Catholic hymns and diaries

Sunday may 3 2026

FIRST READING
“They picked out seven men full of the Holy Spirit.”
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 6: 1-7)

In these days when the disciples were increasing in number, the Hellenists murmured against the Hebrews because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. And the Twelve summoned the body of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brethren, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” And what they said pleased the whole multitude, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands upon them. And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM Psalm 33:1-2.4-5.18-19 (R. 22)
R/. May your merciful love be upon us, as we hope in you, O Lord.
Or: Alleluia.

Ring out your joy to the Lord, O you just;
for praise is fitting for the upright.
Give thanks to the Lord upon the harp;
with a ten-stringed lute sing him songs. R/.

For the word of the Lord is faithful,
and all his works to be trusted.
The Lord loves justice and right,
and his merciful love fills the earth. R/.

R/. May your merciful love be upon us, as we hope in you, O Lord.
Or: Alleluia.

Yes, the Lord’s eyes are on those who fear him,
who hope in his merciful love,
to rescue their souls from death,
to keep them alive in famine. R/.

SECOND READING
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood.”
A reading from the first Letter of Saint Peter (1 Peter 2:4-9)

Beloved: Come to the Lord, to that living stone, rejected by men but in God’s sight chosen and precious; and like living stones be yourselves built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For it stands in Scripture: “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and he who believes in him will not be put to shame.” To you therefore who believe, he is precious, but for those who do not believe, “The very stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” and “A stone that will make men stumble, a rock that will make them fall”; for they stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do. But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, that you may declare the wonderful deeds of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.

The word of the Lord.

ALLELUIA John 14:6
Alleluia. I am the way, and the truth, and the life, says the Lord; no one comes to the Father, but by me. Alleluia.

GOSPEL
“I am the way, and the truth, and the life.”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John (John 14: 1- 12)

In those days: Jesus said to his disciples, “Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And when I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also; henceforth you know him and have seen him.” Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and we shall be satisfied.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you do not know me, Philip? He who has seen me has seen the Father; how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority; but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or else believe me for the sake of the works themselves. “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I go to the Father.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

The Creed (I Believe)
I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible. I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages. God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father; through him all things were made. For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven, and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate, he suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and his kingdom will have no end. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.

PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL

Celebrant:
Christ is the way, the truth, and the life. Let us ask him for the grace to faithfully follow the way he established, observe the truth he laid down and imitate the life he led.

For N…, our Pope, N…, our Bishop, all Bishops, priests and religious, that as Jesus has shown them the way, taught them the truth and led them to life in him, they may always live in Christ and bear witness to him. Let us pray to the Lord.

FOR ALL LEADERS IN THE GOVERNMENT AND TRADITIONAL SETTINGS: that as God has chosen them to rule over his people, they may be endowed with the requisite wisdom to bring about positive change in society. Let us pray to the Lord.

FOR THOSE WHO DOUBT THEIR FAITH IN CHRIST: that may be enlightened by the glory of Christ’s Resurrection and become more aware of the loving presence of God in their lives. Let us pray to the Lord.

FOR OURSELVES: that we who bear the name of Christ may strive to reveal him to the world. Let us pray to the Lord.

FOR OTHER INTENTIONS: (the sick, church projects or other activities).

FOR THE DEAD, ESPECIALLY THOSE OF OUR PARISH COMMUNITY AND FAMILY MEMBERS: that they may find eternal rest with the Lord. Let us pray to the Lord.

We pray in silence for our private intentions.

Celebrant:
God our Father, you made Christ our way, our truth and our life. May all who believe in Christ be filled with zeal to proclaim his Gospel and be witnesses of his love to our world. Through the same Christ our Lord.

R/. Amen.

PERSONAL DEVOTIONAL
Day 3 – In Mary, we see faith that never wavers, even in silence

1. OPENING: +In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

INTENTIONS: Let us pray,
- For the poor and marginalized, that they may experience God’s care
-For patience in our trials and struggles
-For personal intentions

-Mother Mary, teach us patience and trust in God’s timing, even when we do not understand.

2. ACT OF CONTRITION: O my God because you’re so good, I am very sorry that I have sinned against you and by the help of your grace I will not sin again.

3. ROSARY RECITATION AND LITANY OF BVM (The Glorious Mysteries)

4. Scripture Reading: - Luke 2:19
"But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart."

5. REFLECTION:
When Mary didn’t understand all that was happening, she “kept all these things in her heart” (Luke 2:19). Her quiet faith teaches us patience and trust in God’s timing. In silence, faith grows strong.

6. CLOSING:
MEMORARE: Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.

Let us pray,
Mother Mary, help me to trust God even when He seems silent. Strengthen my faith and fill my heart with peace. Amen.

7. Prayer for the intention of Our Holy Father (one Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory be)

21 march 2026

FIRST READING
“I was like a gentle lamb led to the slaughter. ”
A reading from the Book of Jeremiah (Jeremiah 11:18-20)

The Loan made it known to me and I knew; then you did show me their evil deeds. But I was like a gentle lamb led to the slaughter. I did not know it was against me they devised schemes, saying, “Let us destroy the tree with its fruit, let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name be remembered no more.” But, O Loan of hosts, who judge righteously, who test the heart and the mind, let rue see your vengeance upon them, for to you have I committed my cause.

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM Psalm 7:2-3.9bc-10.11-12 (R. 2a)
R/. O Lord, my God, I take refuge in you.

O Lord, my God, I take refuge in you.
Save and rescue me from all my pursuers,
lest they tear me apart like a lion,
and drag me off with no one to rescue me. R/.

Give judgement for me, O Lord,
for I am just and blameless of heart.
Put an end to the evil of the wicked!
Make the just man stand firm;
it is you who test mind and heart,
O God of justice! R/.

R/. O Lord, my God, I take refuge in you.

God is a shield before me,
who saves the upright of heart.
God is a judge, just and powerful and patient,
not exercising anger every day. R/.

VERSE BEFORE THE GOSPEL Luke 8: 15
Glory and praise to you, O Christ. Blessed are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bring forth fruit with patience. Glory and praise to you, O Christ.

GOSPEL
“Is the Christ to come from Galilee? ”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John (John 7 :40-53)

At that time: When they heard the words of Jesus, some of the people said, “This is really the prophet.” Others said, “This is the Christ.” But some said, “Is the Christ to come from Galilee? Has not the Scripture said that the Christ is descended from David, and comes from Bethlehem, the village where David was? So there was a division among the people over him. Some of them wanted to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him. The officers then went back to the chief priests and Pharisees, who said to them, “Why did you not bring him?” The officers answered, “No man ever spoke like this man!” The Pharisees answered them, “Are you led astray, you also? Have any of the authorities or of thy Pharisees believed in him? But this crowd, who do not know the law, are accursed.” Nicodemus, who had gone to him before, and who was one of them, said to them, “Does our law judge a man without first giving him a hearing and learning what he does?” They re- plied, “Are you from Galilee too? Search and you will see that no prophet is to rise from Galilee.” They went each to his own house.

The Gospel of the Lord.

TODAY'S REFLECTION
Jesus’ words brought division among the people. There were those who believed he is the Messiah, and there were others who did not. Those who did not believe he is the Christ had their minds fixated wrongly on the Scriptures. The scriptures ought to bring understanding and enlightenment to them, but they seemed to have misunderstood it totally. The Word of God was right before them, yet they could not see him. The story has not really changed today as God’s Word is being misinterpreted daily and used to justify every action that is carried out whether good or bad. We should ask for the grace of understanding the Word of God so as not to cause havoc to ourselves and to others.

PERSONAL DEVOTIONAL FOR LENT
Prayer is what we are encouraged to do in season and out of season and it really works if we apply faith to it. However, to make our prayer life consistent without any break in transmission is a challenge we face on a daily basis. Sometimes you pray in the morning and the night prayer is forgone or vice versa. It will be pleasing to the Lord that we connect to Him everyday in prayer and through it we let Him know our heart desires and He in turn reveals Himself to us.

DAY 28 — WATCH AND PRAY

📖 Scripture: Matthew 26 : 41
“Keep watch and pray that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

🌿 Reflection:
Spiritual alertness is key in the Lenten journey. The enemy attacks when the soul sleeps. Prayer keeps the heart awake and strong. Stay near to Christ, who watches with you in every struggle.

🙏 Prayer:
Lord, give me strength to stay alert in faith. When I am weary, awaken me by Your Spirit. Amen.

✨ ACTION POINT:
Set a specific time today for prayer — and keep it faithfully.

20 march 2026

FIRST READING
“Let us condemn him to a shameful death.”
A reading from the Book of Wisdom (Wisdom 2:1a.12-22)

Ungodly men reasoned unsoundly, saying to themselves, “Let us lie in wait for the righteous man, because he is inconvenient to us and opposes our actions; he reproaches us for sins against the law, and accuses us of sins against our training. He professes to have knowledge of God, and calls himself a child of the Lord. He became to us a reproof of our thoughts; the very sight of him is a burden to us, because his manner of life is unlike that of others, and his ways are strange. We are considered by him as something base, and he avoids our ways as unclean; he calls the last end of the righteous happy, and boasts that God is his father. Let us see if his words are true, and let us test what will happen at the end of his life; for if the righteous man is God’s son, he will help him, and will deliver him from the hand of his adversaries. Let us test him with insult and torture, that we may find out how gentle he is, and make trial of his forbearance. Let us condemn him to a shameful death, for, according to what he says, he will be protected.” Thus they reasoned, but they were led astray, for their wickedness blinded them, and they did not know the secret purposes of God, nor hope for the wages of holiness, nor discern the prize for blameless souls.

The word of the Lord.


RESPONSORIAL PSALM Psalm 34: 17-18.19-20.21 and 23 (R. 19a)
R/. The Lord is close to the broken-hearted.

The Lord turns his face against the wicked
to destroy their remembrance from the earth.
When the just cry out, the Lord hears,
and rescues them in all their distress. R/.

The Lord is close to the broken-hearted;
those whose spirit is crushed he will save.
Many are the trials of the just man,
but from them all the Lord will rescue him. R/.

R/. The Lord is close to the broken-hearted.

He will keep guard over all his bones;
Not one of his bones shall be broken.
The Lord ransoms the souls of his servants.
All who trust in him shall not be condemned. R/.

VERSE BEFORE THE GOSPEL Matthew 4:4b
Glory and praise to you, O Christ. Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. Glory and praise to you, O Christ.

GOSPEL
“They sought to arrest him, ‘but his hour had not yet come.”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John (John 7:1-2.10.25-30)

At that time: Jesus went about in Galilee; he would not go about in Judea, because the Jews sought to kill him. Now the Jews’ feast of Tabernacles was at hand. But after his brethren had gone up to the feast, then he also went up, not publicly but in private. Some of the people of Jerusalem therefore said, “Is not this the man whom they seek to kill? And here he is, speaking openly, and they say nothing to him! Can it be that the authorities really know that this is the Christ? Yet we know where this man comes from; and when the Christ appears, no one will know where he comes from.” So Jesus proclaimed, as he taught in the temple, “You know me, and you know where I come from; But I have not come of my own accord; he who sent me is true, and him you do not know. I know him, for I come from him, and he sent me.” So they sought to arrest him; but no one laid hands on him, because his hour had not yet come.

The Gospel of the Lord.

TODAY’S REFLECTION
The Jewish authorities in Jerusalem had apparently decided that Jesus had to die because of his claim to being the Son of God, and by implication, divine himself. That was blasphemy, and the penalty for such blasphemy was nothing short of death. The ordinary citizens of Jerusalem also apparently agreed with their leaders. They thought they knew where Jesus came from. He was from Galilee, the son of a carpenter from Nazareth. How then could he be the Son of God and a divine person? But they were grossly mistaken. They did not know that Jesus came from God, born of the Virgin Mary. Joseph, the husband of Mary was not his real Father, but only his foster father. The disciples of Jesus know the truth, and rightly worship him as the Divine Person that he is.

PERSONAL DEVOTIONAL FOR LENT
A little help given to a needy person can do a lot in the life of that individual. However, if you do not make up your mind to help when you have little and continue to worry about how insufficient your little will be for you, you may never help the needy and that will definitely cost you blessings and opportunity of getting help from others in your time of need. Therefore, if you desire to be helped when you are in need, do not hold back anymore in making use of that little you have to help the needy who come to you.

DAY 27 — THE GREATEST COMMANDMENT

📖 Scripture: Mark 12 : 30-31
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart… and love your neighbor as yourself.”

🌿 Reflection:
Love is the summary of every law and every command. Lent calls you to return to the center — wholehearted love for God and sincere love for others. To love well is to live well.

🙏 Prayer:
Lord, help me love You with all my heart, mind, and strength — and to show that love through kindness to others. Amen.

✨ ACTION POINT:
Do one intentional act of love today that reflects God’s heart.

🌿 5 Reasons to Have Devotion to Saint Joseph, Foster Father of Jesus

1️⃣ God chose him to be the Guardian of Jesus

Saint Joseph was personally chosen by God to protect and raise Jesus. No other saint was entrusted with such a role. His vocation shows that humble, faithful obedience has eternal significance.

When the angel warned him in a dream, Joseph obeyed immediately (Matthew 1–2).

His life teaches us:
Prompt obedience
Trust in divine guidance
Courage in uncertainty

Saint Joseph's example teaches trust in God’s plan—even when we don’t fully understand it.

2️⃣ Model of Fatherhood and Manly Virtue

Saint Joseph shows strength through gentleness, responsibility, purity, and sacrifice.

In a world confused about masculinity and fatherhood, he is a powerful role model:

Protector of his family
Hard-working provider
Courageous in danger (fleeing to Egypt)

Silent but decisive

He demonstrates that true greatness is found in faithful daily duty.

3️⃣ Terror of Demons

One of Joseph’s powerful titles in the Litany of St. Joseph is “Terror of Demons.”

Though silent in Scripture, his authority was immense:

He lived closest to Jesus and Mary.
He protected the Saviour from King Herod’s murderous threat.
His purity and obedience reflect total submission to God.

Because demons flee from humility and obedience, devotion to Joseph is often seen as spiritual protection against temptation and evil. Calling upon him strengthens courage in spiritual battles.

4️⃣ Patron of the Universal Church

In 1870, Pope Pius IX declared Joseph the Patron of the Universal Church.

Just as he guarded the Holy Family, he is believed to guard the Church today. Saints like Saint Teresa of Ávila strongly promoted devotion to him, testifying to his powerful intercession.

Turning to Joseph means entrusting ourselves to a protector chosen by God Himself.

5️⃣ Example of Silence, Humility, and Hidden Holiness

The Gospels record no spoken words of Joseph — yet his actions speak powerfully.

He reminds us that holiness is:
Faithful daily work
Quiet sacrifice
Loving service without recognition

In a loud and self-promoting world, Joseph teaches us the beauty of hidden sanctity.

March 19, 2026 | Today’s Lenten Prayer Focus: RESPECT FOR HUMAN LIFE. 🙏✝️

BE INSPIRED | Five virtues every father can learn from St. Joseph

1. Obedience to God
– He promptly followed God’s commands given through angels.
📖 Matthew 1:24 – “When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him.”
👉 Shows total trust and readiness to obey God’s will.

2. Humility
– He accepted a hidden role in salvation history without seeking honour.
📖 Luke 2:16 – He is present quietly at the Nativity, without speaking.
👉 Teaches us to serve God without seeking recognition.

3. Chastity (Purity)
– He respected Mary’s unique role and lived a pure love.
📖 Matthew 1:25 – “He knew her not until she had borne a son.”
👉 Reflects reverence for God’s plan and holy relationships.

4. Diligence (Hard Work)
– He faithfully worked to provide for his family.
📖 Matthew 13:55 – “Is not this the carpenter’s son?”
👉 Shows that daily work is a participation in God’s plan.

5. Faithfulness (Perseverance in trials)
– He remained faithful even in danger and uncertainty.
📖 Matthew 2:13–14 – He fled to Egypt to protect the Child Jesus.
👉 Encourages steadfast trust in difficult times.

God bless!

Daily Lenten Meditations | March 19, 2026 ✝️

In this Lenten season, we are called to honour the sacred dignity of every human life (from the womb until natural death) recognizing each as a gift entrusted by God. Like Saint Joseph, who protected and nurtured life with quiet courage, may we become faithful guardians of the vulnerable. Let our hearts be shaped by compassion and reverence, reflecting God’s love in every life we encounter.

HAVE A BLESSED SOLEMNITY OF SAINT JOSEPH,
The faithful and humble husband of the Virgin Mary.

On this special day, the Church invites us to honour a man who lived a life of quiet holiness, deep trust, and unwavering obedience to God’s will. Though he spoke no recorded words in Scripture, his actions continue to speak powerfully to every generation.

Saint Joseph is a model of faith in the midst of uncertainty. When he was faced with situations he did not fully understand, he chose to trust God rather than give in to fear. When he was called to take Mary as his wife and to become the earthly guardian of Jesus Christ, he responded with courage and humility. His life reminds us that true greatness is not found in recognition or status, but in faithful obedience to God’s plan.

As a husband, Joseph loved Mary with a pure and selfless love. As a father, he cared for Jesus with tenderness and responsibility. As a worker, he dignified labour through his dedication and perseverance. In every role, he demonstrated that holiness can be lived out in the simplicity of daily life—through acts of love, sacrifice, and service that often go unnoticed.

In our modern world, where noise and distractions can easily overwhelm us, Saint Joseph teaches us the value of silence and interior strength. He listened to God in the stillness of his heart and acted without hesitation. His example encourages us to seek God not only in extraordinary moments, but also in the ordinary rhythm of our lives.

Today, as we celebrate his solemnity, may we turn to Saint Joseph with confidence and trust. Let us entrust to him our families, our work, our struggles, and our dreams. May he guide us to become more patient in trials, more faithful in responsibilities, and more loving in our relationships.

May this solemnity be a reminder that we are never alone in our journey of faith. With Saint Joseph as our protector and intercessor, may we grow closer each day to Christ. Through his prayers, may our homes be filled with peace, our hearts with courage, and our lives with grace.

St. Joseph, pray for us always. 🙏

19 march 2026

FIRST READING
“The Lord God will give to him the throne of his father, David” (Luke 1: 32).
A reading from the second Book of Samuel (2 Samuel 7:4-5a.12—14a. 16)

In those days: The word of the Lord came to Nathan, “Go and tell my servant David, ‘Thus says the Lord: When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come forth from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom for ever. I will be his father, and he shall be my son. And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure for ever before me; your throne shall be established for ever. ”’

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM Ps 89:2-3.4-5.27 and 29 (R. 37a)
R/. His descendants shall continue forever.

I will sing forever of your mercies, O Lord;
through all ages my mouth will proclaim your fidelity.
I have declared your mercy is established forever;
your fidelity stands firm as the heavens. R/.

“With my chosen one I have made a covenant;
I have sworn to David my servant:
I will establish your descendants forever,
and set up your throne through all ages.” R/.

R/. His descendants shall continue forever.

“He will call out to me, ‘You are my father,
my God, the rock of my salvation.’
I will keep my faithful love for him always;
with him my covenant shall last.” R/.

SECOND READING
“In hope he believed against hope.”
A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans (Romans 4: 13.16-18.22)

Brethren: The promise to Abraham and his descendants, that they should inherit the world, did not come through the law but through the righteousness of faith. That is why all depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his descendants — not only to the adherents of the law but also to those who share the faith of Abraham, for he is the father of us all, as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations” — in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist. In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations; as he had been told, “So shall your descendants be.” That is why his faith was “reckoned to him as righteousness.”

The word of the Lord.

Gospel Acclamation Psalm 84:4
Glory and praise to you, O Christ. Blessed are those who dwell in your house, O Lord, ever singing your praise! Glory and praise to you, O Christ.

GOSPEL
“Joseph did as the angel of the Lord commanded him.”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Matthew 1:16.18—21.24a)

Jacob was the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ. Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child of the Holy Spirit; and her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to send her away quietly. But as he considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit; she will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him.

The Gospel of the Lord.

Or the following:

GOSPEL
“Behold your father and I have been looking for you anxiously. ”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Luke 2:41-51a)

The parents of Jesus went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom; and when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, but supposing him to be in the company they went a day’s journey, and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintances; and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions; and all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. And when they saw him they were astonished; and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been looking for you anxiously.” And he said to them, “How is it that you sought me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” And they did not understand the saying which he spoke to them. And he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them.

The Gospel of the Lord.

TODAY’S REFLECTION
Whenever we take a closer look at the person of Joseph, the husband of Mary, we soon realize that we tend to take St. Joseph for granted not because we like to ignore him but because we naturally assume Jesus being God deserves all the attention.

There are lot of lessons to learn from this great man, Joseph, some of which we would now try to itemize:

1. St. Joseph was a just man.
The Bible refers to Joseph as a just man. This means he was a man of integrity. He was well respected in the community. He had a good name. He was a man of justice. He was not a wayward person and he believed in doing what is right at all times. Can it be said about me that I am a just person? Do I practice selective integrity?

2. St. Joseph did not take joy in seeing the Pain of others.
St. Joseph was unwilling to put Mary to shame despite learning of her pregnancy before they came to be together as husband and wife. When I happen to suspect others of doing wrong, what is my immediate reaction? Do I keep things to myself or begin to gossip and announce to others?

3. St. Joseph was Obedient to God at his own expense.
We are told that when Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the Angel of the Lord had commanded him. He agreed to play the role of a foster father to the Son of God. This meant that he agreed to live as a celibate for the rest of his life for the sake of Jesus Christ. His own form of celibacy would even be more demanding given that unlike other celibates, he would have to live in the same house with a woman not related to him. Can I make sacrifice for God? Am I only interested in what I can get from God rather than what I should give to God? Am I faithful to the demands of my calling in life? Do I keep my vows and promises to God?

4. St. Joseph was a Man of Faith.
It takes great faith to agree to do what Joseph did for Jesus and Mary. Do you notice that God only spoke to him through dreams? Unlike the case of Mary and Zechariah who had an Angel appear to them in broad day, Joseph had to depend on his dreams.

It takes great faith to believe that what we see in our dreams is not simply a figment of our imagination. It takes Faith to believe that a young woman would actually conceive without knowing a man. Do I put a limit in my mind to what God can do? Do I really believe that with God, all things are possible? Am I willing to act based on what God reveals to me daily through my study of the scriptures?

PERSONAL DEVOTIONAL FOR LENT
When you see someone that is weak in areas that you are strong, you do not need to make a show of it and reveal the weakness of that brother or sister. True love demands that you help the individual feel confident in himself or herself in such a way that he or she will be willing and ready to strive to become better. Be the help that will make that individual to come out of that weakness and become strong like you.

DAY 26 — SERVANT OF ALL

📖 Scripture: Mark 9: 35
“If anyone wants to be first, he must be the last of all and the servant of all.”

🌿 Reflection:
Greatness in God’s Kingdom is measured not by power, but by service. Lent invites you to lay aside pride and embrace humility — the kind of love that stoops to wash another’s feet. True joy is found in serving others as Jesus served you.

🙏 Prayer:
Lord, make me a servant-hearted follower. Teach me to find greatness in humility. Amen.

✨ ACTION POINT:
Do a humble task for someone today — quietly and without seeking notice.