Day 01 – Joy

Through Lent with Pope Francis

I invite all Christians, everywhere, at this very moment, to a renewed personal encounter with Jesus Christ, or at least an openness to letting him encounter them; I ask all of you to do this unfailingly each day.  The Lord does not disappoint those who take this risk; whenever we take a step towards Jesus, we come to realize that he is already there, waiting for us with open arms. Now is the time to say to Jesus: “Lord, I have let myself be deceived; in a thousand ways I have shunned your love, yet here I am once more, to renew my covenant with you. I need you. Save me once again, Lord, take me once more into your redeeming embrace”.  

Evangelii Gaudium 3

Scripture

The Canticle of Mary

Luke 1:46-55 NCB

And Mary said:
“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour.
For he has looked with favour on the lowliness of his servant;
    henceforth all generations will call me blessed.
 The Mighty One has done great things for me,
    and holy is his name.
His mercy is shown from age to age
    to those who fear him.
He has shown the strength of his arm,
    he has routed those who are arrogant in the desires of their hearts.
He has brought down the mighty from their thrones
    and lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things
    and sent the rich away empty.
He has come to the aid of Israel his servant,
    ever mindful of his merciful love,
according to the promises he made to our ancestors,
    to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”


Thought for Today

When have you experienced joy in the Lord?

What is the “renewed personal encounter with Jesus” you are hoping for this Lent?


Music

Joy in the Journey by Michael Card