Albert Haase, OFM

We all betray Jesus for a price. For Judas, it was 30 pieces of silver. For Peter, it was the fear of being recognized as a disciple.

Lent is a time to reexamine and deepen our faith in God the Father who raised Jesus from the dead. Jesus promises eternal life to those who harbor that belief.

Jesus turns our understanding of success inside out. He models true success as helping others, giving of oneself, and doing God’s will—service, sacrifice, and surrender.

Lent is a time to reboot our spiritual life. Jesus offers us a trinity of ancient practices—prayer, fasting, almsgiving—that not only do that but also strengthen the three important relationships in our lives.

There is a subtle temptation to reduce the spiritual life to a relationship between “me and Jesus.” We wrongfully treat others and the world as distractions.

Lust seduces me not only to say more with my body than I could ever imagine saying with my heart, but also to violate trust and fidelity in my committed relationships.