Visitation Lenten Reflections 2025

Isaiah 65:17-21 John 4:43-54 “The things of the past shall not be remembered or come to mind, Instead, there shall always be rejoicing and happiness in what I create...” To have hope is to have peace of mind. God has shown all of us, multiple times, that no matter the despair, pain, and loss we have felt and sometimes still feel, to believe in Him, is to have hope for a future filled with joy and light. When in times of darkness, dealing with grief, going backward in progress toward a certain goal, “At nightfall, weeping enters in, but with the dawn, rejoicing,”. Our pain will last but a second when our faith in God and His power to rescue us is strong. I remember sitting in my Faith Formation classes when I was younger, going over short Bible passages to prepare for my Confirmation, and thinking how difficult it would have been to believe in the miracles of Jesus with no proof. I feel it is easy to be clouded with doubt or a lack of faith in times of need, but much like this Royal Off...

Joshua 5:9a,10-12 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 Luke 15:1-3,11-32 I can see elements of myself in each of the characters from the Prodigal Son parable at various times in my life. When I was a child and young adult, there were times that I was the “good” and loyal son. I worked hard. I did what I was supposed to do when I was supposed to do it. I was responsible. I finished college on time. I was employed and paid my own bills. I regularly attended Mass, etc. (Sounds kind of boring, doesn’t it?) But boy oh boy could that green-eyed monster of jealousy and resentment reveal itself when a friend, sibling or coworker received accolades for finally achieving a LONG overdue goal or milestone. It was tough to recognize those not-so-nice feelings in my heart. I can also see myself as the Father who longs for his lost son. I have been an empty nester for almost five years. Though my children have not squandered an inheritance or ceased communication with me, I can identify with the Father’s unconditio...

Hosea 6:1-6 Luke 18:9-14 Note: reflection is reprinted from the 2019 edition of this annual resource. My New Year’s resolution in 2019 is to read the bible from cover to cover. As I was reading the Noah’s Ark story in Genesis, I wondered about our own fate in these current times when devastating weather anomalies, political issues divide the country and senseless mass shootings happen on a regular basis. Are we any different from those people in Noah’s time that were killed by the flood? Then, I think about the conversation between God and Abraham, when Abraham asks God if he will destroy Sodom even if there are 50, 45, 40, 30, 20, or 10 righteous people left there. And God responded that, even for the sake of just 10 righteous people, he will not destroy it. Like the Israelites in Hosea’s time who sought material possessions, worshiped idols and moved farther away from God, we, too, can become spiritually apathetic. I think Lent is about returning to the Lord with our heart rather tha...

Hosea 14:2-10 Mark 12:28-34 Let Go and Let God. The phrase just rolls off one’s tongue. It sounds so easy. But increasingly, it feels like we live in a society of control freaks. We feel the need to control our own destiny. But that brings a lot of responsibility, stress and anxiety. Can we just throw abandon to the wind? Today’s readings offer some guidance. Hosea illustrates rewards. The Psalm warns of consequences. However, what really struck me was the Gospel’s discussion of the first commandment. First and foremost. “Love the Lord with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, all your strength.” Is that difficult? Indeed, it is. The secret sauce for that level of love and devotion is TRUST. How can you love anyone if you don’t trust them; even when it seems like it is not reciprocated? Trusting God doesn’t mean I always get what I want because God is considering the best interest of the universe. One particular outcome might not be in my best interest, but it serves a greater...

Jeremiah 7:23-28 Luke 11:14-23 As parents to a 14 month old, my husband and I do a lot of singing. Whether we’re singing along to silly nursery rhymes, attending choir rehearsal at Visitation, or making up songs to distract our daughter from a diaper change, it seems like we sing all day long. It fills me with nothing but joy to teach my daughter the love of music and to watch her pick up on her favorite tunes. She has even started to sing along and hum herself to sleep. I have personally noticed that when I sing to my daughter, something changes within me, if I am receptive to it. Frustration can change to tenderheartedness; worry can turn to gratefulness; and chaos can quiet to a gentle calm. The Psalmist invites us to enter the presence of the Lord singing joyfully. I don’t believe this is an arbitrary suggestion. We really should physically sing when we enter the house of the Lord! Our hearts are prone to stubbornness and pride, as Jeremiah knew, “...they have turned their backs, n...

Deuteronomy 4:1, 5-9 Matthew 5:17-19 The Catholic Church urges all of the faithful to strive toward sainthood; to live a life dedicated to Christ and to living out the principles of the Christian faith. This call to a life of striving towards the Beatific Vision is what led me through the doors of the Church as an adult convert. The Catholic Church offered me something that no other religious group could: purpose. The Church called me forth to a great adventure and provided me with the necessary equipment to sustain me on the perilous journey of life. First and foremost, she gives us the Sacraments, anchors of the faith that bestow grace upon each of us who participate within these sacred mysteries. The Church also places expectations upon each of us to follow the commandments of Christ, to live in a manner worthy of him who was tortured and murdered for our sake. Choosing to live in this manner leads us to wisdom, to peace, to an understanding of super-natural things, and ultimately t...

Isaiah 7:10-14,8-10 Hebrews 10:4-10 Luke 1:26-38 We know God calls us to trust Him beyond measure, anticipation, or understanding. Whether the Holy Spirit draws us to alleviate suffering in the wider world, to nourish our communities, or to emulate the Holy Family in our homes, may we feel our Heavenly Father with us in the liminal spaces — encouraging us to leap and grow. Last year, I often found myself reflecting upon Mary’s role in the Annunciation, praying for her intercession, and meditating upon her surrendered journey into faithful motherhood. Against the odds, our family had been blessed with expecting a bonus third baby, and while deeply embraced, the pregnancy was inexplicably harder on my body. I prayed to maintain the physical and emotional strength to match our joy, for the Holy Family’s continued protection, and that God would prepare us. Anticipating another swift labor, instead, eight days of prodromal waves tugged me to deep, preparatory surrender. “May it be done to m...

2 Kings 5:1-15ab Luke 4:24-30 Today’s Readings bring to mind losses during my life journey. Two particular souls to whom I grew close, each separately, during early adulthood before marriage. An ironic coincidence; each friend shared the same birthday, one year apart. I valued and identified similar like-minded qualities in both of the lives of these men. Life sometimes leads us in diverse directions. Identified qualities I recognized and admired changed for each individual. Over indulgence(s) became lifestyle habits to excess; not for the best regrettably. I felt my values mostly in check, yet I could uneasily notice differences that occurred. How can a person leave behind the values and ideals of their core beliefs? Why choose a path, a direction that might threaten surrounding families, or cause loved ones to distance themselves? Despite attempts to restore the core values by caring, loving individuals for that person; sometimes it’s too late. For each individual loss, their ultimat...

Exodus 3:1-8a,13-15 1 Corinthians 10:1-6,10-12 Luke 13:1-9 “Merciful and gracious is the Lord, slow to anger and abounding in kindness. For as the heavens are high above the earth, so surpassing is his kindness toward those who fear him.” (Psalm 103) Recently, I have been thinking a lot about God’s graciousness and mercy. About how His infinite love is into the details of our lives – and marvel at the idea and experience of receiving and acknowledging that love and compassion. I have been a cantor for 50 years! I am profoundly grateful for the Book of Psalms and the privilege of singing God’s word in the holy mass. We have encouraged our children to have some key life Bible verses that can come to their mind in times of trouble, sadness and times of joy. Often the psalms are the verses I reach for and sing/pray in good times and bad. The words of Psalm 103 additionally challenge me to ask myself: how I am showing mercy and being gracious; if I am slow to anger and generous in kindness....

Micah 7:14-15, 18-20 Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 Note: reflection is reprinted from the 2020 edition of this annual resource. Today’s readings all speak to God’s limitless capacity for love and forgiveness. When I was young I struggled with this Gospel. The “good” son is treated unfairly while the “bad” one is lavished with things he doesn’t deserve. As I’ve gotten older and experienced the unconditional love of parenthood, as well as the trials of life we all undergo, my view has changed. We can’t ever know the landscape others inhabit, let alone what they “deserve.” While my younger, uncompromising self demanded “justice,” my older, hopefully wiser self sees this broken world and is grateful for God’s mercy and forgiveness. Who among us really lives up to what we are called to do—welcome the immigrant, care for the downtrodden, treat everyone with kindness and respect? I know I don’t. Wouldn’t most of us be grateful to receive mercy rather than to get what we truly deserve? Each Sunday we say...

Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28a Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46 When reading the passages from Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28, Psalm 105:16-17, 18-19, 20-21 (the story of Joseph) and Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46 (the Parable of the Tenants) I identify a few prominent themes across all. First, is the underlying theme of envy and jealousy. Joseph’s brothers are jealous of him because he is their father’s favorite (symbolized by the special tunic) and the tenants envy the landlord’s wealth and ownership of the vineyard. Next is the theme of betrayal. Joseph's own brothers betray him when selling him as a slave, and the tenants betray the landlord’s trust when they decide to kill the messengers and landlord’s son. The last major theme that I felt was apparent was God’s providence and justice. Despite Joseph's suffering when sold as a slave, God's providence is at work. His journey was part of a divine plan that ultimately leads to him becoming the ‘lord of his house and ruler of all his pos...

Jeremiah 17:5-10 Luke 16:19-31 Today’s first reading from Scripture begins "Thus says the LORD: Cursed is the man who trusts in human beings...". Panic sets in. This is not going to be easy for me. Being an army brat, I was raised to obey and respect my elders, and I have had many coaches that I trusted through the years. Although I was baptized Catholic, I was raised with zero religious upbringing. My parents both experienced the horrors of World War II, my father with the US Army in France and Germany, 1944-45, and my mother on the wrong end of allied bombing. My parents had long quit going to Church, and if they were twice-a-year Catholics, I don't remember going to Christmas or Easter masses growing up. I had to find God on my own. All Scripture has been a mystery to me, and at Church I read along with all the readings at every mass so I can try to figure out what it all means. And then I ran into a quote attributed to Gen. Douglas MacArthur: "Never give an order...

 2 Samuel 7:4-5a,12-14a Romans 4:13,16-18 Matthew 1:16,18-21 Today we commemorate the feast day of Saint Joseph, one of our most beloved saints in America and around the world. Saint Joseph, Missouri was founded in 1845 by a French Catholic fur trader named Joseph Robidoux to honor Saint Joseph. The city’s first church was the Church of St. Joseph. The present-day diocese of Kansas City – St. Joseph was formed in 1956. Saint Joseph was named as our diocesan patron saint. Yet there are only seven short references in the New Testament to Saint Joseph, mostly in the gospel of Luke. We may not know much about the life of Saint Joseph, but one thing that is very clear from the Gospels; Joseph put his absolute trust in God and his plan for the Holy Family. In today’s gospel from Matthew, Joseph, being betrothed to Mary, finds her with child through the Holy Spirit. He contemplates divorcing her quietly but the angel of the Lord visits him in a dream. When he awakens, he follows the will ...

 Isaiah 1:10, 16-20  Matthew 23:1-12 I am not one to lead prayers or scripture, and I suspect many of you feel that way. Our scripture for today says not to follow in the example of those who “preach but they do not practice.” Practicing our faith is vastly more challenging and rewarding. Jesus wears many faces for many people and circumstances, but to me, His greatest role is as a teacher and role model. If we serve with our hearts, as well as our hands, and with His teachings and example in mind, we can be assured of being on the right path. Our parish and community give us a kaleidoscope of opportunities for service, which we may select according to what speaks to our hearts and is served by our talents. For most people, a loving heart is our greatest Christian talent. Never underestimate the importance of that. In working with our sister parish in El Salvador I have seen so many people say, “I don’t know what I have to offer.” Yet when they take the leap of faith and join ...

Daniel 9:4b-10 Luke 6:36-38 How many times sitting in Mass, listening to the readings, some instance or event in my life comes to mind as it relates to the reading. His message is hard at work inside of us. We need constant reminding, because after all, we’re human. Every reading or homily speaks to each of us in a different way. Are we reflecting to see a way to improve our lives or to ask for forgiveness? I’ve always loved the saying, “it’s the journey, not the destination”...and constantly have to remind myself of its meaning. Our lives are full of mistakes because we are human. None of us is perfect, but we must remember that it’s the journey, and always remember that God is willing to forgive us. One reason God permits repeated forgiveness is to emphasize His unconditional love for us. If God were to withhold forgiveness after a single mistake, it would suggest that His love has limits. Instead, God’s ability to forgive time and time again showcases a love that is unwavering, guid...

Genesis 15:5-12 Philippians 3:17-4:1 Luke 9:28b-36 As I reflected on today's readings, I found them to be riddled with mystery. I am not a scholar, nor have I put a lot of energy into understanding the definitive meaning of the Gospel. I think that is the point. The Scriptures can have many influences and meanings that may be different to us all regardless of our expertise in scripture. As we hear and rehear His Words, it may give us different epiphanies depending on where we are in our life and what we need to hear. The mystery of scripture and the magic of the Holy Spirit is that it can reach us all individually and in our own ways. If we can believe that no two sets of fingerprints are identical, we can also believe that God has made an infinite number of avenues for us to hear, interact and have His presence in our life. I believe Jesus is always with us in our life. The trick is to recognize from what avenue is His message reaching us. It could be as in Genesis 15:5. He asked ...

Deuteronomy 26:16-19 Matthew 5:43-48 What a challenge we are given this first week of Lent! When I reflect on these readings and look beneath the surface, they speak to me as a reminder that our lives should be a reflection of God. As Catholics, we are Children of God, marked by our baptism, and strengthened by the sacraments, especially the Eucharist. We are called to go out and live our lives as an expression of love, reverence, and gratitude, reflecting God’s holiness and blessings into the world. Just as we want our children, or in my case students, to be a reflection of what we have taught and given them. Matthew's Gospel tells us to love not only neighbors but enemies. In a society that seems to be divided by so many factors: religion, politics, race, economics, opinions, gender, and lifestyle, we are called to love and prayer. How amazing is that! To not waste our energy on hatred, insults, revenge, or exclusion, just love. It is not easy. Love is an ACTIVE choice to seek th...

Ezekiel 18:21-28 Matthew 5:20-26 Today's scripture reminded me of a scene from Ted Lasso, a television show about an optimistic, cheerful soccer coach who gets the best out of his players using his funny, optimistic and quirky personality. In that iconic scene, Ted tells one of his players to be a goldfish. He explains that the goldfish is the "happiest animal on earth...because it has a ten second memory." Similarly, today's scripture reminds us not to be anxious about the past. Rather, we must believe that God has a short memory and is willing to forgive our transgressions. We must move forward from those mistakes with intention, righteousness and belief that they have been forgiven. "None of the crimes he committed shall be remembered against him; he shall live because of the virtue he has practiced." This reading provides great hope that God only sees the current version of us. He will not dwell on our past shortcomings, or the times that our relationshi...

 Esther 12:14-16, 23-25.  Matthew 7:7-12 Today’s Gospel according to Matthew is such a wonderful message about a very important rule in our house – the golden rule of loving others. Jesus teaches his disciples about trust in God and the importance of loving others. This Gospel teaches us about compassion, empathy and generosity. It’s an invitation to treat others with the same kindness, love and grace that we want ourselves. It’s a reminder to live out the love of God in our everyday actions. Jesus uses the comparison of parents and the goodness of God. As parents, we love our children, despite their mistakes, and God is perfect in His love for us, despite our mistakes. This passage is an invitation to live out the love of God in our daily interactions and to look past our own needs and find ways that we can offer the same kindness to others. In his message to the disciples, Jesus says “ask, seek, and knock,” which reminds us to pray. God listens and responds to our prayers. T...

 Jonah 3:1-10.   Luke 11:29-32 My first reaction to the first reading was one of fearfulness. God is proclaiming to Jonah that he would destroy an entire city and its people. I had to read it several times before I started to realize that there was a different message, not one of anger and wrath, but a message to listen, and a call to action. Jonah was given a message, and he was called to spread that message in order to save the people of that city.  I have been guilty of not making enough time for God. Some days I feel like I am just bouncing from one activity to another. By the end of it I find I am so tired I turn to my cell phone or the television to “zone out.” Many days are filled with thousands of decision points, and not each decision is the “right” decision. Worst of all, in some of those decisions I commit sin. In some of those decisions, consciously or not, I do not make an attempt to include God or listen.  Jonah listened to God‘s message first and then ...

Isaiah 55:10-11 Matthew 6:7-15 Two years ago, I was at a very lost place in my life. For having so many amazing blessings around me I was still feeling alone. I participated in the Christ Renews His Parish retreat and it was a life-changing experience for me. The line from Psalms 34:18 “the Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit,” truly encapsulates the heart of my journey. It is amazing how over time, as you surrender your anger, sadness, and shame to God, you can experience His peace and love, knowing you were never alone. After truly placing my trust in the Lord, it allowed me to trust in myself again and realize my own inner strength and courage. In Isaiah chapter 55:10–11, the passage speaks of the power of God's word. It is not only life-giving but purposeful. “Just as from the heavens, the rain and snow come down, and do not return there until they have watered the earth, making it fertile and fruitful.” Even when we do not see immediate...

Leviticus 19:1-2, 11-18 Matthew 25:31-46 As I read today’s readings in preparation for this reflection, I felt a twinge of anxiety. These are classics: dog-eared and beloved in the minds of all Christians. We are talking about The Golden Rule and “Love Thy Neighbor” today. Where to even start? As my daughters were getting ready for the Father-Daughter Dance, I had them read the passages to me aloud as I brushed their hair. I let my thoughts run free. And perhaps because of the setting, with my children surrounding me, I was overwhelmed by the image of God as parent. He is giving His children rules to bring order and love to the world. He is teaching us about selflessness and being of service to others. Being a good parent is hard. One of the biggest challenges is establishing structure and order while fostering a loving environment. All children must think at some point, “Why are there so many rules?” But of course, both in our homes and society at large, we need rules to keep order an...

Deuteronomy 26:4-10 Romans 10:8-13 Luke 4:1-13 This passage is a powerful reminder that faith isn’t something distant or unattainable—it’s right here with me, in my words and in my heart. In today’s world, where division and uncertainty seem to be everywhere, this message feels more relevant than ever. I’m constantly bombarded with news about conflicts, political turmoil, and economic struggles, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or even hopeless. But this scripture reassures me that no matter where I come from or what I’m going through, God is near, and salvation is accessible to all who seek it. One of the most striking lines in this passage is that there is “no distinction between Jew and Greek.” This speaks to the radical inclusivity of God’s love. In a time when society is so often fractured along lines of race, nationality, and ideology, this message is a call for unity. It tells me that God doesn’t play favorites—His love and grace are available to everyone. I imagine what the wo...

Isaiah 58:9b-14 Luke 5:27-32 A wise young man once said many years ago: “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” F.B. In our world of 24/7 social media and endless news feeds being constantly pushed on us, we have a tendency to go down these rabbit holes of meaningless and at times divisive paths. These are the times we truly need to remove ourselves from the negativity we allow into our lives and give ourselves back to God. He has given us so much and yet we tend to look elsewhere when everything we are looking for is right in front of us. This was never more prevalent to me than what I witnessed while on a mission trip focused on water with several of my Visitation parishioner friends to Tegucigalpa, Honduras. One morning we were attending a beautiful open air mass in a small village with an overflow crowd. I noticed when it was time for communion the majority of locals did not participate. This struck me as odd so following mass...

  Isaiah 58:1-9a Matthew 9:14-15 As a Catholic who has practiced Lenten traditions since childhood, with fasting always part of the season. Growing up, I remember the seemingly endless Friday night fish sticks and the conscious effort to avoid meat, indicating the sense of sacrifice and discipline that Lent required. However, as I focused on today’s scripture passages I was reminded of the deeper meaning of Lent; one’s actions, which go far beyond abstaining from certain foods. In Isaiah God speaks through the prophet to reprimand the Israelites for their shallow practice of fasting. They would lament their hunger yet continue with selfish actions. God clarifies that true fasting is not merely the physical act of abstaining from food but engaging in acts of righteousness, justice, and compassion. It is about sharing bread with the hungry, sheltering the homeless, and clothing the naked. This form of fasting brings light, healing, and God's favor upon us. Similarly in Matthew, Jesus...

 Deuteronomy 30:15-20   Luke 9:22-25 April 15th, 2019...we were driving home from visiting our grandchildren in Ohio when I received a call from a friend asking if we were watching the news on TV. She told me that Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris was on fire. We immediately turned on the radio and listened in horror as reporters described the scene. Returning home, we turned on the TV and watched in dismay as the roof caved in, and concern grew for the walls and their ability to support the building. It seemed hopeless that this icon of Catholicism and symbol of France would remain standing. Having been in Paris and visited the cathedral six months earlier, I was on the verge of tears. But, in spite of the dismal outlook, after the fire, President Macron announced that the cathedral would be rebuilt in time for the 2024 Olympics, just five years off. This would require a huge leap of faith and a Herculean effort to make it happen.  December 8th, 2024...Our Lady of Paris...

 Joel 2:12-18     2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2     Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18 There have been many times in my life where I have felt that a “Return to God” has been necessary and important to my spiritual well-being. This internal calling, has come during times of complacency, sin, happiness, and sorrow. As I contemplated today’s readings, I felt a familiar push towards God and I need to emphasize and strengthen my faith. “Return to me with your whole heart, with fasting, and weeping, and mourning; Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the Lord, your God.”  This passage also serves as a powerful reminder that returning to God requires action. It is not enough to simply feel regret; we must take intentional steps toward renewal. Fasting, weeping, and mourning, as mentioned in Joel, symbolize a heart that is open to change. In my own life, I have found that moments of true reconciliation with God often come when I take the time to pray and make changes in m...