For a related activity see Lent and the Liturgical Calendar. (answers here)

First Sunday of Lent - Year A

Visit www.usccb.org/nab for readings.

READING I
Genesis 2:7-9; 3:1-7

This part of the creation story speaks of temptation and the effects of giving in to such temptation. In the beginning there is only good. God has created man and woman along with plants and animals. Temptation enters in the form of a cunning serpent. First the woman and then the man fail to resist the promises of the serpent. As God had warned, their eyes are opened, not to what they hoped for, but to the reality of what they have done. They have disobeyed their Creator. In the Gospel another story of temptation is related but with a totally different response.

READING II
Romans 5:12-19

Paul also discusses the way sin first comes into the world. Humanity sins and it is up to Jesus who is both human and divine to save humanity. Paul contrasts Adam with Jesus. Death came through Adam and Jesus brings life; the disobedience of one is overcome by the obedience of the other. The power of Jesus as light of the world is stronger than any action on the part of humanity. Grace is more powerful than sin.

GOSPEL
Matthew 4:1-11

At the baptism of Jesus we were assured of his divinity. In this temptation story, we are assured of his humanity. Because Jesus is also human, he is affected by temptations just as we are. Jesus relies on what he has learned from the Hebrew Scriptures to respond to the devil. Even though hungry, he is able to acknowledge that one needs more than bread to live. The Word of God itself provides sustenance. For each temptation, Jesus quotes from the Hebrew Scriptures. This helps him overcome Satan's temptations.

Do words from Scripture easily come to mind to help us overcome temptation? Perhaps we need to familiarize ourselves more with God's Word given to us in Scripture.

In today's readings there is much about disobedience and obedience, about temptation and resisting temptation. Do you remember to pray for help to be obedient and to resist temptation? Jesus lived on earth to show us how to live. Try to follow his example.

SS. Scholastica and Benedict
St. Scholastica began a monastery for women that followed the rules and spirit of the monastery founded for men by her brother Benedict. Women and men belonging to these communities are called Benedictines. Worldwide they teach people about God's goodness. They are especially known for their hospitality and for creating beautiful liturgies.

February 11 - Our Lady of Lourdes
We remember Our Lady of Lourdes. The Church acknowledges Mary's appearance to Bernadette Soubirous, a 14-year-old girl in France. A shrine has been built at the spot where Bernadette prayed, and people from all over the world visit the shrine to pray for healing.

February 12 - St. Marina
The Church remembers St. Marina, whose father, legend has it, disguised her as a boy and brought her with him when he joined a monastery. She lived her life in the monastery and it was not discovered that she was a woman until she died.

February 13 - St. Catherine de Ricci
A Dominican sister from Florence Italy, St. Catherine de Ricci lived during the 16th century. She is noted for the series of visions she experienced every week for 12 years.

February 14 - SS. Cyril and Methodius
Today we celebrate the feast of SS. Cyril and Methodius, two brothers who became priests and were sent to preach the Gospel to the Slavs in the ninth century. Cyril created an alphabet to help translate the Bible. This Cyrillic alphabet, in modified form, is still used in Russia, Bulgaria, and other Slavic countries.

February 15 - St. Sigfrid
At the request of the King of Norway, the King of England sent Sigfrid as a missionary bishop to Norway in the 11th century. Sigfrid expanded his missionary efforts to Sweden and Denmark, establishing churches and ordaining bishops to carry on his work in those countries.

February 16 - St. Elias and Companions
We remember St. Elias and his companions (Jeremy, Isaias, Samuel, and Daniel), five friends who died for their faith while accompanying other Christians to forced labor in the quarries in fourth-century Palestine. They were caught on their way back home and put to death.

Olympic Winter Games
The XX Olympic Winter Games opened in Turin, Italy in 2006. These games afforded athletes from 86 countries the opportunity to compete in an international event. The Olympic motto is "faster, higher, stronger." It places emphasis on bettering one's achievements rather than focusing on coming in first.

2nd Sunday of Lent - Year A

Visit www.usccb.org/nab for readings.

READING I
Genesis 12:1-4a

In this short reading from Genesis, we learn of God's promises to Abram. The promises are quite dramatic - a great nation will come from Abram; his name will be great; and God will bless those who bless him. God will in turn, curse those who curse him. Of course, Abram must leave his family and his homeland, totally trusting in this God he has only recently met. Abram accepts the challenge and holds fast to this new faith in one God.

READING II
2 Timothy 1:8b-10

The first reading does not tell us, but we know that Abram had to endure many sufferings as he struggled to keep his trust in God. In this reading, we are reminded that living the Gospel will indeed involve hardship. The journey will be challenging, but the reward of eternal life with God is well worth the struggle. We have also received promises. We have the promise of strength from God for the journey. It comes in the form of grace through Christ Jesus.

GOSPEL
Matthew 17:1-9

Matthew gives us his account of Jesus' transfiguration. Jesus has taken three disciples with him to the mountaintop. What follows is a fear and awe inspiring experience. Not only does Jesus change, but also the long dead prophets Moses and Elijah appear with him. Even in his amazement, Peter responds with Jewish hospitality, offering protection for the three prophets. To further amaze the disciples, they hear a voice proclaiming Jesus as God's beloved Son. Fearfully, the disciples fall to the ground. When Jesus says for them to rise and not be afraid, he is alone. It is to the message of Jesus that they, and we, must listen.

We have much more information about God than Abram. Yet, how willing are we to trust completely in God?

The readings today talk about trust in God. It is from our experience with people that we learn to develop trust in God. In which person in your life do you have the most trust?

The Seven Founders
This is the memorial for the Seven Founders of the Order of Servites. This 13th-century group of influential businessmen in Florence, Italy left their jobs to spend their lives in prayer. Their religious community is also known as the Servants of Mary.

February 18 - St. Colman of Lindisfame
St. Colman of Lindisfame was an Irish bishop of the seventh century. In his time, there was much disagreement and confusion over church teachings. He worked for unity in the Church, especially between England and Ireland, which, even in those days, had problems.

February 19 - St. Mesrop
St. Mesrop was a fourth-century Armenian missioner. He created the Armenian alphabet and made Armenian versions of the New Testament and the Book of Proverbs. St. Mesrop also began the formation of an Armenian liturgy.

February 20 - St. Eucherius
Eucherius was a bishop in France in the eighth century. He was exiled to Germany for opposing Charles Martel. He had protested the Mayor's seizure of church properties. St. Eucherius spent his later years in a monastery in the Netherlands. He died on this day in 743.

February 20 - St. Wulfric
Although not officially canonized, St. Wulfric was considered a saint by the thousands who visited his tomb in the Middle Ages, seeking inspiration and healing. After encountering a beggar, Wulfric reformed his life, took a vow of poverty, and was known for his holiness. He died in 1154 at Somerset, England.

February 21 - St. Peter Damian
St. Peter Damian was a monk (and eventually a bishop) who lived in 11th-century Italy, a time when the Church was going through many changes and reforms. A Doctor of the Church, he was well educated, a good speaker, and an excellent writer.

February 22 - The Chair of Peter
On the memorial of the Chair of Peter, we celebrate unity in our Church. We remember St. Peter as a fisherman. He became Bishop of Antioch and then of Rome, and was clearly the leader among the apostles -- the first bishops. He was martyred in Rome. We pray for our church leaders today.

February 23 - St. Polycarp
St. Polycarp died on this day in Smyrna (now Turkey) around the year A.D. 155. He was a bishop taught by the apostle John, and among the first people to die for the Christian faith.

Marian Anderson
In 1902, Marian Anderson, one of the world's great singers, was born. She grew up to sing for kings and queens all over the world, but was prevented from appearing in the United States because she was African American. But her reputation continued to grow and Marian Anderson became, in 1955, the first African American singer to appear with the Metropolitan Opera.

See Scrutinies for a related activity.

3rd Sunday of Lent - Year A

Visit www.usccb.org/nab for readings.

READING I
Exodus 17:3-7

There are many ways to be thirsty. Today's reading concerns a basic thirst for water. Moses has led God's people out of slavery in Egypt. However, they now fear they will die of thirst in the desert. They grumble against Moses and God. Moses begs God for a solution. God responds by providing water for the people. Both Moses and God are tested here. Sometimes those in leadership forget that they have someone to approach when they need help in leading. Moses went directly to God. This is an encouragement for other leaders to do the same.

READING II
Romans 5:1-2, 5-8

What a joyful message on this third Sunday of Lent! Paul reassures the Romans that since they have already been justified by faith, they are not to be fearful that God will not be there for them. He points out that while humanity was still sinful, Christ died for us so that we might be saved. Such love God has for all of us!

GOSPEL
John 4:5-42

John brings us the story of a Samaritan woman drawing water from a well at midday. At that time, Jews did not associate with Samaritans; thus she is amazed when Jesus speaks to her. She is also a woman, and men did not often bother to strike up conversations with women. Jesus is quite comfortable speaking to her as a Samaritan, a woman, and a sinner. His role is not to judge, but to bring people to his Father. He offers her living water. She responds honestly and listens carefully to his message. In fact, she takes the Good News back to her village, encouraging others to listen to him as well, and to receive this living water. This is a beautiful story of evangelization. Jesus evangelizes and the Samaritan woman receives his message and evangelizes further.

Are there women in your parish community who help spread the Good News? Say a prayer of thanksgiving for their work of evangelization.

Today's Gospel talks about being thirsty. There are probably times when you have been very thirsty. Can you imaging wanting to be near God as much as you have wanted a drink of water? Pray to be close to God.

SS. Montanus and Lucius
SS. Montanus and Lucius were African men who died for their faith in Carthage (on the northern coast of Africa) in the year 259. The people who witnessed their deaths were profoundly moved by their gentle non-violence in the face of Roman cruelty.

February 25 - St. Ethelbert of Kent
St. Ethelbert of Kent lived from 560-616 and was the most influential leader of his time in southern England. Ethelbert married a Christian and soon converted. But unlike many other rulers, he did not force Christianity on his people. Instead, he gave much encouragement and support to the missioners and promoted the peaceful spread of the Gospel.

February 26 - St. Paula Montal
Paula was born in Spain in 1799 on this day. At the age of 30, she and a friend began a school to provide both a good education and spiritual guidance. She founded a college and another school. St. Paula Montal later founded the Daughters of Mary. Pope John Paul II canonized her in 2001.

February 26 - St. Porphyry of Gaza
St. Porphyry, after years as a monk in the Egyptian desert and the Jordan valley, moved into town and made a living as a shoemaker. He became a priest at the age of 40, and five years later, a bishop. It took many years before the people in his loving care became Christians. St. Porphyry died in 420.

February 27 - St. Anne Line
St. Anne Line converted to Catholicism and lived in London during a time when hiding priests was a crime. During a secret Mass in her house, the police entered and arrested her. She was convicted of harboring priests and hanged in 1601.

February 27 - St. Leander of Seville
As a Bishop, Leander worked to protect the Church against the Arian heresy in the sixth century. He was the first to introduce the Nicene Creed at Mass. His brother was St. Isidore of Seville.

February 28 - St. Hedwig of Poland
Hedwig became Queen of Poland in 1382 upon the death of her father. St. Hedwig is remembered for her attention to the sick and poor. Pope John Paul II canonized her in 1997.

February 28 - Martyrs of Alexandria
We remember the Martyrs of the Plague at Alexandria during the year 262. These people cared for the sick during a terrible plague, even though they were aware that the disease would likely spread to them.

February 29 - St. Oswald of Worchester
Oswald is remembered as one of the saints who revived English monasticism. He built many monasteries in England after becoming Bishop of Worchester. He also championed for monastic reform, striving to improve the morals and theological knowledge of the clergy. He died in 992.

March 1 - St. David of Wales
St. David of Wales was a monk who lived in the sixth century, in Britain. David founded several monasteries, which served as places of refuge for the homeless, as well as centers for education. They were havens of peace in a hostile environment.

March 1 - St. Albinus
Albinus entered the monastery as a young boy. He served as an abbot and was named Bishop of Angers in 529. Bishop Albinus ransomed slaves and then took care of them. He showed great concern for the sick and the poor.

First Orbiting Space Station
This month in 1996, Russians launched a space station to orbit the earth. Its Russian name, Mir, means Peace. International crews used the station for 15 years. It was taken out of service and crashed safely in the South Pacific in 2001 after 86,331 orbits. This experience has shown that people from different parts of the world can work together for the betterment of all.

For a related activity see Lent and the Liturgical Calendar.

4th Sunday of Lent - Year A

Visit www.usccb.org/nab for readings.

READING I
1 Samuel 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a

Saul was the first king of the Israelites, but he did not please God. In this reading, God sends the prophet Samuel to anoint a new king. The king is to be chosen from among Jesse's seven sons. One by one they are brought before Samuel, and one by one they are rejected. God had told Samuel not to depend upon appearances in making his choice. Samuel must have been quite discouraged by the time the seventh son, a youth is brought before him. The Lord indicates to Samuel that David, the youngest, is the one to be anointed future king. At that moment, the Holy Spirit comes to be with David.

READING II
Ephesians 5:8-14

This reading provides the familiar contrast between darkness and light. Here, the author identifies the people as being darkness itself - now changed into light. This is to help the Ephesians realize that being light gives them power to continue the work of Jesus. The author concludes with a quote from a baptismal hymn. We are reminded that soon we will be renewing our baptismal vows at the Easter Vigil.

GOSPEL
John 9:1-41

John's Gospel is about seeing. He begins by describing a blind man seeking and receiving from Jesus the gift of physical sight. Neighbors are amazed that this man whom they knew to be blind can see. They take him to the Pharisees who ask how he is now able to see. Once these Jewish leaders find out that it was Jesus, and that he had cured the man on the sabbath, they challenge Jesus as a man of God. [The Pharisees were strict adherents to the letter of the law and considered Jesus as breaking the law of the sabbath.] They tell the cured man that Jesus is a sinner. But he asks how Jesus could be a sinner and still cure him. Jesus later says to the Pharisees, "If you were blind, you would have not sin; but now you are saying, 'We see,' so your sin remains." Jesus is explaining they are in sin because they do not recognize their blindness. To recognize limitations is to be on the way to overcoming them. This applies to us today as it did to the Pharisees long ago.

Are you able to recognize your limitations? Or, do you try to do everything - afraid that no one else will act? Trust in God. Do what you can do, and leave the rest to God.

From the book of Samuel we learn that we cannot determine a person's abilities from their physical appearance. Instead of a strong man, God chose a young boy to lead the Israelites. Do not be discouraged if you feel that others are stronger or smarter than you are. God chose you, as you are, for a special purpose. How will you go about asking God to help you recognize your special purpose in life?

St. Chad
St. Chad is remembered as a leader who learned to change. He lived during the seventh century, when sweeping changes were taking place in church administration and worship. He strongly resisted the changes, but, when outnumbered at the Synod of Whitby, he gracefully accepted the decisions of the Synod and supported the new moves into the future.

Bl. Angela of the Cross
Angela was born in 1846 in Spain of a poor family. At the age of 12, she started working in a shoe factory to help support her family. She was unable to become a member of the Carmelites due to illness. In 1875, she started the Congregation of the Cross to work with the sick. Pope John Paul II beatified Maria de los Angeles Guerrero y Gonzàlez in 1982.

March 3 - St. Katharine Drexel
St. Katharine Drexel was well-educated, widely-traveled, and wealthy. This American woman began her own community of sisters, the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament. She spent her inheritance on the poor, fought injustice against Native and African Americans, and opened missions and schools. Mother Katharine Drexel died March 3, 1955, at the age of 96. In 2000, Pope John Paul II canonized her. The Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament founded Xavier University of Louisiana, the first university for African Americans, in 1915.

March 3 - St. Teresa Eustochio Verzeri
In 1831, St. Teresa helped found the Congregation of the Daughters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. She and her sisters educated troubled girls, found homes for orphaned and abandoned children, and directed retreats. She had a special talent as a spiritual guide.

March 4 - St. Casimir
St. Casimir was a Polish prince in the 15th century who would not fight the battles his father wanted him to fight because he did not want to kill people. He was commonly called "the Peacemaker." He died of lung disease at the age of 26, and was named the patron saint of Poland in 1602.

March 5 - St. Gerasimus
St. Gerasimus was a monk who lived in Palestine, near the Dead Sea, in the fifth century. A story told about him says he once took a thorn out of a lion's paw, named the lion Jordan, and trained him to fetch and carry for the monks. When Gerasimus died, it is said that Jordan was so sad, he lay down on his master's grave and died, too.

March 5 - St. John Joseph of the Cross
Even as a young child, St. John Joseph was drawn to prayer and virtue. He entered the Franciscan Order. In 1702 he became a provincial of the Alcantarine Reform in Italy. He had a great devotion to Mary, and was known for his humility and religious discipline.

March 6 - St. Colette
Born in France in 1380, Nicolette gave her inheritance to the poor after being orphaned at the age of 17. She later helped reform and found 17 convents of the Poor Clares throughout Europe. People remember St. Colette for her sanctity and kindness to the poor.

March 6 - St. Fridolin
St. Fridolin lived around 650 and traveled constantly, spreading the gospel. His nickname was "the Wanderer." Fridolin established a monastery, a convent, and later a school for boys on an island near Switzerland.

March 7 - SS. Perpetua and Felicity
SS. Perpetua and Felicity were strong and brave African women who died in 203 because of their Christian beliefs. Perpetua was a wealthy woman who had opened her home to other Christians. Felicity, a slave, gave birth to a baby girl in prison shortly before her death.

March 8 - St. John of God
This is the memorial of St. John of God, a man who was born in Spain in 1495. John ran away from home at the age of eight and joined the army. After leading a wild life, he settled down and took care of people who were suffering. He opened a hospital in Granada. He is called the patron saint of nurses and the sick.

Dr. Seuss
Theodore Seuss Geisel, better known as "Dr. Seuss," was born in 1904. Although his books are for children, they include many important issues, from environmental consciousness to pacifism.

5th Sunday of Lent - Year A

Visit www.usccb.org/nab for readings.

READING I
Ezekiel 37:12-14

For the Jews in exile, the prophet Ezekiel uses the image of rising from their graves. He is assuring them that they will return to Israel. This reading fits in well with the Gospel story of Lazarus returning from the grave. Both readings are messages of hope.

READING II
Romans 8:8-11

For Paul, being "in the flesh" refers to being overly concerned with matters of this world. He reminds the Romans and us, that as Christians we are all "in the spirit." To have the Spirit of Christ in us is to be alive. Paul is also saying that even after our bodies die, we will rise from the dead as Jesus did.

GOSPEL
John 11:1-45

In this Gospel reading, John relates one of the signs that show the divinity of Jesus. It also is a beautiful story of Jesus' love for his friend Lazarus and for us as well. The way the story is related, it is clear that Lazarus is dead. It is important for this point to be clear, as this is a story of resurrection. Lazarus and his sisters lived in Bethany, which was near Jerusalem. It was dangerous for Jesus to be so close to Jerusalem, for those who wished him harm were there. Jesus goes because of his love for Lazarus and because it is almost time for his suffering and death. Some of the Jews who are with Mary and Martha when their brother is raised become followers of Jesus. Others, however, report on these activities to the Pharisees who then challenge the validity of his behavior. This is a story revealing God's love for all of us and it encourages us in our belief of the resurrection.

As we approach the feast of Christ's Resurrection, John's Gospel shows how important it is for us to believe in our own resurrection. How does this story of Lazarus help you to believe?

Today's Gospel is about belief in God. When you pray the Creed at Mass what words do you use to show that you do believe? Think about what you agree to when you pray the Creed.

March 9 - St. Dominic Savio
Dominic Savio was born in Italy during the nineteenth century. He enjoyed studying and praying and got along with others at his school. At the age of fourteen, he became ill and was sent home to recuperate. Instead, his illness grew worse and he died. He is the patron saint of young boys. For more information about this saint see St. Dominic Savio in the Parent Pages.

March 9 - St. Catherine of Bologna
St. Catherine traded in a courtly life to join the Poor Clares religious community. She was known for her holiness, piety and charity. A painter and manuscript illuminator, she is the patron of artists.

March 10 - Forty Martyrs of Sebaste (Forty Martyrs of Armenia)
The Forty Martyrs of Sebaste (also called the Forty Martyrs of Armenia), in fourth century Armenia, refused to deny their Christian faith at the command of the emperor to offer sacrifice to idols and were then put to death.

March 11 - St. Sophronius
St. Sophronius was a bishop who died in Jerusalem in 638. He traveled around Egypt and Palestine, making many friends. He became a sort of "tour guide" to important people. Sophronius was called "Sophronius the Learned," and it is said that his friendliness had a positive influence on powerful people who would have treated Christians much worse had it not been for him.

March 12 - St. Theophanes
St. Theophanes, the Chronicler, grew up in Constantinople and became a monk. Some of his historic writings, which were remarkable in his day (he died in 817), are still being studied.

March 13 - St. Gerald of Mayo
We remember St. Gerald, an English monk who lived in the 8th century and served as abbot to missionary monks in Ireland. By his prayers and example, St. Gerald helped many people lead peaceful and loving lives.

March 14 - St. Matilda
St. Matilda was a German queen during the tenth century. Her sons fought among themselves and were jealous when Matilda was generous to the poor and the Church. She died with a great reputation for kindness and generosity among people.

March 15 - St. Louise de Marillac
St. Louise de Marillac founded the Daughters of Charity community in 1633. She was a friend of St. Vincent de Paul, who depended on her assistance. She was an intelligent and generous woman and had great stamina and determination. In 1960, Pope John XXIII declared her patron of social workers.

First Person in Space
Yuri Gagarin, a Russian cosmonaut, was born on this day in 1934. Gagarin became the first person to travel in space, orbiting the earth for 108 minutes. In 1961 he was launched into orbit in the Vostok I spaceship, which reached a maximum altitude of 203 miles, and circled the earth once.

Daylight Saving Time
It is time to "spring forward" and lose an hour. Since 2007, daylight saving time has begun two weeks earlier in spring and extended one week later in fall than in previous years. Congress stated energy conservation as the main reason for this change.