Personal Prayer at the Start of Lent on Ash Wednesday.
Heavenly Father,
As I begin this Lenten journey, marked with these ashes of repentance, I come before You with an open heart and a seeking spirit. Grant me the grace to embrace these forty days as a sacred time of transformation and renewal.
Like Your Son Jesus in the desert, help me to face my temptations with courage and trust in Your presence. Give me wisdom to know what I must shed from my life, strength to maintain the disciplines I undertake, and love to reach out to those in need.
May my fasting lead to true hunger for Your righteousness, my prayer draws me deeper into Your embrace, and my almsgiving reflect Your generous love for all.
Let this not be just a time of external observance, but a season of profound inner conversion. Help me to recognize Your presence in Scripture, in silence, and in the faces of those I meet.
Through Your Son's passion Lord, draw me closer to Your heart, so that when Easter dawn breaks, I may rise with Your Son to a new life, transformed by Your grace and mercy.
Amen.
Ash Wednesday - March 5
Gospel: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18 - Jesus teaches about proper fasting, prayer, and almsgiving
Reflection: As you receive the ashes today, let Jesus's words about doing righteous deeds in secret inspire you to make this Lent about authentic inner transformation rather than outward show.
Ponder: Do you have a daily prayer life? What devotion interests you? Why?
Thursday - March 6
Gospel: Luke 9:22-25 - Jesus speaks about taking up our cross daily
Reflection: Consider Jesus's challenging words that to follow Him means denying yourself daily; how can you embrace the small crosses of today with greater love?
Ponder: Do you fear the Cross you must carry? Are you too attached to the things of this world?
Friday - March 7
Gospel: Matthew 9:14-15 - Jesus speaks about fasting
Reflection: As we fast today, reflect on Jesus's words about the bridegroom being taken away; let your hunger remind you of our longing for deeper union with Christ.
Ponder: Jesus will lead us on our way through Fasting. Sacrifice brings us closer to Jesus.
Saturday - March 8
Gospel: Luke 5:27-32 - Jesus calls Levi and dines with sinners
Reflection: Like Levi who left everything to follow Christ, what do you need to leave behind to follow Jesus more closely this Lent?
Ponder: Do the items and stuff in your life have a hold on you? Are you really attached to these possessions?
First Sunday of Lent - March 9
Gospel: Mark 1:12-15 - Jesus is tempted in the desert
Reflection: As we contemplate Jesus's forty days in the desert, consider how the Holy Spirit leads you into your own desert experience for transformation.
Ponder: How does this gospel and our Lord's temptation relate to your life?
Monday - March 10
Gospel: Matthew 25:31-46 - The Final Judgment
Reflection: Jesus teaches that we meet Him in the hungry, thirsty, and imprisoned; how can you serve Christ in others today?
Ponder: Find something you can do for others. To help others without getting any recognition for it. even do it in secret. Take this to the next level if you can and pay 3 months of someone's rent or put a huge amount on their utility bill. Make a difference if you can, the Lord will lead you.
Tuesday - March 11
Gospel: Matthew 6:7-15 - Jesus teaches the Lord's Prayer
Reflection: As Jesus teaches us to pray, examine how you can make your prayer life more authentic and less focused on empty words.
Ponder: In your quest to find Jesus in your life; do you feel you can approach him at any time?
Wednesday - March 12
Gospel: Luke 11:29-32 - Jesus speaks about the sign of Jonah
Reflection: Like the Ninevites who repented at Jonah's preaching, how is Christ calling you to deeper conversion today?
Ponder: How can you apply the lesson of the Ninevites to your own life today?
Thursday - March 13
Gospel: Matthew 7:7-12 - Jesus teaches about asking, seeking, and knocking
Reflection: Reflecting on Jesus's promise that the Father gives good things to those who ask, bring your deepest desires to God in prayer today, trusting in His perfect response.
Ponder: How can we discern whether we are truly seeking God's will or just our own desires when we pray?
Friday - March 14
Gospel: Matthew 5:20-26 - Jesus teaches about reconciliation
Reflection: Before bringing your fast as a gift to the altar today, hear Jesus's call to first reconcile with those you've wronged or harbored anger against.
Ponder: Time to examine any anger or hurt we have buried in our hearts. How might we be able to bring it to the surface to begin healing?
Saturday - March 15
Gospel: Matthew 5:43-48 - Love of enemies
Reflection: As Jesus challenges us to love our enemies and pray for our persecutors, identify one person who is difficult to love and intentionally pray for their well-being.
Ponder: How can I practically apply the concept of loving my enemy in my daily life? Why is this so difficult? Consider writing it all out, for no purpose but to get out of your head. It's a great exercise to remove inner hurt and begin healing.
Second Sunday of Lent - March 16
Gospel: Mark 9:2-10 - The Transfiguration
Reflection: Like Peter, James, and John on the mountain, allow yourself to be awestruck by Christ's glory today, carrying this vision through your darker moments.
Ponder: How does the appearance of Moses and Elijah relate in your life? Do you have distractions that take your eyes off Jesus? Distractions that, in many ways, may seem good, but nonetheless are a distraction.
Monday - March 17 (St. Patrick's Day)
Gospel: Luke 6:36-38 - Be merciful as your Father is merciful
Reflection: On this feast of St. Patrick, let Jesus's words about mercy inspire you to forgive generously, just as Ireland's apostle brought Christ's forgiveness to others.
Ponder: "I am certain in my heart that all that I am, I have received from God." - St Patrick. Do you express gratitude for all God has done for you in your life?
Tuesday - March 18
Gospel: Matthew 23:1-12 - Jesus warns against hypocrisy
Reflection: Consider Jesus's warning about those who love honor but neglect service; how can you practice genuine humility today?
Ponder: How can we resist the temptation of praise or attention from others, and instead have a humble spirit of serving and putting the needs of others first?
Wednesday - March 19 (Feast of St. Joseph)
Gospel: Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24a - The angel appears to Joseph
Reflection: Following Joseph's example of faithful obedience, reflect on how God might be asking you to trust His plan even when it seems unclear.
Ponder: How have you fully entrusted your life to the Lord, like Mary and Joseph did?
Thursday - March 20
Gospel: Luke 16:19-31 - The Rich Man and Lazarus
Reflection: Let Jesus's parable open your eyes to the "Lazaruses" in your own life whom you might be overlooking or ignoring.
Ponder: Where are you in this gospel today? What consumes your time, your thoughts, your attention so much that it distracts you from Jesus?
Friday - March 21
Gospel: Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46 - The Parable of the Tenants
Reflection: As you fast today, examine how you've been stewarding the gifts God has entrusted to you in His vineyard.
Ponder: Have you been a good steward with the gifts God has blessed you with? Or do you hoard them to yourself? Are you a giver or a taker? I read this quote and thought I would share it, "To live a pure, unselfish life, one must count nothing as one's own, in the midst of their abundance." Very powerful.
Saturday - March 22
Gospel: Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 - The Prodigal Son
Reflection: Place yourself in this parable - are you the prodigal, the elder brother, or the father? Let Jesus's story of mercy transform your heart.
Ponder: What is this scripture about? Freedom? Anger? Selfishness? Money? Forgiveness? We all understand the depths of this story differently and that's ok.
Third Sunday of Lent - March 23
Gospel: John 4:5-42 - The Woman at the Well
Reflection: Like the Samaritan woman, bring your past wounds and present thirsts to Jesus, allowing His living water to heal and refresh you.
Ponder: Are you motivated to go tell others about Jesus, or are you scared? or ashamed?
Monday - March 24
Gospel: Luke 4:24-30 - Jesus is rejected in Nazareth
Reflection: Consider how familiarity might be breeding contempt in your spiritual life; where have you stopped seeing Christ's miraculous presence?
Ponder: How do I share the Good News with others? Do I have challenges communicating with people in general, especially those who think they know me?
Tuesday - March 25 (The Annunciation)
Gospel: Luke 1:26-38 - The Angel Gabriel appears to Mary
Reflection: Contemplate Mary's "fiat" and ask for the grace to say "yes" to God's will in your life, even when it seems impossible.
Ponder: Has God called you and did you question it? Was it to help someone through a challenging time in their life? or to share Jesus with them? Did you respond and act or push it aside?
Wednesday - March 26
Gospel: Matthew 5:17-19 - Jesus and the Law
Reflection: Reflect on how Jesus calls us not just to external observance but to internalize God's law of love in our hearts.
Ponder: Have you ever really read the Ten Commandments? Exodus 20:1-21
Thursday - March 27
Gospel: Luke 11:14-23 - Jesus and Beelzebul
Reflection: Consider Jesus's words about gathering with Him; how can you actively participate in building God's kingdom today?
Ponder: Do you spend time in scripture, reading your bible? I challenge you to begin reading your bible again. Every single day.
Friday - March 28
Gospel: Mark 12:28-34 - The Greatest Commandment
Reflection: As you observe today's fast, examine how well you're living Jesus's dual command to love God and neighbor.
Ponder: Is Jesus really 1st in your life? And do you actively put others before yourself?
Saturday - March 29
Gospel: Luke 18:9-14 - The Pharisee and the Tax Collector
Reflection: Practice the tax collector's humble prayer today, acknowledging your need for God's mercy rather than comparing yourself to others.
Ponder: Are you able to forgive someone who hurt you deeply? Can you be merciful to that person?
Fourth Sunday of Lent (Laetare Sunday) - March 30
Gospel: John 9:1-41 - The Man Born Blind
Reflection: On this day of rejoicing, let Jesus open your spiritual eyes to see where He has been working in your life this Lent.
Ponder: How can we overcome Spiritual Blindness? What is clouding our vision?
Monday - March 31
Gospel: John 4:43-54 - Jesus heals the Official's Son
Reflection: Reflect on the official's journey from seeking a miracle to genuine faith; how is Jesus calling you to deeper trust?
Ponder: Can you really truly fully surrender completely to Jesus? What earthly desires tug you away from loving Jesus completely? Do you have an addiction, a distraction, or just a deep desire to embrace the world and all its spoils instead of Jesus and the treasures of Heaven?
Tuesday - April 1
Gospel: John 5:1-16 - The Healing at the Pool
Reflection: Like Jesus asking the paralytic "Do you want to be well?", what healing do you need to ask for today?
Ponder: Do you have an addiction? Be honest! How much of a grip does this addiction have on you? I won't tell anyone, and I know you won't tell me, so I think you and Jesus need to work it out.
Wednesday - April 2
Gospel: John 5:17-30 - Jesus's Relationship with the Father
Reflection: Contemplate Jesus's intimate connection with the Father; how can you deepen your own relationship with God?
Ponder: Are you really seeking out God's will in your life? Pray every single day, Jesus will lead you, but we must remain silent in his presence to hear Him.
Thursday - April 3
Gospel: John 5:31-47 - Witnesses to Jesus
Reflection: Consider how you witness to Christ in your daily life; do your actions testify to your faith?
Ponder: What does it mean in your life to "seek the honor that comes from God alone"?
Friday - April 4
Gospel: John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30 - Jesus at the Feast of Tabernacles
Reflection: As you fast today, reflect on Jesus's courage in speaking truth despite opposition; where are you called to be more courageous in your faith?
Ponder: Do you question who Jesus is in your life? Take courage and spend time with Jesus in Adoration today. One hour of your time in silence before the Eucharist. Very powerful!
Saturday - April 5
Gospel: John 7:40-53 - Division Among the People
Reflection: Examine how you respond when others reject or question your faith; do you remain steadfast in your conviction about Christ?
Ponder: Do you defend Jesus? Is your faith obvious without waving a sign saying that you are a follower of Jesus?
Fifth Sunday of Lent - April 6
Gospel: John 11:1-45 - The Raising of Lazarus
Reflection: Hear Jesus calling you to "come out" of whatever tomb holds you captive; trust in His power to bring new life.
Ponder: Do you fear dying? How do you emotionally/spiritually handle the death of your loved ones or those close to you? Do you have worldly lenses or eternal lenses? Think about it.
Monday - April 7
Gospel: John 8:1-11 - The Woman Caught in Adultery
Reflection: Experience Jesus's mercy as He shows to the woman caught in sin, and extend that same mercy to others today.
Ponder: God's mercy is not an excuse to sin. Do you look for forgiveness or just cover it with guilt and keep sinning? If you're not sure if you are sinning, read the Ten Commandments. We are all sinners.
Tuesday - April 8
Gospel: John 8:21-30 - Jesus Predicts His Death
Reflection: Consider Jesus's words about His identity and mission; how well do you know and follow the real Jesus?
Ponder: What does it mean to "die in your sin" and why did Jesus say that? Can you stay focused on a life following Jesus without distractions? Can you minimize the distractions?
Wednesday - April 9
Gospel: John 8:31-42 - The Truth Will Set You Free
Reflection: Reflect on what binds you and keeps you from true freedom in Christ; ask for the grace to let His truth liberate you.|
Ponder: What are the potential consequences of rejecting Jesus from our lives? Do you know? Do you care?
Thursday - April 10
Gospel: John 8:51-59 - Jesus and Abraham
Reflection: Contemplate Jesus's bold claim "Before Abraham was, I AM"; how does His eternal nature impact your daily faith?
Ponder: Have you devoted your life to Jesus Christ like your life depends upon it? Because it does!
Friday - April 11
Gospel: John 10:31-42 - Jesus's Works Testify
Reflection: During today's fast, examine how your works testify to your relationship with Christ.
Ponder: If your life challenges you, do you still walk with trust in the Lord?
Saturday - April 12
Gospel: John 11:45-56 - The Plot Against Jesus
Reflection: As Holy Week approaches, consider how you, like Caiaphas, might sometimes justify choosing expedience over truth.
Ponder: Why do you think there is so much human resistance against Jesus? Do riches and worldly success really have that much of a hold on someone?
Palm Sunday (The Passion of the Lord) - April 13
Gospel as we enter Mass: Luke 19:28-40 Reflection: Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, a sign of humility and peace.
Gospel During Mass: Luke 22:14-23:56 Reflection: The Passion of Jesus Christ, Way of the Cross.
Ponder: Are you willing to follow Jesus even if it is difficult and unpopular and others reject you? How about if you must live with less, because you feel led to give more?
Monday of Holy Week - April 14
Gospel: John 12:1-11 Reflection: Mary's worship is very personal, she washed our Lord's feet with her tears. We can all learn from Mary, this humility and love for our Lord.
Ponder: Have you ever sacrificed "something" in your life for Jesus? Something of value: A car to a family who can't afford one? Money to someone struggling? Food to hungry strangers? Giving generously and never ever expecting anything in return. It'll change your life if you do.
Tuesday of Holy Week - April 15
Gospel: John 13:21-33, 36-38 Reflection: Jesus discreetly reveals Judas as the betrayer by giving him a piece of bread dipped in the dish.
Ponder: Peter struggled but made the right choices after wrong ones, through his repentance.
Can we follow Jesus to the Cross by putting others first and even risk it all.
Wednesday of Holy Week - April 16
Gospel: Matthew 26:14-25 Reflection: Judas agreed to betray Jesus. This can be a reminder of the conflicts, betrayal, and deceit we experience in life, usually by those closest to us.
Ponder: So Judas betrayed Jesus for what? Money? Have you ever betrayed anyone for money? Have your priorities in your life put your love for money before your family? your kids? anyone? Nothing in this life is worth more than our love for Jesus. We must love the Lord 1st and foremost above everything, and then 2nd to love others before our own selfish self. Hard teachings indeed. Jesus tells us this.
Holy Thursday - April 17
Gospel: John 13:1-15 - Jesus washes the disciples' feet
Reflection: As you remember the institution of the Eucharist and the priesthood, let Jesus's humble act of washing feet challenge you to serve others with the same selfless love.
Ponder: Can we really submit to helping others while being humble before our Lord? Pride is the distraction of a person who wants to really love the Lord with a humble heart.
Good Friday - April 18
Gospel: John 18:1-19:42 - The Passion of Our Lord
Reflection: Standing with Mary at the foot of the cross, contemplate how each moment of Jesus's passion reveals the depth of God's love for you.
Ponder: This is one of the saddest days in all the world. Let us focus on the Stations of the Cross today. Focus on Jesus!!
Holy Saturday - April 19
Gospel: [The Church waits in silence - no formal Gospel of the day]
Reflection: In this day of waiting, join Mary and the disciples in their grief and hope, preparing your heart for the joy of resurrection.
Ponder: For tomorrow we will rejoice! Today get close to scripture, and close to our Lady. Maybe praying the full 20 decade Rosary today, would be a blessing.
Easter Sunday - April 20
Gospel: John 20:1-9 - The Resurrection of the Lord
Reflection: With Mary Magdalene, witness the empty tomb and let your heart be filled with the joy and hope that comes from Christ's victory over death.
Ponder: The JOY with OVERFLOWS!! He is RISEN!! His love for us is magnified and our love for him is deepened. Happy Easter Everyone!!
I really enjoyed creating this for all of you.
©2025 James Dacey Jr.
