Dive deeper into the Gospel readings during Lent using the below reflections provided by Father Daniel Ramirez Portugal, Pastor at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Zapata.

Ash Wednesday: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18 Jesus instructs us to give alms, to pray and to fast.

“But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret.” 

• How will you give alms (charity to the poor)?
• What will you do to enhance your prayer life?
• From what will you fast?

In reality the Church calls us to fast only on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday; that is, to eat one full meal, as well as two smaller meals that together do not equal to a full meal. We abstain from meat every Friday in Lent. Those with advanced age, or whose health does not permit fasting, may make an alternate penance. 

First Sunday of Lent: Luke 4:1-13 Jesus is tempted by the devil.

“Filled with the holy Spirit, Jesus returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the desert for forty days, to be tempted by the devil.”

• Who tempts you?
• What tempts you?
• What can you do to fight off temptation?

Second Sunday of Lent: Luke 9:28b-36 The transfiguration

“While he was praying, his face changed in appearance and his clothing become dazzling white. … Then from the cloud came a voice that said, ‘This is my chosen Son, listen to him.’”

• Do you listen to Jesus?
• What is He saying to you?
• Would you rather listen to the those who do not follow Jesus?

Third Sunday of Lent: Luke 13:1-9 Jesus speaks of repentance.

“If you do not repent you will all perish as they did.”

• Do you repent of your sins?
• Do you go to the sacrament of reconciliation to ask forgiveness and to reestablish God’s loving relationship with you?
• Would you rather live in sin?

Fourth Sunday of Lent: Luke 15: 1-3, 11-32 Parable of the prodigal son

• “Then let us celebrate with a feast, because this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again; he was lost, and has been found.” 
  Do I accept the love of God the loving Father?
  If yes, why do I accept God’s love for me?
  If no, why do I not accept God’s love for me?

Fifth Sunday of Lent John 8:1-11 The woman caught in adultery

“Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on do not sin any more.”

• Have I engaged in sins that that I think cannot be pardoned?
• Jesus never condemned only forgives, can I accept Jesus’s forgiveness of all my sins?
• Do I frequent the sacrament of reconciliation knowing that my sins can be forgiven?

(Reflections on the Gospels of Lent Cycle C)