During this fifth week of Lent we will contemplate the mystery of God’s timing. We’ve all experienced the often frustrating reality that God’s timing isn’t always our timing. In fact, at times it can seem that God’s time is never what we’d like it to be. We often become frustrated that God doesn’t step in and act when we think he ought to do so.

In this Sunday’s gospel reading, Jesus goes to his friends Mary and Martha, who are mourning the death of their brother Lazarus. The women wonder why Jesus didn’t come sooner, since they believe that he could have prevented the death of Lazarus. While they think Jesus is too late to do anything, his timing works a much greater miracle than they ever expected.

Today, ask God for the patience to accept the events and circumstances of life in God’s time, not yours.

 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 7

O Lord, my God, in you I take refuge.

O Lord, my God, in you I take refuge;

save me from all my pursuers and rescue me, Lest I become like the lion’s prey,

to be torn to pieces, with no one to rescue me.

O Lord, my God, in you I take refuge.

Do me justice, O Lord, because I am just,

and because of the innocence that is mine. Let the malice of the wicked come to an end,

but sustain the just,

O searcher of heart and soul, O just God.

O Lord, my God, in you I take refuge.

A shield before me is God,

who saves the upright of heart; A just judge is God,

a God who punishes day by day.

O Lord, my God, in you I take refuge.

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.

Some of the Pharisees who were with him heard this and said to him, “Surely we are not also blind, are we?” Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you are saying, ‘We see,’ so your sin remains.”

—John 9:40–41

The Pharisees are surprised to consider that they themselves might have sin in their hearts because they have been so scrupulous in following the religious laws of the day. So, too, we should not assume that our hearts are pure. Rather, we should make a habit of evaluating our own thoughts and actions before God in prayer so that we do not develop self-righteous or self-aggrandizing habits.

Today, spend time examining your conscience, letting Jesus come into your heart and revealing the ways you still need to see your sin and his mercy.

 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.

When Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, he found him and said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” He answered and said, “Who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?” Jesus said to him, “You have seen him and the one speaking with you is he.” He said, “I do believe, Lord,” and he worshiped him. Then Jesus said, “I came into this world for judgment, so that those who do not see might see, and those who do see might become blind.”

—John 9:35–39

The blind man, although treated unjustly by the religious authorities, develops a personal relation- ship with Christ. Even though God allows imperfect and unjust people to wield earthly authority, Jesus reveals the heavenly meaning of power, as he makes himself available to all, especially those who are mistreated or suffer injustice.

God allows injustice because experiencing the weakness of this earthly kingdom often drives us to his heavenly kingdom. No matter what injustice you or your loved ones have experienced because of the misuse of earthly authority, Jesus stands ready to comfort you and reveal himself to you more completely.

Today, pray for those who are your “enemies,” people who have caused you stress or aggravation.

 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.

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.