to/4uyqZ8z
Recommended Commentary
Matthew  https://amzn.to/40oIHx5
Mark https://amzn.to/4sv08sb
Luke https://amzn.to/4rIiG8i
John https://amzn.to/3OAYk1Z
 
Catechism of the Catholic Church
https://amzn.to/3MPFEec
#biblestudy #lentreflection #lent #discipleship #catholicism #catholicchurch #jesus #scripturestudy #catechism #mercy #compassion #prodigalson

Parable of the Vineyard | Lent Daily Gospel Reflection Day 15

Welcome to Day 15 of Lent 2026 today is Friday March 6, 2026. Today's Gospel reading and Encounter with Jesus is Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46
What is the fruit I am producing in the Vineyard? Or maybe a better question> Am I producing fruit or am I just consuming the fruit.
 At the end of the reflection I take a moment to pray with you and give you tomorrow’s Gospel reading if you want to read it ahead of time. 
Here is the USCCB Daily Reading for tomorrow Day 15: Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46  if you would like to take a look ahead. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030426.cfm
 Here is the USCCB Daily Reading for Day 16  of Lent Luke 15:1-3, 11-32  . Scroll down to find the Gospel reading:   https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030326.cfm
Recommended Commentary
Matthew  https://amzn.to/40oIHx5
Mark https://amzn.to/4sv08sb
Luke https://amzn.to/4rIiG8i
John https://amzn.to/3OAYk1Z
 
Catechism of the Catholic Church
https://amzn.to/3MPFEec
#biblestudy #lentreflection #lent #discipleship #catholicism #catholicchurch #jesus #scripturestudy #catechism #mercy #compassion #vineyardparable

See People We Ignore? A Lenten Wake-Up Call: Lent Day 14

Welcome to Day 14 of Lent 2026 today is Thursday March 5, 2026. Today's Gospel reading and Encounter with Jesus is Luke 16:19-31
In this reflection I share about becoming more aware of the compassion we are called to share  with others. Through our compassion we show mercy to others. By showing mercy to others we help bring about Jesus’ mission here on earth so others can experience God’s mercy and love.
 At the end of the reflection I take a moment to pray with you and give you tomorrow’s Gospel reading if you want to read it ahead of time. 
 Here is the USCCB Daily Reading for Day 14  of Lent Luke 16:19-31  . Scroll down to find the Gospel reading:   https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030326.cfm
Here is the USCCB Daily Reading for tomorrow Day 15: Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46  if you would like to take a look ahead. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030426.cfm
 
Recommended Commentary
Matthew  https://amzn.to/40oIHx5
Mark https://amzn.to/4sv08sb
Luke https://amzn.to/4rIiG8i
John https://amzn.to/3OAYk1Z
 
Catechism of the Catholic Church
https://amzn.to/3MPFEec
#biblestudy #lent2026 #lent #discipleship #catholicism #catholicchurch #jesus #scripturestudy #catechism #almsgiving #mercy #compassion #almsgiving

Lent Day 13 Reflection: Almsgiving-Personal Sacrifice

Welcome to Day 13 of Lent 2026 today is Wednesday March 4, 2026. Today's Gospel reading and Encounter with Jesus is Matthew 20:17-28
 
to give his life as a ransom for many
 
Today’s encounter with Jesus, helps me to be reflective of one Lent’s Theme- AlmsGiving. Almsgiving is not just about putting your extra change into a small cardboard box. In Catholic teaching it really means the gift of oneself for the good of others.Time Talent Treasure. 
Todays Gospel challenges me to be reflective on what it means to serve. Not so much in the ‘What is it I am going to do”, but more about the ‘Why am I doing it’. - To keep all that Jesus is speaking about in the Gospel message today, I am going to use one word. And that is Mission.
 
How am I sacrificing my life for the Mission. There is alot that we could certainly reflect on when it comes to that question. To help keep this reflection short and focused I am going to focus on serving at the parish level. 
When it comes to helping out at your parish. What are you serving? Are you serving the need that is truly needed? Or are you serving what you would like to serve? Which answer do you think is more reflective of Alms Giving?
You could ask the same question about serving others outside of the parish. 
 
As we hear in today's Gospel, serving the mission of God, requires sacrifice. Sacrifice requires us to put our motives aside and allow the Holy Spirit to help us see the true need of the community. We discover that through discernment and discussion.   
 
 At the end of the reflection I take a moment to pray with you and give you tomorrow’s Gospel reading if you want to read it ahead of time. 
 
Here is the USCCB Daily Reading for Day 13: Matthew 20:17-28  if you would like to take a look ahead. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030426.cfm
 
Here is the USCCB Daily Reading for Day 14  of Len t Luke 16:19-31  . Scroll down to find the Gospel reading:   https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030326.cfm
Recommended Commentary
Matthew  https://amzn.to/40oIHx5
Mark https://amzn.to/4sv08sb
Luke https://amzn.to/4rIiG8i
John https://amzn.to/3OAYk1Z
 
Catechism of the Catholic Church
https://amzn.to/3MPFEec
#biblestudy #lent2026 #lent #discipleship #catholicism #catholicchurch #jesus #scripturestudy #catechism #almsgiving

Day 12 Lent Reflection: Why, can be a difficult question!

Lent 2026 Day 12: March 3, 2026 
Matthew 23:1-12
 
Lent Day 12: 
 
Welcome to Day 12 of Lent 2026 today is Tuesday March 3, 2026. Today's Gospel reading and Encounter with Jesus is Matthew 23: 1-12
 
Today’s encounter with Jesus, he encourages us to humble ourselves so we may be exulted. He uses the Pharisees actions as a way to look at how we should not live our lives. It lead me to ask myself the question, Why do I do the things I do?  
 
 At the end of the reflection I take a moment to pray with you and give you tomorrow’s Gospel reading if you want to read it ahead of time. 
 
Here is the USCCB Daily Reading for Day 12  of Lent. Scroll down to find the Gospel reading:   https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030326.cfm
 
Here is the USCCB Daily Reading for Day 13: Matthew 20:17-28  if you would like to take a look ahead. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030426.cfm
 
Recommended Commentary
Matthew  https://amzn.to/40oIHx5
Mark https://amzn.to/4sv08sb
Luke https://amzn.to/4rIiG8i
John https://amzn.to/3OAYk1Z
 
Catechism of the Catholic Church
https://amzn.to/3MPFEec
#biblestudy #lent2026 #lent #discipleship #catholicism #catholicchurch #jesus #scripturestudy #catechism

Day 11 Lent Reflection : How I can be merciful like the Father?

Welcome to Day 11 of Lent 2026 today is Monday March 2. Today's Gospel reading and Encounter with Jesus is Luke 6: 36-38
 
Today’s encounter with Jesus, he encourages us to be Merciful like his Father. How can I do that!? It almost seems impossible. But it isn’t. God provides his Grace so that we can be more like him.  
 
 At the end of the reflection I take a moment to pray with you and give you tomorrow’s Gospel reading if you want to read it ahead of time. 
 
Here is the USCCB Daily Reading for Day 11  of Lent. Scroll down to find the Gospel reading:  https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030226.cfm
 
Here is the USCCB Daily Reading for Day 12: Matthew 23:1-12  if you would like to take a look ahead. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030326.cfm
 
Recommended Commentary
Matthew  https://amzn.to/40oIHx5
Mark https://amzn.to/4sv08sb
Luke https://amzn.to/4rIiG8i
John https://amzn.to/3OAYk1Z
 
Catechism of the Catholic Church
https://amzn.to/3MPFEec
#biblestudy #lent2026 #lent #discipleship #catholicism #catholicchurch #jesus #scripturestudy #catechism

2nd Sunday of Lent 2026: How Listening Transformed My Life

2nd Sunday of Lent 2026 
Matthew 17:1-9
 
How Listening Transformed My Life 
 
Three Words that Changed My Life
 
Welcome to 2nd Suday of Lent 2026 today is Sun March 1. Today's Gospel reading and Encounter with Jesus is the familiar Transfiguration Matthew 17: 1-9
 
In this reading, we are placed within a great moment of time. Along with Peter James and John, and Elijah and Moses, we get to hear God speak directly into our lives. God says; This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased, listen to him” 
 
Three words with Today’s encounter with Jesus that have changed my life: Listen to Him. How do you Listen to Jesus? This is something that I have been working on for some time now and still seem to need to be better at it. 
There is
 
Praying and reflecting daily with the Gospel message
Going to Adoration and being in his presence.
When with others, I try to hear how Jesus may be speaking through them.
Going to Mass both in the Liturgy of the Word and Liturgy of the Eucharist. 
 
Learning over time to listen to Jesus,has transformed my life in so many ways. Praying and reflecting each day with the daily Gospel reading allows Jesus to challenge me in new ways about my current life. Leading me to deeper conversion.   
 
This Lent, how are you seeking to listen to Jesus a little more intentionally?  
 
 At the end of the reflection I take a moment to pray with you and give you tomorrow’s Gospel reading if you want to read it ahead of time. 
 
Here is the USCCB Daily Reading for the 2nd Sunday  of Lent. Scroll down to find the Gospel reading: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030126.cfm
 
Here is the USCCB Daily Reading for Day 11  if you would like to take a look ahead. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030226.cfm
 
Recommended Commentary
Matthew  https://amzn.to/40oIHx5
Mark https://amzn.to/4sv08sb
Luke https://amzn.to/4rIiG8i
John https://amzn.to/3OAYk1Z
 
Catechism of the Catholic Church
https://amzn.to/3MPFEec
#biblestudy #lent2026 #lent #discipleship #catholicism #catholicchurch #jesus #scripturestudy #catechism