Diane M. Houdek

In committing himself to a life of poverty, Francis took seriously the belief that God would provide his daily bread.

Francis knew that he needed to confront something deep within his soul that was keeping him from following Christ. We might pause to ask what fear we need to confront.

The message of the Gospel today, like the message of Lent itself, is twofold: “Repent and believe the good news.” We are called to do both.

We find it difficult to admit when we’re wrong, when we’ve sinned. And it seems the more we try to live good Christian lives, the harder it gets to acknowledge how often we fail.

Religious practices can never become more important than the end to which they lead: love of God and love of neighbor.

If our own goals, possessions, and even families and friends distract us from the Lord’s call, then we are not truly choosing life.