Almsgiving, prayer, and fasting… key in our lives for Lent

Reflections on the readings for Ash Wednesday (February 17, 2021): JL 2:12-18; PS 51:3-4,5-6,12-13,14,17; 2 COR 5:20–6:2; MT 6:1-6,16-18

MISSIO offers “Mission In Scripture” to nurture a missionary heart, providing reflections on the missionary themes in the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.

While we are eating less, or even skipping an occasional meal, we can honor our Lord and assist others by giving the money saved to an organization that serves the poor or buying a meal for a homeless person.  

We offer our thanks to God by doing what He asks of us 

Reflections on the readings for the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time (February 14, 2021): LV 13:1-2,44-46; PS 32:1-2,5,11; 1 COR 10:31 – 11:1; MK 1:40-45

MISSIO offers “Mission In Scripture” to nurture a missionary heart, providing reflections on the missionary themes in the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.

Our Lord wanted to take His own time to reveal who He was. We all need to take Jesus’ words seriously. We need to pay attention to all we read in the Gospels about His message for the world.  

If the Gospel is really in our hearts, we need to share it with others

Reflections on the readings for the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time  (February 7, 2021): JB 7:1-4,6-7; PS 147:1-2,3-4,5-6; 1 COR 9:16-19,22-23; MK 1:29-39 

MISSIO offers “Mission In Scripture” to nurture a missionary heart, providing reflections on the missionary themes in the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.

These days, we might look to the Pope, Bishops, priests, deacons, consecrated men and women, and, naturally, missionaries, to share the Good News around the world.  

Consider the blessings that Christ brings into our lives each day  

Reflections on the readings for the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord  (February 2, 2021): MAL 3:1-4; PS 24:7,8,9,10; HEB 2:14-18; LK 2:22-40

MISSIO offers “Mission In Scripture” to nurture a missionary heart, providing reflections on the missionary themes in the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.

We are ultimately aiming for the fulfillment of God’s Kingdom where all will be revealed.  

Letting people know God loved them... and wanted their love in return  

Reflections on the readings for the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time (January 31, 2021): DT 18:15-20; PS 95:1-2,6-7,7-9; 1 COR 7:32-35; MK 1:21-28

MISSIO offers “Mission In Scripture” to nurture a missionary heart, providing reflections on the missionary themes in the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.

His concern for them – and for us, to love and care for others, especially those in greatest need...   

Turn yourself over to God, and He will take you where you could never have imagined 

Reflections on the readings for the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul, Apostle (January 25, 2021): ACTS 22:3-16; MK 16:15-18 

MISSIO offers “Mission In Scripture” to nurture a missionary heart, providing reflections on the missionary themes in the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.

As missionary, evangelist, theologian, St. Paul gave all the rest of his days to the will of God...  

By welcoming and sharing His love, we, too, will be His faithful followers  

Reflections on the readings for the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time (January 24, 2021): JON 3:1-5,10; PS 25:4-5,6-7,8-9; 1 COR 7:29-31; MK 1:14-20  

MISSIO offers “Mission In Scripture” to nurture a missionary heart, providing reflections on the missionary themes in the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.

Let us be willing to examine our lives and commit ourselves to all that God asks of us. We may need to turn away from certain habits and temptations...  

How do we answer our Lord when He calls us?  

Reflections on the readings for the Second Sunday of Ordinary Time (January 17, 2021): 1 SM 3:3-10,19; PS 40:2,4,7-8,8-9,10; 1 COR 6:13-15,17-20; JN 1:35-42 

MISSIO offers “Mission In Scripture” to nurture a missionary heart, providing reflections on the missionary themes in the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.

We must allow our Lord to use us to point the way of Christ to those around us.  

‘Let us love one another’ 

Reflections on the readings for the Baptism of the Lord (January 10, 2021): IS 42:1-4,6-7; PS 29:1-2,3-4,9-10; ACTS 10:34:38; MK 1:7-11 

MISSIO offers “Mission In Scripture” to nurture a missionary heart, providing reflections on the missionary themes in the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.

Today as we celebrate this day venerating the Baptism of the Lord, we need to see that the unfathomable love of God stretches through time and eternity.  

‘Let us love one another’ 

Reflections on the readings for the Memorial of St. John Neumann (January 5, 2021): 1 JN 4:7-10; PS 72:1-2,3-4,7-8; MK 6:34-44 

MISSIO offers “Mission In Scripture” to nurture a missionary heart, providing reflections on the missionary themes in the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.

Bishop Neumann did a great deal to support his people while working for peace...He was an excellent linguist and had outstanding administrative skills that he put to work in building new parishes including schools as part of his plans for the growth of his diocese.