Holy Savior book club for March 2026 - the novel Black Robe by Brian Moore

 

We had a great Holy Savior book club this week, discussing the Thornton Wilder novel The Bridge of San Luis Rey, written over 100 years ago and winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Literature. For March, we are reading the acclaimed novel Black Robe, written by novelist Brian Moore, based on the life of St Jean de Brebeuf, one of the North American Martyrs and a French Jesuit priest who ministered to the Huron people of North America in the 17th century. Acclaimed Catholic English novelist Graham Greene recommended that Moore write this novel, using the journals of Jean de Brebeuf and other Jesuit missionaries as source material.  It is a great novel of the Catholic missionaries and their faith. I have read this novel several times and wrote a major paper on it in school. I am looking forward to reading it with this group. I am very much enjoying our Holy Savior book club and our discussions. I have not been in a book club since my days at St Richard as a priest.

DEFEND MISSISSIPPI press conference - Father Lincoln Dall

Defend Mississippi is a grass roots organization in our state that is advocating for changes and more resources in the public defense system here in Mississippi. Yesterday there was a press conference to advocate for more resources for the public defense office in Hinds County.  I was asked to be one of the speakers at the press conference.  Below is the statement I made. It is not enough for me to serve the men and women that are incarcerated through the Catholic prison ministry. I am called to advocate to work for justice that is shaped by the values of God's kingdom to change broken structures and systems. 

My name is Father Lincoln Dall. I am the Vicar General and a priest in the Catholic Diocese of Jackson. I am here today in support of the Hinds County Public Defender’s Office’s request for the emergency funding they need to address the chronic staff turnover that has left many of our community members locked in jail without access to legal representation. I know how important this investment is because I have served for many years in prison ministry.

A couple of years ago, a man asked me to visit him in the Hinds county detention center. He had been in there for five years and he had not gone to trial yet. It was through the Hinds country public defenders office that I was able to visit him. I was able to visit him several times when he was offered a plea bargain sentence that he accepted. The public defender and I working together were able to help him and support him during this difficult and terrifying time in his life, to make him feel like he was not alone. Now, this same man is serving his sentence at the state prison in Pearl and is a very active part of our ministry. I  felt that this inmate was able to receive very good representation by this public defender, but because their office is so underfunded, often the public defenders leave their positions for better opportunities and better pay.

When the Hinds County Public Defender’s Office loses experienced attorneys, people sit in jail for extended periods without a fair legal process or a support system. Everyone deserves to have someone stand by them when they are charged with a crime. By increasing the salaries of the public defenders and giving them more resources, we will be able to retain them and help strengthen the public defense system. This will allow those accused of crimes to have access to counsel and guidance throughout the legal process.

From my perspective as a priest whose heart is committed to ministering to the men and women who are incarcerated, and this ministry is certainly my heart and soul, I see better funding of public defense as a way of affirming human dignity and meeting our shared obligation to one another.

15 March 2026 - prayers of the faithful for the 4th Sunday of Lent Cycle A - prison ministry

Introduction: Jesus is the light of the world. St Paul tells us today that we are to live as children of light as the Lord has rescued us from the darkness. We celebrate God’s healing presence in our lives on this fourth Sunday of Lent as we hear the Gospel story of the healing of the man born blind. May Christ the light be a true presence in our lives as we commemorate this holy season of Lent.  

Penitential rite - priest: 

Lord Jesus - you bring healing into our lives. 

Christ Jesus - you summon the sinner to repentance. 

Lord Jesus - you call us out of darkness into light. 

Priest: As children of the light, let us shine our light on the needs of our brothers and sisters in our local community and around the world: 

1. That we Christians may find blessing in the people of God and in the ways we minister to others. We pray to the Lord.

2. When facing adversity and conflict, may we Christians not succumb to fear and anxiety, but put our trust in the Lord. We pray to the Lord. 

3. That our Lenten practice of fasting unite us in solidarity with those who lack adequate food, shelter, and clothing. We pray to the Lord. 

4. That our governmental leaders experience the presence of God in ways that strengthen their faith. We pray to the Lord.

 5. That those bearing the hardship of illness may put their trust in the Lord and be quickly restored to health. We pray for our sick family members and loved ones and those who are sick or in the infirmary here at CMCF.  We pray to the Lord. 

 6. For all who have died. May they witness eternal life with the light of our Jesus Christ. We pray for our deceased family members. We pray to the Lord. 

7. For those preparing for entry into the Church. We pray to the Lord.

 8. In the silence of our hearts, we pray for own needs and the needs of others, confident in the promise of God’s kingdom. We pray to the Lord. 

Priest: Heavenly Father, you fill the university with light. May we always reflect your light in the way we love others. Grant these prayers through the light of the world, Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever. AMEN.

15 March 2026 - prayers of the faithful for the 4th Sunday of Lent Cycle A

Introduction: Jesus is the light of the world. St Paul advices us today that we are to live as children of light as the Lord has rescued us from the darkness. We celebrate God’s healing presence in our lives on this fourth Sunday of Lent as we hear the Gospel story of the healing of the man born blind. May Christ the light be a true presence in our lives as we commemorate this holy season of Lent.  

Penitential rite - priest: 

Lord Jesus - you bring healing into our lives. 

Christ Jesus - you summon the sinner to repentance. 

Lord Jesus - you call us out of darkness into light. 

Priest: As children of the light, let us shine our light on the needs of our brothers and sisters in our local community and around the world: 

1. That all the communities of the earth may find blessing in the people of God and in the ways we Christians minister to others. We pray to the Lord.

2. That when facing adversity and conflict, we Christians may not succumb to fear and anxiety, but put our trust in the Lord. We pray to the Lord. 

3. That our Lenten practice of fasting unite us in solidarity with those who lack adequate food, shelter, and clothing. We pray to the Lord. 

4. That our governmental leaders experience the presence of God in ways that strengthen their faith. We pray to the Lord.

 5. That those bearing the hardship of illness may put their trust in the Lord and be quickly restored to health. We pray to the Lord. 

 6. For all who have died. May they witness eternal life with the light of our Jesus Christ. We pray to the Lord. 

7. For our catechumens and candidates preparing for entry into the Church at the Easter vigil mass. For our children and youth preparing to receive the sacraments of first holy communion and confirmation during the Easter season. We pray to the Lord.

 8. In the silence of our hearts, we pray for own needs and the needs of others, confident in the promise of God’s kingdom. We pray to the Lord. 

Priest: Heavenly Father, you fill the university with light. May we always reflect your light in the way we love others. Grant these prayers through the light of the world, Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever. AMEN. 

15 March 2026 - bulletin reflection for the 4th Sunday in Lent

This past week, we had Lenten reflection days for the priests of the Diocese in both Clinton and Greenwood. Next week, we will have a day of reflection up in Tupelo. The priests gather during Lent to spend time in prayer and reflection with the Bishop, strengthen our bond together. Today, those adults who have not been baptized will undergo the second scrutiny at our Sunday Mass at Holy Savior, referencing Jesus as the light of the world in his healing of the man born blind in our Gospel this weekend. The rite of the scrutinies, celebrated for three weekends during Lent, aim to help protect these catechumens from temptation and to give them strength in their relationship with Christ. Blessings to all of you as we continue our Lenten journey. Father Lincoln. 

15 March 2026 - homily for the 4th Sunday of Lent cycle A - Ephesians 5:8-14 John 9:1-41

In our Gospel today, Jesus states: “We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”(John 9: 4-5) 

On this 4th Sunday of Lent, our Gospel of the healing of the blind man gives us a lot to think about regarding the merciful love of God and the obstacles to the healing power of Christ that exist in our lives. 

As Jesus and his disciples pass by the blind man, the first thing that comes to the minds of the disciples is speculation as to what sin caused his affliction. Jesus rebukes the disciples’ desire to see the cause of his blindness as some kind of human failing or sin. Jesus sees this man’s affliction as a way to glorify God and to bring God’s healing power into his life. Jesus anoints the blind man with a very earthy mixture of clay and saliva, inviting the man to wash in the waters of the pool of Siloam, which restores the blind man’s vision. This pool was an ancient water source in Israel built seven centuries before Christ by King Hezekiah. This pool was a critical source of water for the people of Jerusalem for centuries. Pilgrims would take a ritual bath in these waters before ascending to the Temple Mount as a ritual of purification. It is interesting that the soup kitchen where I served as a lay missionary for two years in the inner city of Winnipeg, Canada was named Siloam mission after this pool of healing waters. That soup kitchen was originally started by a released inmate from prison who had found Christ while incarcerated and who wanted to bring Christ to the street people of that city as a work of mercy. 

Perhaps the main message of this miracle of healing in today’s Gospel relates to the way we respond to God’s grace in our lives. Jesus comes to save us and to offer us salvation, but we have free will as to how we respond. Jesus offers us healing in different ways. Not just physical healing, but also spiritual and emotional healing. Healing to move on from the hurts and pains of our past. Healing to be able to forgive others, to forgive ourselves, to forgive God. 

Rather than seeing the love of God and the miracle of healing in this interaction, rather than feeling joy at the transformation in the life of the blind man, the Pharisees focus on the ways they see Jesus breaking the laws of the sabbath. The Jewish people want to deny this miracle of healing they see right before their very eyes, even questioning if this man had even been blind at all, seeing this to be a scam or a ruse. The Pharisees reject the possibility of Jesus doing the will of the Father. Jesus’ presence and the miracles he enacts in our lives can be right before our very eyes, but we have to be open to seeing the reality of God that is before us. 

The blind man is the one who cooperates with God’s grace in this story. Even with all the hurt, pain, and infirmities that are weighing him down, he submits in obedience to the healing power of God and participates in God’s grace. 

I remember when I had cataract surgery several years ago. When I returned home, I was amazed at how bright everything looked. I did not realize that I had cataracts that were blocking the light. Sometime we are not even aware of the obstacles and impediments blocking the light of Christ from entering our lives. In our second reading from the letter to the Ephesians, St Paul states that we as disciples of Christ were once in darkness, but now we are in Christ’s light. We are to live in that light and to allow that light to bring goodness, righteousness, and truth into our lives. 

We have been praying the stations of the cross each Friday here at our parish. This weekend, being the second Friday of the month, I offered the sacrament of the anointing of the sick to our parish at the Friday evening mass after the stations, a tradition we have here at Holy Savior. I also will offer the anointing of the sick after the other Masses at our parishes this weekend. The sacrament of the anointing of the sick unites our sufferings with the suffering Christ endured in his passion and on his way to the cross. This sacrament brings strength, peace, and courage into our lives as we endure our illnesses, pains, and sufferings. This sacrament offers God’s grace for us to be open to physical and spiritual healing, bringing comfort to our body, mind, and spirit. Like the other sacraments of the Church, this sacrament also recognizes the ways God’s kingdom is present to us in the current day as it prepares us for the eternal life to come. 

On this 4th Sunday of Lent, may we feel the light of Christ that is present to us. May we feel his healing presence in our lives. 

13 March 2026 - prayers of the faithful for Friday of the third week of Lent

Lord Jesus - you call us to prayer

Christ Jesus - you call us to fasting

Lord Jesus - you call us to works of charity

Priest: In the midst of our 40 days with Jesus in the desert, we present our prayers for ourselves, for the Church and for the world:

1. May these 40 days of Lent strengthen in us what is weak and renew in us what is strong. 

2. That those in positions of authority and power may we foster goodness, unity, and justice. 

3. That during these days of Lent, we may be aware of the outcast, the lonely and the marginalized, and welcome them within our faith community.

4. For all who are alienated or separated from the Church. That they may they find in our community a place of welcome and reconciliation. 

5. May our prayer, fasting and almsgiving be a witness of our parish community to those around us. 

6. May God be present to the sick and the afflicted in their suffering during this Lenten season. Let us pray especially for those in the hospitals, hospices, and nursing homes. 

7. For the response of the souls of the faithful departed. For their entry into eternal life.  

8. For the prayers we hold in our hearts today. 

Priest: With humble and sincere hearts, we present these prayers through your Son Jesus Christ, our Lord for ever and ever. AMEN.  

13 March 2026 - Friday of the 3rd week of Lent - Mark 12:28-34; Psalm 81:6-11 and 14, 17

Today, we commemorate the feast day of St. Ramirus and his companions. They were 6th-century Spanish monks martyred for their orthodox faith by Arian Visigoths. As monks at St. Claudius Monastery in Leon, Spain, a city that today has a prominent place on the Camino of Santiago pilgrimage trail,  Ramirus and his community were put to death in the 6th century while chanting the Creed. 

“Shma Israel, Adonai elo – hey – nu, Adonai e – chad”  This is part of the Shema prayer that we hear in the Gospel today – “Hear O Israel – the Lord our God is Lord alone.” This is what Jesus cites as the first of all the Lord’s commandments. The Shema is a prayer that Jesus would have prayed on a daily basis as a practicing Jew in ancient Israel. We can know that God is our Lord and master, but we need to incorporate that reality into daily life. 

Through the psalmist, the Lord tells us:  “I am the Lord your God; hear my voice.”  This might sound easy in theory, but in practice, it is not easy at all.  To know when the voice of God is calling out to us can be challenging.  When I was in seminary to study to be a priest, my classmates and I would struggle with God’s will for us as it pertained to our vocations. We realized that discerning God’s will in our lives is not an easy task. We needed our fellow classmates, our spiritual directors, and our seminary professors to help us discern God’s will for us. We would all like to hear God’s voice speaking to us loudly and clearly, but it doesn't always work that way. 

 Our Lenten disciplines are supposed to help us on our journey. They are supposed to help us distinguish God’s voice in the midst of so many other voices. Through fasting, almsgiving, and praying, we are to open our hearts to God, to hear his voice, to recognize his authority in our lives. We know that this is not always easy. 

12 March 2026 - prayers of the faithful for Thursday of the 3rd week of Lent

Lord Jesus - you have the heart of a servant. 

Christ Jesus - you call us to unity and solidarity with God. 

Lord Jesus - you are journeying through the desert for 40 days. 

Priest: We bring our prayers to God in trust and hope, as God brings us his mercy and compassion.

1. For all Christians, that we may continue our Lenten journey in faith and holiness during these 40 days. 

2. That we may be obedient to God even when God’s will challenges us and when his will is difficult to follow.  

3. That all Christians may strive toward unity and collaboration with each other. 

4. For the faithful departed. For their entry into eternal life. 

5. For our first responder, our veterans, the men and women serving in the military, and our medical professionals. 

6. For the people of Ukraine and the holy land who are in the midst of war. For peace throughout the world.  

7. For healing for the sick and shut-in in body, mind, and spirit. 

8. For the prayers we hold in our hearts today.  

Priest: God of mercy and compassion, you call us to conversion and renewal. Hear the prayers that we make in faith today, through Jesus Christ our Lord forever and ever. Amen. 

12 March 2026 - Maximilian of Tebessa - homily for Thursday of the 3rd week of Lent - Luke 11:14-23

Maximillian of Tebessa was born in northern Africa in what is present-day Algeria in 274 AD. He was conscripted into the Roman army at the age of 21. He was asked to swear allegiance to the Roman Emperor as a soldier. He refused, stating that, as a Christian, he could not serve in the military, leading to his immediate beheading by sword. He is the patron saint of conscientious objectors to military service. 

 “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.” Jesus says this in today’s Gospel in response to a healing of a mute who was possessed by a demon. I take this to mean that we are either 100% committed to Jesus, or we are not with him at all. Sometimes even when we want to live out the values of our faith and want to make the right decisions and want to live out the values of God’s kingdom, we can still get off track in our life of faith. As we continue our journey during this 3rd week of Lent, may we think of ways we need conversion and renewal in our lives to completely commit to our faith.  

11 March 2026 - homily for Wednesday of the 3rd week of Lent - Deuteronomy 4:1 and 5-9 - Matthew 5:17-19

Constantine of Cornwall was a minor British king who succeeded his father as king of Dumnonia in 537. He lived a sinful life until he converted to Christianity as an adult. After the death of his wife, he abdicated the throne and entered religious life. After founding churches in Cornwall and serving in monasteries in Wales and Ireland, he traveled as a missionary to the Picts in Scotland. He was killed by pirates. There are many legends told about him in Britain. 

Both our readings today concern God’s laws. Moses gives the people God’s laws and commandments, telling them that they must be careful to observe these laws because they come directly from God. Our reading from Deuteronomy today reminds us of the importance that God and his law are to have in our daily lives. God's law is central to the Gospel message today as well. Jesus states that he came to complete and fulfill the laws given to us by Moses and that these laws are to be obeyed. There were probably some in Ancient Israel who hoped that Jesus had come to abolish these laws. Jesus places importance in living in the spirit of the law, not just the mere letter of the law.  While this is very challenging to do, it is infinitely pleasing to God.

11 March 2026 - prayers of the faithful for Wednesday of the 3rd week of Lent

Lord Jesus - you call us to give thanks. 

Christ Jesus - you call us to a life of service. 

Lord Jesus - you call us to holiness. 

Priest: We now bring our prayers to God in trust and hope. 

1. That all Christians may continue their Lenten journey in faith and holiness.  

2. That we may be obedient to God’s will, even when his will challenges us and when his will is difficult to follow.  

3. For unity and collaboration amongst all Christians.  

4. For those who hunger and thirst in a physical sense. For those who hunger and thirst for justice and righteousness.  

5. For the people in need in the Diocese of Jackson, particularly the sick, those looking for work, those feeling lost in life, and those battling addictions and mental health issues. 

6. For all who have gone before us in faith. For their entry into eternal life. For the souls in purgatory.  

7. For those places in the world experiencing war, conflict, or violence. For safety, courage, and protection.  

8. For the prayers we hold in our hearts today.  

Priest: God of mercy and compassion, you bring renewal to our lives.  Hear the prayers we make in faith, through your son Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever. Amen.

10 March 2026 - prayers of the faithful for Tuesday of the 3rd week of Lent

Lord Jesus - you are the living word of God. 

Christ Jesus - you bring us new life. 

Lord Jesus - you are our peace and reconciliation. 

We place our trust that the Lord who is in our midst. Let us give voice to our needs in our prayers this evening: 

1. That we in the Church give witness to the world that Christ is the source of new life for us. 

2. That our governmental leaders ensure that our earth’s resources are well cared for and that they are shared in  fair and equitable ways. 

3. For those who lack the basic necessities in life, that they may have the resources they need to live in dignity. 

4. For those preparing to enter the Church. For the children and youth preparing for the Easter sacraments. May the Lord continue to accompany them on their Lenten journey. 

5. For those we are suffering in life. For those suffering with mental health issues, anxiety, and depression. 

6. For healing and wholeness for the sick and the afflicted in body, mind, and spirit. 

7. For the repose of the souls of the faithful departed. For their entry into enteral life. 

8. For the prayers we hold in the silence of our hearts. For our intentions spoken and unspoken. 

Priest: God of compassion, when we struggle through the deserts of life, may you quench our thirst with life-giving water.  Hear the prayers that we make today in trust and love, through Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever.  Amen. 

10 March 2026 - homily for Tuesday of the 3rd week of Lent - Psalm 25 - Matthew 18:21-35

We celebrate John Ogilvie on his feast day today.  Born in 1579 in Scotland, several decades after the Protestant reformation in that country, some of his noble Scottish family were Catholic and some were Presbyterian. His father raised him as a Calvinist, sending him to continental Europe for his formal education. Through the debates he witnessed between Protestants and Catholics, John came to see that the Catholic Church could embrace all kinds of people. The stories of the martyrs had a profound impact on his life of faith. He decided to become Catholic and was received into the Church at Louvain, Belgium, in 1596 at the age of 17. During his studies, he decided to join the Jesuits, being ordained a priest in 1610 in France. At that time, Catholic priests were being arrested and imprisoned in Scotland. Yet, John felt the call to return to Scotland as a missionary, knowing that he would face many dangers upon his return.  He returned to Scotland pretending to be a soldier returning from the wars in Europe so that the authorities would not identify him as a priest. With few Catholics left in Scotland and with Catholicism outlawed there, John’s missionary work was very challenging. Someone betrayed him and revealed his identity as a priest. He was arrested and tortured, but he refused to renounce the Catholic faith and refused to reveal the names of other Catholics.  He was condemned to death as a traitor. His courage in prison and in his martyrdom provided a great example of faith for Catholics in Scotland in that era of persecution. 

In the 25th psalm, the psalmist asks the Lord to remember his mercies.  We want God’s mercy when it applies directly to our own lives, but then, we don’t necessarily want God’s mercy for others, especially in situations when we find fault in our brother. That is the whole point of the Gospel today. I had found this prayer written by a Jesuit priest, based upon the Anima Christi found in the spiritual exercises of St Ignatius of Loyola.  I thought it was very appropriate to today’s readings: 

Soul of Christ - 

Jesus, may you flow into me. 

May your body and blood 

be my food and my drink. 

May your passion and death 

be my strength and life. 

Jesus, with you by my side 

enough has been given. 

May the shelter I seek 

be the shadow of your cross. 

Let me not run from the love 

which you offer. 

But hold me safe from the forces of evil. 

On each of my dyings 

shed your light and your love. 

Keep calling me until the day comes, 

when with your saints, 

I will praise you forever. 

Amen. 

By David L Fleming, SJ 

Adapted from ANIMA CHRISTI

8 March 2026 - homily for the 3rd Sunday of Lent CYCLE A - John 4:5-42

I was reading a reflection on our Gospel reading about Jesus’ encounter with the woman at the well from St John’s seminary in Boston. It describes this Gospel reading as reflecting so much that is essential to our Lenten journey. It is the story of moral conversion, the story of someone preparing to enter the faith and to receive the sacraments, and the story of the joy of sharing the faith with others. Her process is similar to what goes on in the OCIA program, which is why this Gospel is tied to the first scrutiny for our catechumens. 

The story of the woman at the well is something we can all relate to, as it gives us a model and paradigm for Christian discipleship. Our journey as Christians is not primarily a series of teachings or laws or commandments. It is not firstly a code of behavior. The heart of our life of discipleship is an encounter and personal relationship with Jesus, our Lord and savior. Our Gospel story today is about God coming to meet the woman at the well and inviting her into a life of faith and the path to eternal life. Jesus engages the woman at the well as she goes about her daily life. 

In the first step in this encounter, the woman at the well experiences conversion. Jesus asks the woman about her different relationships. With this revelation and with the compassion Jesus shows her, she learns that to follow Jesus, she will need to abandon her sins and resist her temptations. We cannot hide from God. We are called to commit fully as disciples. We cannot cling to a former way of life. Turning to the Lord involves change and transformation and renewal. 

In the second step, the woman of the well is introduced to the life giving water that will quench her thirst. The symbolism of water in the Gospel of John points us to the waters of baptism and to the other sacraments of the Church. Our baptism in these living waters and the baptismal promises we undertake initiate us in the Christian faith. 

In the next step, in her conversion and renewal, the joy she finds in her relationship with Jesus is something she wants to share with others. Our Christian faith is not a private matter, not something we just keep for ourselves. The Good News of the Gospel is to be lived out in community, to be shared in community, and to be proclaimed to others throughout our community and throughout the world. 

In our lives and in our faith, we can get complacent and comfortable in our present reality and in what we know. Jesus tells us today through the story of the woman at the well that we should not be afraid of conversion, change, and renewal. Have we fully committed to our faith? Have we gone into our faith all the way? We should not fear the change and conversion that is necessary for us to follow Christ and his Church, to enter more fully into the sacramental life. 

The woman at the well offers a model for Lent. She has a real conversion and a profound relationship with Jesus and is very much on fire for the faith, so much so that she want to tell everyone in her village and bring them to Jesus as well. We are called to be on fire in our faith as well. To want to live out our faith each day. To want to be engaged in our relationship with Jesus. To want to be engaged in the Church and in our parish. To proclaim God’s kingdom in our words and actions. To live out the values of the kingdom. May we find that passion to fully engage in our faith on our Lenten journey. 

8 March 2026 - prayers of the faithful for the 3rd Sunday of Lent - prison ministry

Introduction: In our readings today, we hear of Moses bringing forth water in the desert to satisfy the thirst of the people. We hear of Jesus presenting himself as the source of living water to the woman at the well. May all of us in the Catholic Church find in Christ the life-giving water that only that he can provide:

Priest - penitential rite - 

Lord Jesus - you are a fountain of love and grace. 

Christ Jesus - you are our peace and our reconciliation. 

Lord Jesus - you are the way that leads us to new life. 

Priest: As hope does not disappoint, we continue to place our hope in the Lord as we present our prayers this morning: 

1. That we in the Church be a source of life-giving water for those who thirst for a spiritual home. We pray to the Lord. 

2. We pray for those in the United States and throughout the world who do not have access to clean drinking water. We pray for those working to improve the water system in the city of Jackson. We pray to the Lord. 

3. For all nuns and monks who serve in the Church. May they be blessed and strengthened in their vocations and their ministries. We pray to the Lord. 

4. For those preparing for entry into the Church at the Easter. We pray to the Lord. 

5. That all Christians may experience renewal and conversion in their lives of faith during this holy season of Lord. We pray to the Lord.

6. May we reach out to others in our community through the spiritual and corporal works of mercy. We pray to the Lord.

7. For our first responders, for the men in women in the military, for our veterans, and for our medical professionals. May the Lord continue to bless them and keep them safe. We pray to the Lord. 

8. For the prayers we hold in the silence of our hearts today. For those who have asked for our prayers. We pray to the Lord. 

Priest: God of goodness, we ask that you shower us with your blessings and respond to our every thirst. We present our prayers through your son Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever. AMEN. 

8 March 2026 - bulletin reflection for the 3rd Sunday of Lent

I think of how last week, I had different Lenten reconciliation services, which included our parish, the two parishes in Vicksburg, St Joseph school in Madison, and St Mary parish in Yazoo City. Making ourselves available as priests to hear the confessions of the faithful in different places around the Diocese is an important part of our Lenten responsibilities. If you have not gone to confession yet during Lent, we still have our confession times before the Saturday vigil mass at our parish here in Clinton. Also, this Sunday at the 10:30 am mass, we celebrate the tradition of the first scrutiny of the Church, a rite for those preparing for entry into the Church at Easter who have not been baptized yet. This rite reflects the Gospel reading today of Jesus’ interaction with the woman at the well. I wish you all blessings as we continue our journey through Lent. Father Lincoln. 

8 March 2026 - prayers of the faithful for the 3rd Sunday of Lent

Introduction: In our readings today, we hear of Moses bringing forth water in the desert to satisfy the thirst of the people. We hear of Jesus presenting himself as the source of living water to the woman at the well. Today, we celebrate the first scrutiny for those adults preparing for baptism at Easter, where they will receive the water of new life. May all of us in the Catholic Church Christ for the life-giving water that only our Lord can provide. 

Priest - penitential rite - 

Lord Jesus - you are a fountain of love and grace. 

Christ Jesus - you are our peace and our reconciliation. 

Lord Jesus - you are the way that leads us to new life. 

Priest: As hope does not disappoint, we continue to place our hope in the Lord as we present our prayers this morning: 

1. That we in the Church be a source of life-giving water for those who thirst for a spiritual home. We pray to the Lord. 

2. We pray for those in the United States and throughout the world who do not have access to clean drinking water. We pray for those working to improve the water system in the city of Jackson. We pray to the Lord. 

3. For all men and women who are members of consecrated religious orders. That they be blessed and strengthened in their vocations and their ministries. We pray to the Lord. 

4. For our catechumens and candidates preparing for entry into the Church at the Easter vigil mass. For our children and youth preparing to receive the sacraments of first holy communion and confirmation during the Easter season. We pray to the Lord. 

5. That all Christians may experience renewal and conversion in their lives of faith during this season of Lord. We pray to the Lord.

6. May we reach out to others in our community through the spiritual and corporal works of mercy. We pray to the Lord.

7. For our first responders, for the men in women in the military, for our veterans, and for our medical professionals. May the Lord continue to bless and keep them safe. We pray to the Lord. 

8. For the prayers we hold in the silence of our hearts today. For those who have asked for our prayers. We pray to the Lord. 

Priest: God of goodness, we ask that you shower us with your blessings and respond to our every thirst. We present our prayers through your son Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever. AMEN. 

6 March 2026 - homily for Friday of the 2nd week of Lent - Matthew 21:33-43 and 45-46

In the last few days at daily Mass in our Gospel readings we have heard Jesus tell his disciples that they need to be servants when he observed how the scribes and Pharisees were putting an emphasis on glory and honor. We heard about the rich man and Lazarus, how the rich man did not see the needs and suffering of Lazarus that were right under his eyes.  

Today, the Gospel turns to Jesus himself, telling a parable of the rich landowner and the vineyard, in which Jesus sees himself as the stone which the builders had rejected, which had now become the cornerstone. 

When I think of the stone which the builders had rejected, I think of the people that we ignore or throw away in society.  I think of the prisoners I visit at the state correctional institution here in Pearl and in the federal prison complex Yazoo City. Many of the prisoners are in living situations that no human being should endure.  I think of Whitfield state hospital where I used to celebrate Masses each week when I served as pastor of St Jude in Pearl. The men and women out there in Whitfield struggle with mental illness and other such diseases and illnesses; they have a lot of pain and suffering in their lives. Are those stones we as a society have thrown away? Are we unwilling to commit the necessary resources to these programs?  Sometimes, we often overlook the least and the neediest in society. What is God calling us to do?  

6 March 2026 - prayers of the faithful for Friday of the 2nd week in Lent

Lord Jesus - you call us to faithfulness. 

Christ Jesus - you ask us to accompany you on your journey to the cross. 

Lord Jesus - you call us to have hope in the midst of our struggles. 

PRIEST: With faith and trust, we present our prayers to our God of love and mercy: 

1.  We pray for the grace to have a greater love for our families, for the Church, for our neighbor, and for our community.

2. We pray for all of our parishes in the Diocese of Jackson, that we may bear much fruit and may nurture all who seek the wonder and peace of God’s love.

3. We pray for peace in our world and for the victims of war and violence. 

4. We pray that all of us may dedicate time for prayer and reflection during this holy days of Lent. 

5. For a greater love and appreciation for the gift of the Eucharist. 

6. We pray for the sick and the afflicted. For those in the hospital, hospice, or nursing home.  

7. For all our children, youth, and college students. That the Lord will continue to accompany them in their studies and in their activities.  

8. For the prayers we hold in our hearts today. 

PRIEST: We ask, O Lord, that you hear the prayers we offer in your name today and show us the way to live our lives as you desire with love and kindness. We make these prayers through Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever. Amen.

5 March 2026 - prayers of the faithful for Thursday of the 2nd week of Lent

Penitential Rite: 

Lord Jesus - you call us to wisdom. 

Christ Jesus - you call us to accompany you on our Lenten journey. 

Lord Jesus - you are the beloved son of the Father. 

Priest: In faith and hope, as we continue our Lenten journey, let us bring our prayers to our heavenly Father:

1. For all who are discerning God's call or beginning a new commitment.  That God will free them from fear and guide them along the path to new life. 

2. That we may rely upon God’s love and providence in the vocation to which he calls us. 

3. That God’s Spirit will help us find our direction in life and guide us in living out the teachings of Christ.  

4. For all those who are preparing for entry into the Church. That they may receive the Gospel message as a word of life. That they may grow in their knowledge and love of God

5. For all who feel unwelcome or unworthy before God. That God’s unconditional love heal and free them for all that is holding them back in living out their faith. 

6. For healing for the sick and the afflicted.  

7. For the faithful departed. For their entry into eternal life. 

8. For the prayers we hold in the silence of our hearts. 

Priest: With faith and hope, we present our prayers through your son Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever.  AMEN. 

5 March 2026 - Homily for Thursday of the 2nd week of Lent - Luke 16:19-31

The rich man in our Gospel today had everything he wanted in this world.  For every meal, he had rich foods in abundance. His every material need was met.  Yet, spiritually, where was he?  Did he hear the cry of the poor?  Did he those who were suffering in his midst?  He passed by poor Lazarus each day, but the pain and struggles that Lazarus was going through were something he never even noticed. 

St John Joseph of the Cross was born in the kingdom of Naples in Italy in the middle of the 17th century. He was very ascetic even as a young man, practicing severe forms of self-discipline and abstention.  At the age of 16, he joined the order of Friars minor of the Franciscans. His reputation for holiness prompted his superiors to put him in charge of establishing a new friary even before he was ordained to the priesthood. He later served as novice master and provincial in his order. His years of mortification enabled him to offer these services to the friars with great love and charity. Yet, he always served in these leadership roles in simplicity and humility, even performing menial tasks. He died in 1739. 

We can follow Jesus in a life of humility of service. Or we can follow in the footsteps of the rich man in today’s Gospel, ignoring the cry of the poor and the needs of others. The choice is ours to make. 

4 March 2026 - homily for Wednesday of the 2nd week of Lent - St Casimir — Matthew 20:17-28

Born in 1453 as the son of the king of Poland, Casimir lived a very disciplined devout life of faith even as a teenager. He slept on the ground as a means of penance, he spent most of the night in prayer, and he dedicated himself to lifelong celibacy. He had a strong devotion to the Blessed Mother and to the Eucharist. He was known for being a peacemaker, promoting peace and reconciliation in his kingdom rather than turn to war or aggression. He reigned briefly as the king of Poland when his father was out of the country, but died of a lung disease at the age of 25 while visiting Lithuania; he is the patron saint of that country. 

In our Gospel today, as Jesus discloses some shocking news to his disciples, telling them that he will be condemned to death, the mother of James and John responds by wanting her sons to be at a place of honor. That is not a very compassionate response.  In the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, the cathedral dedicated to St James, there are statues of the mother and father of James and John to the side of the main altar. I am always drawn to these statues when I enter the Cathedral at the end of my pilgrimage in Spain; these two statues stand vigil at the altar dedicated to their son, James, who was sent to bring the Gospel message to the people of Spain.  James and John were called the Sons of Thunder by Jesus; we can imagine that they had very strong personalities. I can imagine a mother being concerned for her sons' welfare, asking Jesus to give them a place of honor in his kingdom. Yet, even knowing that Jesus will die a terrible death, she has confidence that Jesus will reign in God’s kingdom.

Our Gospel also asserts that we need to be a servant, to die in order to live, to lose our lives in order to save them.  It is a message that is so counter-intuitive to the ways of the world. Thomas a Kempis, the medieval German author of Imitation of Christ, wrote this: “Nothing, how little so ever it be, if it is suffered for God's sake, can pass without merit in the sight of God." We are called to make sacrifices for our faith, rather than to seek the place of honor. May the Lord lead us to humbly continue our journey this holy season of Lent.

4 March 2026 - prayers of the faithful for Wednesday of the 2nd week of Lent

Penitential rite: 

Lord Jesus - you call us to faith. 

Christ Jesus - you call us to holiness. 

Lord Jesus - you call us to love. 

Priest: Out of the depths of our faith, we present our prayers to our heavenly Father this morning. 

1. That we that Church be attentive to God’s invitation and allow Jesus to speak to us in the midst of our fears and limitations.

2. That the life and teachings of Christ help us grow in our faith and be the foundation of our lives. 

3. That the Holy Spirit help us acknowledge how much we need God and free us to ask for God’s help. 

4. That we may follow Christ away from the noise and demands of daily life. May the holy word of God enter the silent depths of our hearts. 

5. For spiritual directors, retreat masters, and evangelizers. May God inspire their words and open hearts of the faithful to receive them.  

6. For the sick and the afflicted. For all who need healing in their lives in body, mind, or spirit. 

7. For the prayers we hold in the silence of our hearts.  

Priest: As we continue on our journey as disciples of Christ during these holy days of Lent, we present these prayers through your son, our Lord forever and ever.  AMEN.  

3 March 2026 - Homily for Tuesday of the 2nd week of Lent - Matthew 23:1-12

We celebrate a great Lenten saint today: St Katherine Drexel. Born in the middle of the 19th century, she grew up in great privilege and wealth. However, her father was a deeply devoted religious man who had a devout prayer life and her mother was very generous in reaching out to the poor. Katherine was called by God to serve the poor and the oppressed of the United States, especially those of native and African ancestry, which she did through the religious order she founded, the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament. She founded more than 50 Catholic missions for native Americans across 16 states. She also founded Xavier University in New Orleans, a historically African American Catholic University. When I was a member of Sacred Heart parish in Greenville, the site of the first seminary in the US that accepted African American men as seminarians, I was told that the 10 acres of land on which Sacred Heart is located was purchased with money donated by Katherine Drexel. She used her material wealth to serve God and his people. Her legacy is felt today in our own Diocese today. St Katherine Drexel is certainly a great example of faith for all of us.   

Like he has done at other times, Jesus criticizes the hypocrisy of the scribes and the Pharisees, admonishing them to leave behind their arrogance and power and to be humble servants instead. We can live out our servanthood in different ways, including the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. The holy season of Lent gives us a good opportunity to look to see how we are being servants in our lives of faith, imitating the way Jesus was a servant. Being a servant sometimes means challenging people and saying words that are sometimes difficult for others to hear. How are we reaching out to our brothers and sisters? 

3 March 2026 - prayers of the faithful for Tuesday of the 2nd week of Lent

Penitential rite: 

Lord Jesus - you call us to the teachings of the Church.

Christ Jesus - you call us to holiness. 

Lord Jesus - you are present to us in our works of mercy. 

Priest: With faith and hope, we present our prayers to our heavenly Father in the midst of our Lenten journey: 

1. That the power of Christ’s mission and ministry may give us a vision and perspective for our lives and the courage to live for God each day. 

2. That we may recognize our need for God in every part of our lives; may we deepen our trust and reliance on God. 

3. That we may not be blinded by comfort or privilege to the struggles and suffering of others. May this give us new insights on our journey of faith. 

4. That we may see beyond the false answers of consumerism and prosperity, that we may recognize that we will find the true fulfillment of our hungers and desires in God and in our faith. 

5. For all who are persecuted or suffering for their religious beliefs. May they have the strength to bear the burdens of life and be witnesses. 

6. For healing for the sick and the afflicted. For healing and wholeness. 

7. For the repose of the souls of the faithful departed. For their entry into eternal life. 

8. For the prayers we hold in the silence in our hearts.  

Priest: Lord, we thank you for the blessings we have in life.  We thank you for your grace that helps us meet our challenges.  We present our prayers through your son Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever.  AMEN.  

1 March 2026 - prayers of the faithful for the 2nd Sunday of Lent CYCLE A - prison ministry

Priest - Penitential Rite: 

Lord Jesus - you are the light that dispels the darkness of sin and death. 

Christ Jesus - you are the savior of the world. 

Lord Jesus - you are the way to leads to new life. 

Priest: God promised blessing upon the children of Abraham. Let us have confidence to ask for those blessings upon us and our brothers and sisters in need: 

1. That we in the Church may work toward transforming the lives of those with spiritual and material needs. We pray to the Lord. 

2. That we be good stewards of the earth and our gifts and resources. We pray to the Lord. 

3. For those who are struggling through life and who struggle with addictions, depression, anxiety, and mental health issues. For healing for them. We pray to the Lord.

4. For those who are preparing for entry into the Church. May they grow ever closer to Christ during this holy season of Lent. We pray to the Lord. 

5. For healing for the sick and the afflicted in body, mind, and spirit. We pray to the Lord. 

6. That we may grow closer to Christ in his real presence in the Eucharist. May we live out the spirit of the Eucharist each day on our journey of faith. We pray to the Lord. 

7. For the prayer intentions we hold in the silence of our hearts. For those who have asked for our prayers. We pray to the Lord. 

Priest: Heavenly Father, may we please you by our words and our actions as we give witness to you in our lives. Hear our prayers and grant them through your son Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever. AMEN. 

1 March 2026 - bulletin reflection for the 2nd Sunday of Lent CYCLE A

This week, we continue our Lenten journey as we hear of Jesus’ transfiguration on the mountaintop in the presence of some of his disciples. During the holy season of Lent, it is good for us to think of the ways we need to have our lives of faith transfigured, transformed, and renewed. This upcoming week, I will be hearing confessions at St Jospeh school in Madison and at different parishes in our area. This upcoming Wednesday, we hear at Holy Savior will have our Lenten reconciliation service at 6:00. I want to encourage all of you to come to partake of this holy sacrament as we work toward conversion and repentance. Have a blessed week everyone - Father Lincoln. 

1 March 2026 - prayers of the faithful for the 2nd Sunday of Lent CYCLE A

Introduction: We hear of Jesus being transfigured on the mountaintop in the presence of some of his disciples in today’s Gospel. As Jesus was transfigured, we also have the opportunity and invitation to transform our lives of faith, to shine like the sun. May today’s celebration of the Eucharist strengthen us to transfigure our lives and make our lives more closely conform to the Lord. 

Priest - Penitential Rite: 

Lord Jesus - you are the light that dispels the darkness of sin and death. 

Christ Jesus - you are the savior of the world. 

Lord Jesus - you are the way to leads to new life. 

Priest: God promised blessing upon the children of Abraham. Let us have confidence to ask for those blessings upon us and our brothers and sisters in need: 

1. That we in the Church work toward transforming the lives of those with spiritual and material needs. We pray to the Lord. 

2. That we be good stewards of our earth and our resources. We pray to the Lord. 

3. For those who are struggling through life and who struggle with addictions, depression, and anxiety. For healing for them. We pray to the Lord.

4. For those who are preparing for entry into the Church. For our children and youth who are preparing for first communion and confirmation. May they grow ever closer to Christ during this holy season of Lent. We pray to the Lord. 

5. For healing for the sick and the afflicted in body, mind, and spirit. We pray to the Lord. 

6. That we may grow closer to Christ in his real presence in the Eucharist. May we live out the spirit of the Eucharist each day on our journey of faith. We pray to the Lord. 

7. For the prayer intentions we hold in the silence of our hearts. For those who have asked for our prayers. We pray to the Lord. 

Priest: Heavenly Father, may we please you by our words and our actions as we give witness to you in our lives. Hear our prayers and grant them through your son Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever. AMEN. 

1 March 2026 - homily for the 2nd Sunday in Lent CYCLE A - Matthew 17:1-9

We see a very human response to Jesus’ transfiguration in Matthew’s Gospel today on the 2nd Sunday of Lent. First, the disciples are intently engaged by what they see. Then, Peter expresses his desire to remain in this moment of grace with Jesus, wishing to build tents for them in order to remain on the mountaintop. Then, there is a sense of fear and awe when they hear God’s come out of the cloud, as the disciples fall prostrate on the ground. The mystery of this encounter penetrates the depths of their hearts. 

The mystery of God’s mercy was present in the transfiguration on the mountaintop. The mystery of God’s mercy is ever-present in our lives as well. God’s mercy invites us to trust in his holy presence and to ponder the ways God’s love and mercy can transform our lives into lives of faith and instruments of God’s love and grace. 

It is important for us to open ourselves to moments of transfiguration in our lives. In the US, we had a Eucharistic revival starting in June 2022, with a national Eucharistic congress being held in Indianapolis in 2024. The ideal of a Eucharistic revival came out of the pandemic when we are separated from the Eucharist for a time. The revival was meant to be a joyful grassroots response of the Church and the Catholic faithful to God’s invitation to be united around the Eucharist as the source and summit of our Catholic faith, as the place where we receive new life and as place where we are sent out to bring the Gospel message to the world. Through the Eucharist, God can heal us, renew, and unify us.  

The Eucharist can be the source of transformation as well. This year, I celebrated Ash Wednesday Masses at the federal prison, the state prison, and at the parishes at Clinton, Raymond, and Pearl. I left the house at 5:30 in the morning to go to an early mass at St Jude in Pearl and I got home at 9:10 pm after celebrating the Spanish evening mass in Pearl. Even though I was extremely physically exhausted at the end of that long day, I was edified by the many faithful who came to receive ashes on their foreheads and to receive Christ’s body and blood in the Eucharist. As a priest, I am always in awe of the presence of Christ that we receive in the Eucharist.  By the way he feeds us and nurtures us through the Eucharist. By the way he enters our lives in a special way and forms us as the Body of Christ in the Church. That is true transformation that we can never take for granted. 

As you all know, we just had the ACTS retreat for men two weekends ago. What an amazing faith-filled transformative experience. I saw the men being transformed before my very eyes that entire weekend as the Holy Spirit worked in their lives. We are actually going to have a reunion this Sunday over in Vicksburg for all the retreatants and team members who went on that retreat. We want to keep the transformation of that retreat alive in the lives of these men. We want to keep the spirit of that retreat alive as well. 

If we feel the power of Christ in the Eucharist within us, if we feel transformed by the ACTS retreat program, we also will want to bring that transformation to others. As you all know, in the prison ministry, I aim to transform the lives of the inmates there. It can be challenging work trying to navigate the Mississippi prison system, but I see transformation in the men there all the time. Last Tuesday, I was asked to be a speaker at a press conference with a group called Defend Mississippi, which is trying to advocate for reform the public defense system in Mississippi, which does not have the adequate resources that it needs. It is not enough to be there for the inmates in this ministry. We need to advocate for justice in a system that often fails our population. And this group is appreciative of having my voice as a Catholic priest united with them, as I work on the ground level with the incarcerated men and women through our Catholic prison ministry. We have to work toward transformation in different ways. As a priest, I in turn am transformed and transfigured through my ministries and through the men and women whom I serve as a priest. 

The mystery of God is at work in our lives in different ways. It makes us aware of the change that is manifested in the transfiguration of Jesus in the Gospel and the transfiguration at work in our lives of faith. We can sometimes want to give up on our efforts with the challenges and struggles we go through. However, with open and thankful hearts, with fortitude and prayers, we can see the way that God’s mercy is gradually at work in our lives and to trust in that mercy. 

Today’s Gospel begins by saying that Jesus led the disciples up the mountain. He could have easily gone up the mountain alone and experienced his own transformation. However, the Gospel emphasizes that Jesus intentionally took these 3 disciples, who subsequently witnessed the grace and mystery of his transfiguration.  Jesus’ invitation to encounter and receive this grace and mystery extend to us today.  

Friday of the first week of Lent - 27 February 2026 - prayers of the faithful

Lord Jesus - you call us to the Lenten disciplines of prayer, fasting, and charity. 

Christ Jesus - you bring us joy on our Lenten journey of faith. 

Lord Jesus - you call us to repent for our sins. 

Priest: We now bring our prayers to our loving and merciful God in this first week of Lent: 

1. That God may strengthen our friendships and family relationships and deepen our compassionate concern and assistance toward those who are alone or isolated.

2. For our first responders, our military veterans, and for the men and women in the military. For courage and strength on their journey. 

3. For missionaries and for all who bring Christ’s Good News to others in the different corners of the world. May the Lord accompany them in the efforts. 

4. For our children, youth, and college students, that Lent be a meaningful time for them on their journey of faith. 

5. That our words and actions may reflect the values of the Gospel of Life, as we respect the dignity of each human being. 

6. For the prayers we hold in the silence of our hearts. 

Priest: With faith and hope during these holy days of Lent, we present these prayers through your Son Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever. AMEN.  

27 February 2026 - homily for Friday of the 1st week of Lent - Ezekiel 18:21-28

Today, the saint we celebrate is Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows. He was born in 1838 in Italy into a large family. His mother died when he was four years old. He was educated by the Jesuits and was very sickly as a child. He applied to join the Jesuits, but was rejected because he was only 17 years old. He later was accepted to the Passionist Father where he became well-known for his love for the poor, for his devout prayer life, and for his kindness toward others. After four years of studies, he contracted tuberculosis. He patiently and quietly accepted his sufferings, dying in 1862 at the age of 24. He was canonized in 1920 by Pope Benedict XV.  He is a patron saint of Catholic youth and of students studying for the priesthood. In 1959, Pope John XXIII declared him to be patron saint of the Abruzzi region of Italy, where he spent the last two years of his life. 

As we commemorate St Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows today, the prophet Ezekiel brings us a message in the midst of our Lenten journey, telling us that the Lord does not delight when a wicked man remains in his wickedness, but rather God delights when the wicked man transforms his heart. There are many in our world today who turn their backs on both God’s law and man’s law, who want to stay on those evil paths and do not want to hear the voice of God calling out to them. We may say that the laws of God and the laws of man are unfair, but what about the ways that we break those laws, the ways we give way to temptation and go down the wrong path? Our Lenten journey calls out to return to the Lord and to renew out lives of faith. It is difficult to break old habits and to reform our lives. It is hard to break out of addictions, laziness, and complacency. But that is what the Lord is calling us to do. And the Lord will rejoice when we are able to do so. 

26 February 2026 - homily for Thursday of the 1st week of Lent - Matthew 7:7-12

Blessed Francisco Bejarano Fernández was a Catholic priest of the diocese of Córdoba, Spain. He dedicated his life to serving the community of Añora, where he was born on June 1, 1877. He was known for his holiness as a priest and his dedication to his parish and to his ministry. He died in the Spanish Civil War while in prison on February 26, 1938. Many priests and bishops were martyred during that war. He was beatified by Pope Francis in the cathedral in Córdoba Spain in 2021. 

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”   We hear this famous verse as a part of the Gospel from St Matthew this afternoon. When we see an image of a door as a symbol of our faith, we can picture that door either open or closed.  It can a door that is inviting us in or a door that closing us off from our faith.  In 2011, Pope Benedict XVI wrote an apostolic letter Porta Fidei - The Door of Faith – a letter that declared the year of faith for us in the Catholic Church. Pope Benedict declared that “door of faith” is always open for us, that it ushers us into the life of communion with God and offers us entry into his Church.  He said that it is possible for us to cross the threshold of the door of faith when the word of God is proclaimed and our heart allows itself to be shaped by God’s transforming grace. Pope Benedict went on to say that to enter through the door of faith is to set out on a journey that lasts a lifetime. Yet, we can be afraid to open the door of faith. Sometimes, we fear what will happen next in our lives. Sometimes, it is difficult taking that first step or taking a risk. The Lord tells us to knock at the door. We have to be willing to take that chance no matter how frightening it may seem. 

Thursday of the first week of Lent - 26 February 2026 - prayers of the faithful

PENITENTIAL RITE:

Lord Jesus - you call us to trust in you - Lord have mercy. 

Christ Jesus - you call us to faith - Christ have mercy.  

Lord Jesus - you give us hope on our journey - Lord have mercy. 

PRAYERS OF THE FAITHFUL:

Priest: With hope and trust during this first week of Lent, let us present our prayers to God:

1. That Pope Leo XIV and our church leaders may lead us and guide us to put greater trust and hope in the Lord. 

2. That our world leaders may help us address the problems that afflict us.  We pray for peace in those war-torn and violent areas of the world. 

3. For our first responders, the men and women in the military, our veterans, and our medical professionals. 

4. For our children, youth, and college students. May they see God accompanying them in their studies and in their school activities. 

5. For the sick and afflicted. For healing for those who need it in mind, body, and spirit.  

6. For the repose of the souls of the faithful departed. For our deceased loved ones and family members.  For the souls in purgatory. For their entry into eternal life

7. For those who are struggling to find healing in the brokenness of life. 

8. For those prayers we hold in our hearts today.  

Priest: Heavenly Father, may we always place our trust in you. We present these prayers to you through your Son Jesus Christ, our Lord for ever and ever.  AMEN.  

25 February 2026 - St Sebastian of Aparicio - homily for Wednesday of the 1st week of Lent - Psalm 51

 We celebrate some very interesting saints in our calendar of saints. Born of Spanish peasants in 1502, Sebastian of Aparicio worked as a shepherd as a child and a hired field worker as a young man. He travelled to Puebla, Mexico at age 31 in the early years of the explorers where he built plows and wagons and worked as a farm hand. He spent 10 years building a 466 mile road from Mexico City to Zacatecas, and conducting the postal and delivery service along the route. That road is still in use today. Sebastian eventually became very wealthy, but lived simply, and was very generous in helping the poor. He eventually gave away his wealth and became a Franciscan at age 72, spending his remaining 25 years begging alms for his brother Franciscans. He is noted for performing many miracles of healing. He died at the age of 98.  He was beatified in 1789. He is the patron saint of road builders and travelers. 

A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn. We hear this message in the psalm today, a very appropriate message for the holy season of Lent. We are called to lived humble lives of service and to strive to change our ways and to repent from our sins. In a society where everyone want to be the winner and to lift themselves above everyone else, this message today is somewhat counter-cultural. May we strive toward a life of humility and service during these holy days of Lent. 

Wednesday of the first week of Lent - prayers of the faithful - 25 February 2026

Lord Jesus - you call us to forgiveness.

Christ Jesus - you bring us your healing presence.

Lord Jesus - you call us to a life of discipleship. 

Priest: As we journey through the beginning of the holy season of Lent, we present our prayers to our heavenly Father: 

1. That the Lord will renew the Church. May all the Catholic faithful be bold and dynamic witnesses to God’s love in the world. 

2. That the Lord will strengthen us to bear our daily challenges and to carry our crosses. 

3. For all the adult catechumens and candidates in the OCIA program. For all the children and youth preparing for the Easter sacraments. 

4. That we welcome those who are separated or alienated from the Church. That God open our hearts to all who are seeking something in life. 

5. That the Lord will shepherd our beloved sick and grieving; console the homebound and the lonely, and comfort the afraid and the imprisoned.

6. For the prayers we offer in the silence of our hearts. 

Priest: With faith and hope on our Lenten journey, we present these prayers through your Son Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever. AMEN.

Tuesday of the first week of Lent - 24 February 2026 - prayers of the faithful

Lord Jesus - you hear the cry of the poor. 

Christ Jesus - you bring us hope. 

Lord Jesus - you heal the afflicted. 

Priest: We present our prayers in the midst of our Lenten journey with faith and hope to God the Father: 

1. That the Church may bring healing to all parts of the world during the holy season of Lent. 

2. That we may humbly recognize God gifts that are manifested in the different people we meet on our journey. 

3. May all who are engaged, married, single or widowed be channels of God’s love. May they be inspired by a deeper commitment to help and welcome those who are poor, suffering, or marginalized.

4. For the unity of all Christians. May we work together to heal wounds, barriers, and divisions so that together we may find more effective ways to heal the broken world.

5. May we believe in the power of miracles, finding inspiration in faith and strength through prayer.

6. May we engage in the Lenten disciples of prayer, fasting, and charity in the reality of our everyday lives. 

7. For all who are sick, dying, or grieving. For healing and wholeness. 

8. For the personal intentions we hold in the silence of our hearts. For those who have asked for our prayers. 

Priest: We present our prayers through your son Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever. AMEN.  

24 February 2026 - homily for Tuesday of the 1st week of Lent - Isaiah 55:10-11

We often hear from the prophet Isaiah in the holy season of Lent. Today’s short reading from Isaiah gives hope and encouragement to the people of Israel as they near the end of their exile in Babylon. This message aims to give them consolation, not to ridicule them for their lack of faith. God proclaims that he has plans for the world, that his plan will not be stopped.  His plans have the well-being of his creation in mind. These words are reflected in the God of love and mercy that Pope Francis often spoke about. Through poetic words, Isaiah describes how the aim of God’s word will be realized in a way similar to the gentle rain making the earth fertile for the seed to sprout and to grow and to bring us a bountiful harvest.  But, we have to open our lives and our hearts to God’s word. We have to be open to studying it and learning from it. We have to make an effort in our life of faith, not mired in complacency. The holy season of Lent is like that as well. We have to be willing to engage in our life of faith in this holy season, to come up with a plan, and to devote ourselves to our Lenten disciplines or prayer, fasting, and works of charity. May we listen to this message from Isaiah today and actively engage in it.   

22 February 2026 - prayers of the faithful for the first Sunday of Lent CYCLE A

Introduction: Each year on this first Sunday of Lent, we hear how Jesus was tempted in the desert. Jesus resisted his temptations, finding strength in God. As we embark on these 40 days of Lent, may the Lord give us the strength and courage to resist temptation and to repent for the times we fail to do so. 

Penitential Rite: Priest: 

Lord Jesus - you call us to journey through the desert during these holy days of Lent - Lord have mercy. 

Christ Jesus - you call us to resist temptation - Christ have mercy. 

Lord Jesus - you call us to follow your Father’s will - Lord have mercy. 

Prayers of the faithful - 

PRIEST: As we commemorate the first Sunday of the holy season of Lent, let us open our hearts to God in prayer:

1. For the strength to resist temptation and to follow God’s laws and commandments.   We pray to the Lord. 

2. That our prayers, reflection, fasting, and works of charity bring us renewal, reconciliation, and unity with Christ, our Savior.  We pray to the Lord. 

3. That the sacrifices we make during Lent show God our love and gratitude for the multitude of gifts and benefits that he bestows upon us in daily life. We pray to the Lord. 

4. For the sick and the afflicted. For healing in body, mind, and spirit. We pray to the Lord. 

5. For those preparing for the sacraments of initiation this Easter season. For the children in our first communion class. For our youth preparing for confirmation. That they we strengthened in faith, hope, and love. We pray to the Lord. 

6. That we may turn to God and each other when we face temptations both big and small. We pray to the Lord. 

7. For first responders, medical professionals, veterans, and men and women serving in the military. We pray to the Lord. 

8. We remember in silence our own personal intentions and the intentions of those who have asked for our prayers. We pray to the Lord. 

PRIEST: Grant, Lord, that we may grow in understanding and in charity during this season of Lent. We make these prayers through your son Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever. Amen. 

22 February 2026 - Homily for the 1st Sunday of Lent Cycle A - Romans 5:12-19 - Matthew 4:1-11

Today brings us the first Sunday of Lent as we are still in the beginning days of accompanying Jesus on his journey to the cross during this holy season. While we hear the story of the fall of man as Adam and Eve choose to sin in disobedience to God in our first reading from Genesis, St Paul writes to the Christian community in Rome that in spite of our sins, we are assured of the saving power of salvation in the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. St Paul states that through the disobedience of one man, Adam, all humanity was tainted by original sin, and through the obedience of one man, our Lord Jesus Christ, humanity is made righteous. 

The obedience that St Paul addresses is Christ’s acceptance of death on the cross on our behalf is reflected in the triumph of Jesus over the temptations he receives from the Devil in Matthew’s Gospel. Christ had just been baptized by the Jordan River by John the Baptist. The Holy Spirit descended upon him in the image of a dove to reveal Christ’s identity to the world. Both Jesus and the Devil cite Scripture to one another, showing that they both acknowledge and understand the power that God has in the world. But they use Scripture in different ways. The words that the Devil speaks are focused on the self, while Jesus’ words emphasizes God and his love. 

This Lent, I was often use image of pilgrimage as we journey with Jesus during this holy season. The documents of the Second Vatican Council, emphasize that we Catholics are pilgrims on a journey through life, that the Church itself is a pilgrimage church. As a Church and as individuals, we are going to have moments of renewal and transformation on our journey of faith. We are going to have moments of suffering and struggle as well. 

On Ash Wednesday, I emphasized how we who are on this pilgrimage journey must keep our spiritual destination in focus during Lent. We must be intentional about our Lenten pilgrimage of accompanying Jesus on his journey to the cross. 

But even with our Lenten destination in focus, as we journey with Jesus through his passion, his death on the cross, and his resurrection, we still must ask ourselves on our pilgrimage journey: how do we get there? What disposition must we have? The journey of a pilgrim involves prayer, sacrifice, and charity. This is how one travels as a pilgrim. The prime goal of a pilgrimage is not comfort or convenience, but rather to have an open mind and a generous heart in whatever encounters God has in store for us. 

As Lenten pilgrims, we cannot foresee all the roadblocks we will encounter on our journey. However, we can control how we travel along this journey. We all place certain expectations on our Lenten practices. Do I journey with an open mind? With a generous heart? What happens if my journey is interrupted or taken for a detour or a roadblock? The Lenten journey is a pilgrimage to the Cross, but how will I get there?

We have our physical journey through life. We have our spiritual journey as well. May we make this Lenten spiritual journey truly fruitful and meaningful. May our actions, movements, feelings, and dispositions on our physical journey illuminate our Lenten journey with Jesus. 

20 February 2026 - homily for Friday after Ash Wednesday - Isaiah 58:1-9a

On this Friday after Ash Wednesday during the holy season of Lent, we celebrate the feast day of the siblings Jacinta and Francisco Marto, two of the visionaries to whom the Blessed Mother appeared in Fatima, Portugal in 1917. At the time, Europe was entrenched in the violence of the first world war. Portugal and other countries in Europe were experiencing political turmoil. One of the messages of Our Lady of Fatima to the three visionaries was to pray the rosary, to pray for sinners, to pray for the conversion of Russia, and to pray for peace in the midst of Europe being in the midst of war. The final apparition to the children took place on October 13, 1917 before a crowd of more than 90,000 people. Francisco died of influenza in 1919 at the age of 11. Jacinta died of the same ailment in 1920 at the age of 9. Their cousin to whom the apparitions also appeared, Lúcia dos Santos, became a Carmelite nun. Francisco and Jacinta were canonized in 2017 by Pope Francis on his visit to Fatima to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first apparition. Around 20 million pilgrims visit Fatima each year. 

In our reading today from Isaiah today, we hear about fasting and  about repenting for our sins. Isaiah calls the people to wear sackcloth and ashes to publicly declare the desire to repent and change their hearts. We all just received ashes on our foreheads this past Wednesday, as we were told to turn away from sin and to believe in the Gospel. That smudge of ash on our foreheads will not bear much significance if we do not practice peace and justice in our lives.  Isaiah suggests that we share our food with the hungry, help shelter the poor and the oppressed, and clothe the naked as a part of our fast, in the practice of peace and justice. Our Lenten disciplines of prayer, fasting, and good works are not to be mocked and not to be taken lightly. God calls us to these disciplines to help us in our Lenten transformation, repentance, and renewal.