The man answered and said to them, “This is what is so amazing, that you do not know where he is from, yet he opened my eyes. We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if one is devout and does his will, he listens to him. It is unheard of that anyone ever opened the eyes of a person born blind. If this man were not from God, he would not be able to do anything.” They answered and said to him, “You were born totally in sin, and are you trying to teach us?” Then they threw him out.

—John 9:30–34

The religious leaders were supposed to be able to identify the true messiah when he came. But because they had become more concerned about protecting the rules than having a relationship with God, they were unable to see the Messiah when he was standing right in front of them. That is the truly amazing thing the formerly blind man understands.

The Pharisees refuse even to listen to what the blind man has to say. Their corrupt hearts lead to corrupt vision: they only see things one way and refuse to consider any other possibility, result- ing in a spiritual myopia. When other people and events challenge our beliefs, remember that only the Lord can open our eyes to the truth of sin and redemption.

Today, take time to have a conversation and listen to someone with whom you wouldn’t normally relate. Ask God to lead that person into closer relationship with himself.

 This reflection from Messages of Trust for Lent, originally published by Ave Maria Press, was reprinted with permission of the authors, Fr. Michael White and Tom Corcoran. For more parish resources, visit https://www.rebuiltparish.com/.

Responsorial psalms are excerpted from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, DC. Used with permission. All rights reserved. No portion of this text may be reproduced by any means without permission in writing from the copyright owner. Other scripture texts in this work are taken from the New American Bible, revised edition © 2010, 1991, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, DC, and are used by permission of the copyright owner. All Rights Reserved. No part of the New American Bible may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

They brought the one who was once blind to the Pharisees. Now Jesus had made clay and opened his eyes on a Sabbath. So then the Pharisees also asked him how he was able to see. He said to them, “He put clay on my eyes, and I washed, and now I can see.” So some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, because he does not keep the Sabbath.” But others said, “How can a sinful man do such signs?” And there was a division among them.

—John 9:13–16

According to the religious law of the day, Jesus was breaking the law by healing on the Sabbath. But Jesus exposed the corrupt and unjust hearts of many of the Pharisees by this action. These Jewish leaders were threatened by him. In their spiritual blindness, the Pharisees turn the very thing that reveals Jesus is of God into evidence against him. This is what we often see in corrupt author- ity—the use of power not to serve others but to safeguard personal interests. We see this in our workplaces, schools, community organizations, and also in ourselves when we seek to control outcomes that benefit us more than others. But Jesus heals our vision when we learn to serve others before

tending to our own greedy interests.

Today, look for an opportunity to lower yourself and lift up someone else—by taking the seat in the back or a parking space far from the door or by deflecting praise from yourself toward someone else who is deserving.

 This reflection from Messages of Trust for Lent, originally published by Ave Maria Press, was reprinted with permission of the authors, Fr. Michael White and Tom Corcoran. For more parish resources, visit https://www.rebuiltparish.com/.

Responsorial psalms are excerpted from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, DC. Used with permission. All rights reserved. No portion of this text may be reproduced by any means without permission in writing from the copyright owner. Other scripture texts in this work are taken from the New American Bible, revised edition © 2010, 1991, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, DC, and are used by permission of the copyright owner. All Rights Reserved. No part of the New American Bible may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

As Jesus passed by he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “Neither he nor his parents sinned; it is so that the works of God might be made visible through him. We have to do the works of the one who sent me while it is day. Night is coming when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” When he had said this, he spat on the ground and made clay with the saliva, and smeared the clay on his eyes, and said to him, “Go wash in the Pool of Siloam” (which means Sent). So he went and washed, and came back able to see.

—John 9:1–7

In this gospel story, Jesus dispels two unjust ideas in the religious culture of his day. First, while people assumed that an illness and disability were the result of one’s own or one’s parents’ wrongdoing, Jesus assures his disciples that God loves these people equally, and they become special witnesses of his love. Second, Jesus works his healing miracle on the Sabbath, a day when work wasn’t permitted. In both cases, Jesus wants to help those near him identify the priorities of his Father. Through this story Jesus teaches us to see others not with the lens of judgment but with eyes of love and mercy so we may know that the God of healing and love is accessible to all people, at all times, in all places.

Ask God today to help you see and notice in a new and loving manner those people you tend to overlook or avoid.

 This reflection from Messages of Trust for Lent, originally published by Ave Maria Press, was reprinted with permission of the authors, Fr. Michael White and Tom Corcoran. For more parish resources, visit https://www.rebuiltparish.com/.

Responsorial psalms are excerpted from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, DC. Used with permission. All rights reserved. No portion of this text may be reproduced by any means without permission in writing from the copyright owner. Other scripture texts in this work are taken from the New American Bible, revised edition © 2010, 1991, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, DC, and are used by permission of the copyright owner. All Rights Reserved. No part of the New American Bible may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This week, we will dig into how injustice and cor- ruption seem to have an edge over humble and godly leadership. When we see things we don’t like in politics, in our workplaces, in our schools, and— perhaps most painfully—in our Church, we may wonder why God would allow bad leaders to deter- mine the direction of our communities and lives.

In Jesus, we find a leader who is constantly available to those who are mistreated or who suf- fer injustice. He reveals that God allows injustice and that by experiencing the weakness of earthly kingdoms, we can be changed deep in our souls and compelled to work for the kingdom of God.

Today, pray for the people who lead our Church, our country, and our communities, that they may lead well even when we disagree with their decisions and actions.

 This reflection from Messages of Trust for Lent, originally published by Ave Maria Press, was reprinted with permission of the authors, Fr. Michael White and Tom Corcoran. For more parish resources, visit https://www.rebuiltparish.com/.

Responsorial psalms are excerpted from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, DC. Used with permission. All rights reserved. No portion of this text may be reproduced by any means without permission in writing from the copyright owner. Other scripture texts in this work are taken from the New American Bible, revised edition © 2010, 1991, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, DC, and are used by permission of the copyright owner. All Rights Reserved. No part of the New American Bible may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Psalm 40

Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.

Sacrifice or oblation you wished not,

but ears open to obedience you gave me. Holocausts or sin-offerings you sought not;

then said I, “Behold I come.”

Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will. “In the written scroll it is prescribed for me, To do your will, O my God, is my delight,

and your law is within my heart!”

Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.

I announced your justice in the vast assembly;

I did not restrain my lips, as you, O Lord, know.

Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.

 This reflection from Messages of Trust for Lent, originally published by Ave Maria Press, was reprinted with permission of the authors, Fr. Michael White and Tom Corcoran. For more parish resources, visit https://www.rebuiltparish.com/.

 Responsorial psalms are excerpted from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, DC. Used with permission. All rights reserved. No portion of this text may be reproduced by any means without permission in writing from the copyright owner. Other scripture texts in this work are taken from the New American Bible, revised edition © 2010, 1991, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, DC, and are used by permission of the copyright owner. All Rights Reserved. No part of the New American Bible may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Not only that, but we even boast of our afflictions, knowing that affliction produces endurance, and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope, and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the holy Spirit that has been given to us.

—Romans 5:3–5

Paul makes an argument why the afflictions we face, if looked at in the right way, all work to produce greater good and hope in our lives. We know that a community that faces pain and obstacles together grow into a community that hopes together. When we begin to see the obstacles that stand in our way as opportunities for the Lord to strengthen us in faith, we can develop the kind of endurance and character that will be able to withstand whatever comes our way.

Today, ask God for the strength to endure whatever afflictions you are going through so that you can grow in the character of his Son, Jesus.

 This reflection from Messages of Trust for Lent, originally published by Ave Maria Press, was reprinted with permission of the authors, Fr. Michael White and Tom Corcoran. For more parish resources, visit https://www.rebuiltparish.com/.

Responsorial psalms are excerpted from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, DC. Used with permission. All rights reserved. No portion of this text may be reproduced by any means without permission in writing from the copyright owner. Other scripture texts in this work are taken from the New American Bible, revised edition © 2010, 1991, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, DC, and are used by permission of the copyright owner. All Rights Reserved. No part of the New American Bible may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Therefore, that I might not become too elated, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, an angel of Satan, to beat me, to keep me from being too elated. Three times I begged the Lord about this, that it might leave me, but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me.

—2 Corinthians 12:7–9

Paul writes that he had a thorn in his flesh to keep him from becoming too elated or too conceited. God allowed the wound to keep Paul humble, and while Paul begged God to remove this “thorn,” God did not so that Paul would come to rely upon grace.

God allows thorns in our lives too so that we will learn to rely upon his power and grace. When we rely on God’s grace completely, we see his power and might, which far exceeds our abilities to handle difficult situations on our own.

Where does God want you to lean into his grace and power? Ask God to help you to see your problems as an opportunity to receive his power.

 This reflection from Messages of Trust for Lent, originally published by Ave Maria Press, was reprinted with permission of the authors, Fr. Michael White and Tom Corcoran. For more parish resources, visit https://www.rebuiltparish.com/.

Responsorial psalms are excerpted from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, DC. Used with permission. All rights reserved. No portion of this text may be reproduced by any means without permission in writing from the copyright owner. Other scripture texts in this work are taken from the New American Bible, revised edition © 2010, 1991, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, DC, and are used by permission of the copyright owner. All Rights Reserved. No part of the New American Bible may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

So Moses cried out to the Lord, “What shall I do with this people? A little more and they will stone me!” The Lord answered Moses: Go on ahead of the people, and take along with you some of the elders of Israel, holding in your hand, as you go, the staff with which you struck the Nile. I will be standing there in front of you on the rock in Horeb. Strike the rock, and the water will flow from it for the people to drink. Moses did this, in the sight of the elders of Israel. The place was named Massah and Meribah, because the Israelites quarreled there and tested the Lord, saying, “Is the Lord in our midst or not?”

—Exodus 17:4–7

God never appears to someone in the Bible and says, “I have a really easy job for you, and even the small obstacles I will smooth out so that you don’t notice them.” Nothing worth accomplishing is ever easy, but these obstacles are opportunities to lean into God. If we are willing to lean into God and depend on his grace, we will see his power as Moses did.

But if we choose to grumble and complain, we will miss out on his power. God’s power works through human weakness when we choose to trust him. He wants us to learn to rely upon him and his grace so we can become who he created us to be.

Ask God for the gift of humility to learn the lessons you need to be able to pass the tests of faith that will come your way today.

 This reflection from Messages of Trust for Lent, originally published by Ave Maria Press, was reprinted with permission of the authors, Fr. Michael White and Tom Corcoran. For more parish resources, visit https://www.rebuiltparish.com/.

Responsorial psalms are excerpted from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, DC. Used with permission. All rights reserved. No portion of this text may be reproduced by any means without permission in writing from the copyright owner. Other scripture texts in this work are taken from the New American Bible, revised edition © 2010, 1991, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, DC, and are used by permission of the copyright owner. All Rights Reserved. No part of the New American Bible may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Moses replied to them, “Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you put the Lord to a test?” Here, then, in their thirst for water, the people grumbled against Moses, saying, “Why then did you bring us up out of Egypt? To have us die of thirst with our children and our livestock?”

—Exodus 17:2–3

Out in the wilderness, God tested the Israelites to see if they were as committed to their covenant as he was. It was a test they had failed before, and he was giving them another chance to pass. Rather than passing the test, they actually tested God as if he needed to prove himself to them. They forgot who they were and in confusion tried to judge God instead of acknowledging God as ultimate judge.

Hard times and difficulties test us. And through these trials, God gives us the opportunity to strengthen and improve ourselves, to choose to grow into people who trust him no matter the circumstances.

Ask God to help you see the challenges you are facing not as hindrances to block your path to joy and success but as tests to improve and strengthen your faith for the future.

 This reflection from Messages of Trust for Lent, originally published by Ave Maria Press, was reprinted with permission of the authors, Fr. Michael White and Tom Corcoran. For more parish resources, visit https://www.rebuiltparish.com/.

Responsorial psalms are excerpted from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, DC. Used with permission. All rights reserved. No portion of this text may be reproduced by any means without permission in writing from the copyright owner. Other scripture texts in this work are taken from the New American Bible, revised edition © 2010, 1991, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, DC, and are used by permission of the copyright owner. All Rights Reserved. No part of the New American Bible may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

From the wilderness of Sin the whole Israelite com- munity journeyed by stages, as the Lord directed, and encamped at Rephidim. But there was no water for the people to drink, and so they quarreled with Moses and said, “Give us water to drink.”

—Exodus 17:1–2

Having led his people out of slavery in Egypt, God pledged to lead the Israelites to the Promised Land, a land flowing with milk and honey. But at this point in their journey, they are stuck in the wilder- ness with not enough to eat or drink. They turn on their leader, Moses, and start to blame him for their situation. Rather than being patient or asking how they can help, they become demanding. Their hearts are hardening against God and against his servant.

When we face obstacles and difficulties, we have a choice—do we grumble and complain, or do we trust God to provide for our needs?

Name some of the things you often grumble and complain about. Pray for the grace to turn to God rather than grumble and complain about them.

 This reflection from Messages of Trust for Lent, originally published by Ave Maria Press, was reprinted with permission of the authors, Fr. Michael White and Tom Corcoran. For more parish resources, visit https://www.rebuiltparish.com/.

Responsorial psalms are excerpted from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, DC. Used with permission. All rights reserved. No portion of this text may be reproduced by any means without permission in writing from the copyright owner. Other scripture texts in this work are taken from the New American Bible, revised edition © 2010, 1991, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, DC, and are used by permission of the copyright owner. All Rights Reserved. No part of the New American Bible may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the copyright owner.