Franciscan Media

Loving Jesus, you never ask us to do the impossible, but you often ask us to do something difficult. Help us to remember that you are with us always, even in times of trouble. And help us today and throughout Lent to be open to your grace.

– from Peace and Good

Following in the footsteps of the sinless One who took on our shame and guilt so that we need no longer carry it is the pathway every saint has walked and every aspiring saint must follow. When we are clean through the graces of the sacrament of reconciliation, remembering death becomes not a morbid preoccupation, but a sign of hope—for ourselves and for all those who look at us and see the likeness of the Savior.

Jesus, we offer our gratitude, for the love of Mary in our lives. She continues to offer us care and concern as our sister in the Communion of Saints. She continues to model for us the way of Christ. She understands our love and our suffering.

– from The Last Words of Jesus

Fasting is not an end in itself but instead is, like prayer and the works of mercy, an expression of who we are before God and in relation to others. Fasting should make us generous, not self-righteous. Lord Jesus, show me the difference between what I truly need and what I may simply want.

– from Peace and Good

Pope Francis encourages us to recall during this Lenten season that our salvation lies in God alone. We can take comfort in the fact that Jesus himself was tempted by evil things. Seeing his battle with his adversary in more human and less cosmic terms can help us when we’re struggling with temptation.

– from The Hope of Lent

Lent is a time to quietly examine our relationships. We examine our relationships with others as well as with the Lord. Too often we want to ignore, even criticize, the ones we come upon who give us the best advice. Lord, let me hear you speaking through others.

– from Sacred Silence