OUR LADY OF VICTORY CHURCH COLUMBUS, OHIOMar 03, 2019 · jail, paying a hospital bill, or needing to leave a foreign country. Report Scams: Verify an Emergency: If someone calls

OUR LADY OF VICTORY CHURCH COLUMBUS, OHIO

MASS INTENTIONSSaturday, March 2

8:00 a.m.5:00 p.m.

Weekday+Regina Coffman (Friends)+Armando Falasca (Tony & Jackie Polletta)

Sunday, March 38:30 a.m.11:00 a.m.

Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time+Lynn Early (Mafalda Rotolo)Memorial Mass for Monsignor Romano

Monday, March 48:00 a.m.

St. Casimir+Bruno DiSante (Mafalda Rotolo)

Tuesday, March 58:00 a.m.

Weekday+Effie Violanti (Patti Olson)

Wednesday, March 68:00 a.m.

12:00 Noon7:00 p.m.

Ash Wednesday+Erik Falasca (Mom)+Gildo Ciccone (Family)+Angeline Montenaro (Guido Ciotola)

Thursday, March 78:00 a.m.

Sts. Perpetua & Felicity+Rose Sliemers (Family)

Friday, March 88:00 a.m.

St. John of God+Jim Olson (Connie Leach)

Saturday, March 95:00 p.m.

St. Frances of Rome+Jill Thurston (Mom (Geri Radivich))

Sunday, March 108:30 a.m.11:00 a.m.

First Sunday of LentPeople of the Parish+Jerri Nardone (Rita DelGreco Kreuzer)

Gifts for God 125 Envelopes Rec’d; 811 issued $4,833.00

23 Loose Checks 1,135.00

Feb. 23-24 Loose Cash 900.00

TOTAL $6,868.00

Thank you to all who support the work of God

FAMILY EMERGENCY SCAMS [EXCERPT): [An Our Lady of Victory parishioner almost became a victim of the “Grandparent Scam” described below. (The caller explained the voice difference due to a cold.) Taking quick action, she phoned her grandson who thankfully was in no danger and consequently notified local police. She wants to share this warning with her parish family.]

Scammers may pose as relatives or friends, calling or sending messages to urge you to wire money immediately. They’ll say they need cash to help with an emergency — like getting out of jail, paying a hospital bill, or needing to leave a foreign country.

Verify an Emergency: If someone calls or sends a message claiming to be a family member or a friend desperate for money:

Resist the urge to act immediately, no matter how dramatic the story is.

THE WEEK AHEADSUNDAY, MARCH 3 8:30 a.m. Mass – Church 9:30 a.m. Rel. Ed. All Grades 11:00 a.m. Memorial Mass Monsignor Romano

MONDAY, MARCH 4 8:00 a.m. Mass – Church

TUESDAY, MARCH 5 8:00 a.m. Mass – Church WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6 – Ash Wednesday 8:00 a.m. Mass – Church 12:00 Noon Mass – Church 7:00 p.m. Mass – Church THURSDAY, MARCH 7 8:00 a.m. Mass – Church 7:15 p.m. Choir Rehearsal – VH FRIDAY, MARCH 8 8:00 a.m. Mass – Church 4:30 p.m. Fish Fry #1 – PLC

SATURDAY, MARCH 9 – 2ND COLLECTION – BLACK & INDIAN MISSIONS 5:00 p.m. Mass – Church

SUNDAY, MARCH 10 – 2ND COLLECTION – BLACK & INDIAN MISSIONSDAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME BEGINS 8:30 a.m. Mass – Church 11:00 a.m. Mass – Church

Verify the person’s identity by asking questions that a stranger couldn’t possibly answer.

Call a phone number for your family member or friend that you know to be genuine.

Check the story out with someone else in your family or circle of friends, even if you’ve been told to keep it a secret.

Don’t wire money — or send a check or money order by overnight delivery or courier.

Report possible fraud at ftc.gov/complaint or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP .

Report Scams: If you believe you’ve responded to a scam, file a complaint with: the FTC [Federal Trade Commission at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov]. Your state Attorney General [David Yost, Ohio Attorney General at 614-466-4320; www.ohioattorney.general.gov]. Source: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0204-family-emergency-scams.

OUR LADY OF VICTORY CHURCH March 3, 2019

8:30am Mass-Church 9:30am Rel. Ed. All Grades 11:00am Memorial Mass Monsignor Romano

8:00am Mass-Church

8:00am Mass-Church

8:00am Mass-Church 12:00Noon Mass-Church 7:00pm Mass-Church

8:00am Mass-Church 7:15pm Choir Rehearsal-VH

8:00am Mass-Church 4:30pm Fish Fry #1-PLC

5:00pm Mass-Church

8:30am Mass-Church 11:00am Mass-Church

MASS INTENTIONS Saturday, Mar. 2

8:00am 5:00pm

Weekday +Regina Coffman (Friends) +Armando Falasca (Tony & Jackie Polletta)

Sunday, Mar. 3 8:30am

11:00am

Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time +Lynn Early (Mafalda Rotolo) Memorial Mass for Monsignor Romano

Monday, Mar. 4 8:00am

St. Casimir +Bruno DiSante (Mafalda Rotolo)

Tuesday, Mar. 5 8:00am

Weekday +Effie Violanti (Patti Olson)

Wednesday, Mar. 6 8:00am

12:00Noon 7:00pm

Ash Wednesday +Erik Falasca (Mom) +Gildo Ciccone (Family) +Angeline Montenaro (Guido Ciotola)

Thursday, Mar. 7 8:00am

Sts. Perpetua & Felicity +Rose Sliemers (Family)

Friday, Mar. 8 8:00am

St. John of God +Jim Olson (Connie Leach)

Saturday, Mar. 9 5:00pm

St. Frances of Rome +Jill Thurston (Mom (Geri Radivich))

Sunday, Mar. 10 8:30am

11:00am

First Sunday of Lent People of the Parish +Jerri Nardone (Rita DelGreco Kreuzer)

125 Envelopes Rec’d; 811 issued $4,833.00

23 Loose Checks 1,135.00

Feb. 23-24 Loose Cash 900.00

TOTAL $6,868.00

FAMILY EMERGENCY SCAMS [EXCERPT): [An Our Lady of Vic-tory parishioner almost became a victim of the “Grandparent Scam” described below. (The caller explained the voice differ-ence due to a cold.) Taking quick action, she phoned her grandson who thankfully was in no danger and consequently notified local police. She wants to share this warning with her parish family.] Scammers may pose as relatives or friends, calling or sending messages to urge you to wire money immediately. They’ll say they need cash to help with an emergency — like getting out of jail, paying a hospital bill, or needing to leave a foreign country. Verify an Emergency: If someone calls or sends a message claiming to be a family member or a friend desperate for mon-ey:

Resist the urge to act immediately, no matter how dra-matic the story is.

Verify the person’s identity by asking questions that a stranger couldn’t possibly answer.

Call a phone number for your family member or friend that you know to be genuine.

Check the story out with someone else in your family or circle of friends, even if you’ve been told to keep it a secret.

Don’t wire money — or send a check or money order by overnight delivery or courier.

Report possible fraud at ftc.gov/complaint or by calling 1

-877-FTC-HELP . Report Scams: If you believe you’ve responded to a scam, file a complaint with:

the FTC [Federal Trade Commission at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov]

your state Attorney General [David Yost, Ohio Attorney General at 614-466-4320; www.ohioattorney.general.gov]

EIGHTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME MARCH 3, 2019

Dear Brothers & Sisters,I am sorry I could not be with you physically, but my heart is there with you. I offer my condolences to Fr. Romano’s family, to his close friends, and to my fellow parishioners. Sitting in front of my son-in-law’s computer,I noticed a sign that says “The man. The myth. The

legend.” As I read that, I thought, how appropriate when thinking of Fr. Romano.He was a teacher par excellence in so many ways and taught me so much. We shared many breakfasts at Paul’s Pantry and had good discussions over coffee in the rectory between Masses on the weekends when I preached. I believe the one thing that stands out for me is the way Fr. Romano taught what it means to be a humble servant leader. He truly was a humble man who knew how to lovingly lead his congregation to become men and women of God.In the 18 years I was privileged and honored to minister with him at Our Lady of Victory, we always got along. We didn’t always agree, but we always got along.I also appreciated Fr. Romano’s sense of humor. He would say he didn’t know much about theology, but he could tell you about Notre Dame football. That was a little white lie, because although he did know about Notre Dame football, he was also well-versed in theology. He was willing to listen, was open to suggestions, and was always happy to quote Pope Francis.Fr. Romano was a holy man of God who will be missed at all of the parishes he served, but especially here at Our Lady of Victory. He called our parish a parish family and was happy to be a part of the family. At every funeral he would always say we are not saying goodbye, we are here to say so long because we will see that person again.To me, he was the younger brother I never had, my teacher in every way, and most importantly, he was my dear friend whom I loved very much.So long, Romano. May he rest in peace.

Deacon Dick Baumann

MINISTRY SCHEDULES5:00 p.m. SATURDAY, MARCH 9

Extraordinary Ministers:

Theresa Draher, Kerstin Humphreys, Connie Leach, Jesse & Elaine Oddi

Lectors: Beth Davin, Patti Olson

Servers: Elaina Schneider, Paige Schneider, Aiden Winslow

Ushers: Chris Gloyd, Nancy Tarini, Camille Cenci, Renee Williams

8:30 a.m. SUNDAY, MARCH 10


Tim & Mary Blubaugh, Rob & Crystal Dyckes, Mary Jane Timmons

Lectors: Mike Drennen, James Herlihy

Servers: Jack Clifford, Maggie Herlihy, Allison O’Brien

Ushers: Jeff Panuto, Mike Roman, Randy Harlor

Eucharistic Ministers

Homebound:

Ann Cahalan, Anthony DiSante, Donna Rosenthal, Pete Stoeckinger

11:00 a.m. SUNDAY, MARCH 10


Marcia Bohley, Pat Feamster, John Frericks, Krista Joseph, Rosemary Myers, Heather Roush

Lectors: Ann Gabriel, Bob LeBoeuf

Servers: Audrey Ardoin, Ty Ardoin, Mary Claire Thompson

Ushers: Nick Melaragno, Roy LeMaster

Collection Counters:

Barb Schofield, Pat O’Connor, Jan Beck

PRAYER REQUESTS: Elizabeth Rusnak, Irene Clay, Patricia Baumann, Reid Hudson, Jada Brady, Jake Koch, Casey Browning, Isabella Karst, Andrew Johnson, Frank Michael, Cynthia Carson, Gina Harrobin, John Magnacca, Olivia O’Brien, Sue and Sylvia

Bender, Elizabeth Rossel, Brenda Martin, Katie Custer, Annabelle Marshall, Rosemary Studer, Joy Russell, Bill Guttliep, Nick Haring, Denisi Family, Aaron Rieck, Teresa Ciotola, Andre Bond, Lovre Dzolic, Dannie Terrel, Bridget Lowe, Gina Sansotta, Dani Crabtree, John Lenhart, John & Joan Hamar, Anna Reed, Tayla Riddle, John & Rosemarie Mayhan, Betsy May, Michael H. Quinn, Marjorie Hall, Evan Decarlo, Jeff Panuto, Sam Troiano, Anneliese Rea, Tom Murphy, Susan Summers, Mary Ellen McKain, Ted Waterfield, Sam Troiano, Jr., Cindy Hartsook, Pete Bohley, Coleen Quinn, Christopher Ritz, Tricia Fetters, Ginny Culver. Please remember in your prayers others who are not on this list. (Please notify the parish office of any changes.)


RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Love Always!Religious Ed

PreK-5th gradesClass today 9:30 a.m.!

Kindergarten, 1st, and 4th Grades to Music5th Grade goes to Reconciliation over in the Church

Lent discussed in classrooms tCongrats to our Second Graders who had their

First Communion Retreat on Saturday, February 23

CHOSEN

6th-8th GradesClass today 9:40 a.m.! - 8th Grade in Victory Hall

The Religious Ed department is collecting Easter Candy and NEW Plastic Easter EGGS

for the Mid-Ohio Worker’s Association Easter Brunch and Egg Hunt. OLV hosts this event for the families on Saturday, April 13. MWA supports the working poor in the

Columbus area. Drop off to donation boxes located in the Church Vestibule and in the Religious Ed area. Donations accepted through Sunday, April 7.

Week One of the Rice Bowl Collection

for Catholic Relief Services who help people around the world in need. Don’t forget to add to your Rice Bowls that the children brought home last

week from class.

CRS Rice Bowl ensures that the Catholic community of the United States is present in nearly 100 countries worldwide, serving the poorest among us through CRS.

Please be generous! Turn-in date is Sunday, April 28.

No class on Sunday, March 10, 17, and 24 due to Spring BreaksClasses resume on Sunday, March 31 at normal times

Mrs. Krista Joseph, Director of Religious Education


RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Love Always!

Religious Ed Pre k - 5th grades

Class today 9:30am! Kindergarten, 1st, and 4th Grades to Music

5th Grade goes to Reconciliation over in the Church⛪ Lent discussed in classrooms t

Congrats to our Second Graders who had their First Communion Retreat on Saturday, February 23

CHOSEN 6-8th Grades

Class today 9:40am! - 8th Grade in Victory Hall

The Religious Ed department is collecting Easter Candy and NEW Plastic Easter EGGS for the Mid-Ohio Worker's Association Easter Brunch and Egg Hunt. OLV hosts this event for the families on Saturday, April 13. MWA supports the working poor in the Columbus area. Drop off to donation

boxes located in the Church Vestibule and in the Religious Ed area. Donations accepted through Sunday, April 7.


for Catholic Relief Services who help people around the world in need. Don't forget to add to your Rice Bowls that the children brought home

last week from class.


Please be generous! Turn in date is Sunday, April 28

No class on Sunday, March 10, 17, and 24 due to Spring Breaks Classes resume on Sunday, March 31 at normal times



RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Love Always!





CHOSEN 6-8th Grades












RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Love Always!





CHOSEN 6-8th Grades












RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Love Always!





CHOSEN 6-8th Grades












RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Love Always!





CHOSEN 6-8th Grades












THE BEST FISH FRY IN TOWN!

Bring your family and friends to

OUR LADY OF VICTORY’S

Famous Lenten Fish Fry Dinners

In the Parish Life Center on the following Fridays during Lent:

March 8, 15, 22, 29

April 5, 12

from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m.

MENUFRESH Ocean Perch, Potatoes or Rice

Salad or Slaw, Includes Beverages, (Wine, Pop, Coffee)& Homemade Desserts

Pizza for the kids

$10.00 Adults, $5.00 Kids

Carry-out available

If you would like to donate a dessert for the Lenten Fish Fry dinners, please contact Judi Beight at [email protected]

Personal Care Items Needed: The OLV ST. Vincent de Paul Society is collecting personal care items in sample sizes for the homeless: soaps, tooth brushes, shampoo, lotion, disposable razors, etc. If you travel, please save your hotel toiletries for donating. There will be a collection box at the Fish Dinners near the 50/50 raffle table.


OUR LADY OF VICTORY CHURCH February 24, 2019

Ash Wednesday is Wednesday, March 6 Masses will be at 8:00am, 12:00Noon & 7:00pm

As a bulletin insert, please find literature on Lectio Divina (Holy Reading) - an explanation of the readings for daily Mass. Lectio Divina is part of the Benedictine spirituality which includes reading, prayer, meditation and contemplation.

Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, all Catholics, ages 18-59, one full meatless meal is permitted along with two meals of lesser quantity the same day.

Ash Wednesday and all Fridays of Lent, all Catholics, ages 14 and older, abstain from meat and meat products.

Ash Wednesday is Wednesday, March 6 Masses will be at 8:00 a.m., 12:00 Noon & 7:00 p.m.

LECTIO DIVINA As a bulletin insert, please find literature on Lectio Divina (Holy Reading) – an explanation of the readings for daily Mass. Lectio Divina is part of the Benedictine spirituality which includes reading, prayer, meditation and

contemplation.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS Mondays of Lent, 7:00 p.m. in the Church

BIBLE STUDY

Each Tuesday during Lent at 9:30 a.m. in the PLC – Come any Tuesday

WEDNESDAY LENTEN SOUP SUPPERSCome join members of the parish for prayer, delicious soups, and a chance to learn

about and reflect on the Queen of Heaven, Mary’s Battle for SoulsWednesdays in Lent, March 13, 20, April 3, 10 and 17

6:00 p.m. – Parish Life Center

OPERATION RICE BOWL Supplies at entrances to PLC

FISH FRY DINNERS

Fridays of Lent, March 8, 15, 22, 29, April 5 and 124:30-7:00 p.m. – Parish Life Center

LENTEN BOOKLETS (WORD AMONG US AND

A COLLECTION OF HOMILIES BY FATHER MISSIMI) WILL BE AVAILABLE.

CONFESSIONS WILL BE HEARDTuesdays, following 8:00 a.m. Mass & Saturdays, at 4:00 p.m.

PARISH MISSION WITH FATHER STEVEN BELL, C.S.P.

MARCH 23-27, 2019TOPIC – “HEALING & HOPE”

Further details forthcoming

PLEASE BE REMINDED OF THE MINIMUM EXPECTATIONS THE CHURCH HAS FOR US DURING THIS HOLY SEASON OF LENT:

FASTING: Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, all Catholics, ages 18-59, one full meatless meal is permitted, along with two meals of lesser quantity the same day.

ABSTINENCE: Ash Wednesday and all Fridays of Lent, all Catholics, ages 14 and older, abstain from meat and meat products.


COMMUNITY NEWS“INTERIOR PEACE” IS THE THEME OF THE DIOCESAN COUNCIL OF CATHOLIC WOMEN (DCCW) UPCOMING SILENT RETREAT, to be held April 5-7, 2019 at the St. Therese’s Retreat Center, 5277 E. Broad Street, Columbus. Led by Father T.J. Lehigh, Parochial Vicar, St. Andrew Parish, the retreat cost is $150.00 ($50.00 nonrefundable deposit required) and includes all meals from Friday evening through breakfast on Sunday. Registration deadline is March 22; additional information and registration forms are available at columbuscatholic.org/diocesan-council-of-catholic-women.

THE DIOCESAN COUNCIL FOR CATHOLIC WOMEN (DCCW) WILL HOST “ESTATE PLANNING AND END OF LIFE ISSUES, A GIFT FOR YOUR FAMILY,” on Saturday, March 23, from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., at St. Andrew’s Bryce Eck Activity Center, 3880 Reed Road, Columbus. Open to all, topics discussed will include how to avoid probate, proper bank accounts, insurance (life, long-term, disability), and other aspects of end-of-life planning. Event cost is $20.00 per person (includes lunch and materials); registration/payment is Friday, March 15. Contact Katie Boesch at DCCW at 614-228-8601 or visit columbuscatholic.org/diocesan-council-of-catholic-women for forms and more information.

CRISTO REY COLUMBUS HIGH SCHOOL PROFESSIONAL WORK STUDY PROGRAM is hosting an Open House on Thursday, March 7 at the school (400 East Town Street). Please join them between 11:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m. to learn more about the Cristo Rey model and the Professional Work Study Program. The Work Study Program allows Cristo Rey students to work in professional offices and to pay for a significant part of their tuition. For more information call (614) 223-9261.

OHIO DOMINICAN TO HOST SUMMER SCHOLARS PROGRAM: High school students graduating in 2020, 2021 or 2022 are invited to attend Ohio Dominican University’s Summer Scholars Program from July 8-12. The five-day program consists of four daily classes, which include classroom discussions, out-of-classroom labs, and numerous hands-on activities. The camp costs $150.00 per student for the daytime-only option or $350.00 for the overnight option. Registration is limited to the first 50 respondents. To register, please visit ohiodominican.edu/SummerScholars.

TUTORS NEEDED for adults seeking basic education skills, GED preparation or English as a Second Language. The Dominican Learning Center will hold its next Tutor Training Workshop on Saturday, March 16, from 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at 1111 E. Stewart Avenue, Columbus, 43206. Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age and a high school graduate. Teaching materials are free to tutors. To register, please call 614-444-7330, ext. 1 or email [email protected]. Visit www.domlearningcenter.org to find out more.

LIGHTEN YOUR LOAD, BRIGHTEN YOUR LIGHT: A DAY OF SELF-CARE AND HEALING: How heavy is your burden; how dim is your light? Have you felt weighed down by your interactions with those you hope to help? Is your passion to serve others at risk of being darkened by burnout, negativity, or compassion fatigue? Are you a caregiver, first responder, crisis counselor, parish minister or volunteer, or other helper who has felt discouraged, isolated, or ashamed? We invite you to join us for a day of renewal, healing, and community building to reignite your spirit through your passion, faith, and community. To help build up yourself so that you can continue to build up others - Saturday March 9, 2019; 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.; Martin de Porres Center, 2330 Airport Drive, Columbus. THIS IS A FREE EVENT HOSTED BY THE DIOCESAN HOPE TASK FORCE. Lunch will be provided. Space is limited, so register now at www.tinyurl.com/DHTF-register or call Andrea Pannell at 614-241-2550 or email at [email protected].

CALLING ALL STUDENTS! THE OSU $25,000.00 ANNUAL RONALD C. SULLIVAN SCHOLARSHIP IS AVAILABLE THROUGH THE CATHOLIC FOUNDATION. Ronald C. Sullivan was a man of faith, education, business, and duty. He considered his Catholicism the foundation of his identity and as a lifelong Buckeye of The Ohio State University, Sullivan saw a college education as a key to success. His education led him to become a successful businessman and investor, where he started an insurance brokerage firm that he sold at the young age of 55. He later became a day trader using the public library as his office and also served in the U.S. Army in Germany.

Requirements for the Ronald C. Sullivan Scholarship are as follows:• Enrolled or about to enroll at The Ohio State University.

• Be a practicing Catholic (as verified by a letter from a parish leader such as a priest, deacon, or youth minister).

• Active member of St. Andrew, St. Agatha, Our Lady of Victory, St. Christopher or an active Catholic living within Upper Arlington, Grandview Heights, or Marble Cliff.

• Solid academic performance.

The Catholic Foundation’s Applications for Scholarships will open on February 1 and close March 8. Applications for the Ronald C. Sullivan Scholarship will run through March 29. Since 2007, The Catholic Foundation has awarded over $680,000.00 in scholarships, empowering over 120 young people to continue their academic and vocational studies. For more information and to apply, please visit www.catholic-foundation.org/scholarships. If you are interested in opening a Scholarship Fund of your own, please contact Scott Hartman at [email protected] or 614-443-8893.

“As Lent is the time for greater love, listen to Jesus’ thirst…’Repent and believe’ Jesus tells us. What are we to repent? Our indifference, our hardness of heart. What are we to believe? Jesus thirsts even now, in your heart and in the poor — He knows your weakness. He wants only your love, wants only the chance to love you.”

~SAINT TERESA OF CALCUTTA (MOTHER TERESA)

Monday, March 4 ~ Eighth Week in Ordinary Time Saint Casimir of Poland, “the peace maker”

Holy Gospel: Mark 10:17-27 As Jesus was setting out on a journey, a man ran up, knelt down before him, and asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus answered him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: You shall not kill; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; you shall not defraud; honor your father and your mother.” He replied and said to him, “Teacher, all of these I have observed from my youth.” Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him, “You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” At that statement, his face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions. Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the Kingdom of God!” The disciples were amazed at his words. So Jesus again said to them in reply, “Children, how hard it is to enter the Kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of God.” They were exceedingly astonished and said among themselves, “Then who can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “For men it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God.”

Meditation: When Jesus challenged the man to make God his one true possession and treasure, he became dismayed. Why did he go away with sadness rather than with joy? His treasure and his hope for happiness were misplaced. He sought happiness and security in what he possessed rather than in who he could love and serve and give himself in undivided devotion. Why should Jesus call his disciples to “sell all” for the treasure of his kingdom? Treasure has a special connection to the heart, the place of desire and longing, the place of will and focus. The thing we most set our heart on is our highest treasure. The Lord himself is the greatest treasure we can have. Focusing on the treasures to be gained from God and not on the things of this earth is our greatest joy. Selling all that we have could mean many different things--letting go of attachments, friendships, influences, jobs, entertainments, styles of life--really anything that might stand in the way of our loving and following God first and foremost in our lives.

Prayer: Almighty God, to serve you is to reign; grant that, with the help of Saint Casimir's intercession, we may constantly serve you in holiness and justice. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Contemplation: What earthly treasures do I possess that capture my heart, my time, my attention, my resources, potentially my life? Do these prevent me from loving God as fully as I can? If so, what treasures must I “sell” – give up – in order that I may devote my attention and my love to God, who makes all things possible?

Tuesday, March 5 ~ Eighth Week in Ordinary Time

Holy Gospel: Mark 10:28-31 Peter began to say to Jesus, ‘We have given up everything and followed you.” Jesus said, “Amen, I say to you, there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands for my sake and for the sake of the Gospel who will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age: houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come. But many that are first will be last, and the last will be first.”

Meditation: What's the best investment you can make with your life? The gospel presents us with a paradox: we lose what we keep, and we gain what we give away. When we lose our lives for Jesus Christ, we gain a priceless treasure and an inheritance which last forever. Whatever we give to God comes back a hundredfold. Generosity flows from a heart full of gratitude for the abundant mercy and grace which God grants. Do you give freely and generously? Do you support the mission of your parish church? And why do you give, for reward or for love?

Prayer: Turn our hearts to you, eternal Father, and grant that, seeking always the one thing necessary and carrying out works of charity, we may be dedicated to your worship. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Contemplation: We should not be surprised if we lose favor or experience ridicule, intimidation, and injury when we take a stand on the side of truth, recognizing there are moral absolutes. In place of material wealth, Jesus promised his disciples the blessing and joy of rich fellowship with the community of believers. The Lord wants to fill our hearts with the vision of heaven and with his joy and peace. Do you know the joy of following the Lord as his disciple? Do you pray that the Holy Spirit will fill you with the joy of the Gospel and the knowledge of God’s personal love?

Wednesday, March 6 ~ The Beginning of Lent Ash Wednesday

Holy Gospel: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18 Jesus said to his disciples: “Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father. When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to win the praise of others. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, so that your almsgiving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you. “When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners so that others may see them. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you. “When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites. They neglect their appearance, so that they may appear to others to be fasting. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you may not appear to be fasting, except to your Father who is hidden. And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you.”

Meditation: As we begin this penitential season of Lent, we would do well to meditate as to why Jesus singled out prayer, fasting, and almsgiving for his disciples. The Jews considered these three as the cardinal works of the religious life. These were seen as the key signs of a pious person, the three great pillars on which the good life was based. Jesus pointed to the heart of the matter. Why do you pray, fast, and give alms? To draw attention to yourself so that others may notice and think highly of you? Or to give glory to God? The Lord warns his disciples of self-seeking glory – the preoccupation with looking good and seeking praise from others. True piety is something more than feeling good or looking holy. True piety is loving devotion to God. It is an attitude of awe, reverence, worship and obedience. It is a gift and working of the Holy Spirit that enables us to devote our lives to God with a holy desire to please him in all things (Isaiah 11:1-2). The forty days of Lent is the annual retreat of the people of God in imitation of Jesus' forty days in the wilderness. Forty is a significant number in the scriptures. Moses went to the mountain to seek the face of God for forty days in prayer and fasting. The people of Israel were in the wilderness for forty years in preparation for their entry into the promised land. Elijah fasted for forty days as he journeyed in the wilderness to the mountain of God. We are called to journey with the Lord in a special season of prayer, fasting, almsgiving, and penitence as we prepare to celebrate the feast of Easter, the Christian Passover. The Lord gives us spiritual food and supernatural strength to seek his face and to prepare ourselves for spiritual combat and testing. We, too, must follow in the way of the cross in order to share in the victory of Christ's death and resurrection. As we begin this holy season of testing and preparation, let's ask the Lord for a fresh outpouring of his Holy Spirit that we may grow in faith, hope, and love and embrace his will more fully in our lives.

Prayer: Grant, O Lord, that we may begin with holy fasting this campaign of Christian service, so that, as we take up battle against spiritual evils, we may be armed with weapons of self-restraint. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Contemplation: Do you hunger for God? Do you thirst for God’s holiness? God wants to set our hearts ablaze with the fire of his Holy Spirit that we may share in his holiness and radiate the joy of the gospel to those around us. St. Augustine tells us that there are two kinds of people and two kinds of love: “One is holy, the other is selfish. One is subject to God; the other endeavors to equal Him.” We are what we love. God wants to free our hearts from all that would keep us captive to selfishness and sin. “Rend your hearts and not your garments” says the prophet Joel (Joel 2:12). Use this Season of Lent to the fullest – embrace the laws of God and the teachings of Jesus Christ and His Holy Catholic Church. Undergo a conversion of mind and heart. Conform your will to God. With the help of the Holy Spirit, transform your minds and hearts to be lead in God’s way of truth and holiness – the one and only way!

Thursday, March 7 ~ The Day After Ash Wednesday Saints Perpetua and Felicity, Martyrs

Holy Gospel: Luke 9:22-25 Jesus said to his disciples: “The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised.” Then he said to all, “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. What profit is there for one to gain the whole world yet lose or forfeit himself?”

Meditation: Quite simply, the cross of Jesus Christ leads to freedom and victory over sin and death. We then need to ask ourselves: “What is the cross which Christ commands me to take up each day as his disciple?” When my will crosses with his will, then his will must be done. The way of the cross involves sacrifice, the sacrifice of laying down my life each and every day for Jesus' sake. What makes such sacrifice possible and "sweet" is the love of God poured out for us in the blood of Jesus Christ. Paul the Apostle reminds us that "God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit" (Romans 5:5). Try as we may, we can never out give God. He always gives us more than we can expect or imagine. Are you ready to lose all for Christ in order to gain all with Christ?

Prayer: O God, at the urging of whose love the Martyrs Saints Perpetua and Felicity defied their persecutors and overcame the torment of earth, grant, we ask, by their prayers, that we may ever grow in your love. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Contemplation: We need to ask ourselves: “What will I give to God in exchange for freedom and eternal life?” In thinking about this question, are you ready to part with anything that might keep you from following him and his perfect plan for your life? Jesus poses these questions to challenge our assumptions about what is most profitable and worthwhile in life. In every decision of life we are making ourselves a certain kind of person. It is possible that some can gain all the things they set their heart on, only to wake up suddenly and discover that they missed the most important things of all. A true disciple is ready to give up all that he or she has in exchange for happiness and life with God. The life which God offers is abundant, everlasting life. And the joy which God places in our hearts no sadness or loss can diminish.

Friday, March 8 ~ The Friday After Ash Wednesday Saint John of God, Religious

Holy Gospel: Mark 9:14-15 The disciples of John approached Jesus and said, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast much, but your disciples do not fast?” Jesus answered them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.”

Meditation: What kind of fasting is pleasing to God? Fasting can be done for a variety of reasons: – to gain freedom from some bad habit, addiction, or vice, to share in the suffering of those who go without, or to grow in our hunger for God and for the things of heaven. Basil the Great wrote: “Take heed that you do not make fasting to consists only in abstinence from meats. True fasting is to refrain from vice. Shred to pieces all your unjust contracts. Pardon your neighbors. Forgive them their trespasses.” Do you hunger for more of God and for his holiness and for the abundant life he has to offer you?

Prayer: O God, who filled Saint John of God with a spirit of compassion, grant, we pray, that, giving ourselves to works of charity, we may merit to be found among the elect in your Kingdom. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Contemplation: Do you ever find yourself hungering for God? We must remember that hungering for God and fasting for his kingdom go hand in hand. When asked why he and his disciples did not fast Jesus used the vivid picture of a wedding celebration. In Jesus' time the newly wed celebrated their honeymoon at home for a whole week with all the guests! This was a time of great feasting and celebrating. Jesus points to himself as the bridegroom and his disciples as the bridegroom's friends. He alludes to the fact that God takes delight in his people as a groom delights in his bride (Isaiah 62:5). To be in God's presence is pure delight and happiness. But Jesus also reminds his followers that there is a time for fasting and for humbling oneself in preparation for the coming of God's kingdom and for the return of the Messianic King. The Lord's disciples must also bear the cross of affliction and purification. For the disciple there is both a time for rejoicing in the Lord's presence and celebrating his goodness and a time for seeking the Lord with humility, fasting, and mourning for sin. If we hunger for the Lord, he will not disappoint us. His grace draws us to his throne of mercy and favor. Do you seek the Lord with confident trust and allow his Holy Spirit to transform your life with his power and grace?

Scripture passages (NAB translation) courtesy of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Daily meditations and contemplations adapted from the Irish Jesuits’ Sacred Space web page and Biblical Medications for Lent

by Rev. Carroll Stuhlmueller, C.P.; prayers are from The Roman Missal, Catholic Book Publishing, 2011; information about saints, solemnities, feasts and memorials courtesy of the Catholic Culture web site.

frlumpe:2019

A LENTEN REFLECTION AT THE BEGINNING OF LENT

Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned. ~Psalm 51

Mercy. That’s what it’s all about. As we begin Lent, a great place to start is with a better understanding of mercy.

Often when we think about Lent, we think of it with a sort of dread. “I have to give something up,” we often think. But if that is our thought then we are missing the point. Do I “have to” give something up? Well, yes and no. It’s true that God wills this and has spoken this practice of self-denial and self-discipline to us through His Church. That is true. But it’s much more of an invitation to grace than the imposition of a burden.

Giving something up is really all about entering into God’s abundant mercy on a deeper level. It’s about being freed from all that binds us and it helps us experience the new life we so deeply seek.

Giving something up could refer to something as simple as fasting from a food or drink. Or, it can be any intentional act that requires a certain self-denial. But this is good! Why? Because it strengthens us in our spirit and our will. It strengthens us to be more resolved to say yes to God on that complete level.

So often in life we are controlled by our emotions and desires. We have an impulse for this or that or to do this or that and we often let those impulses or desires control us. Entering into a practice of self-denial helps strengthen us to control our disordered tendencies rather than being controlled by them. And this applies to much more than just food and drink. It applies to many things in life including our life of virtue, especially our charity.

Mercy is all about charity. It’s about love in the way God wants us to love. It’s about being free to let love consume us and take us over so that, in the end, all we want to do is love. This can be a hard practice to establish in our lives but is the source of our joy and fulfillment.

Mercy, in particular, is an act of love that, in a sense, is not deserved by another. It’s a free gift that is given purely from the motivation of love. And this is exactly the love God gives us. God’s love is all mercy. And if we want to receive that mercy then we also have to give it. And if we want to give it we need to properly dispose ourselves to giving mercy. This is accomplished, in part, by our little acts of self-denial.

So make this a great Lent, but don’t get stuck thinking that the Lenten sacrifices are burdensome. They are one essential piece of the pathway to the life God wants to bestow upon us.

THIS REFLECTION IS MADE AVAILABLE COURTESY OF MY CATHOLIC LIFE.

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