I Take off the MASK!

Scripture Reading:
“Jesus then said to them, ‘The light will be among you only a little while. Walk while you have the light, so that darkness may not overcome you. Whoever walks in the dark does not know where he is going. While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of the light.’”
—John 12:35-36 (NABRE)

As we move deeper into Holy Week, Jesus urges us to walk in His light while there is still time. He speaks these words just before His Passion, knowing that the darkness of sin and betrayal will soon seem to overshadow everything. Yet, He reminds His followers—and us—to believe in the light, to remain in Him, and to trust that darkness will never have the final word.

Holy Tuesday challenges us to reflect on our own faith. Do we trust in the light of Christ, even when trials surround us? Or do we let fear, doubt, and sin lead us into darkness? There are moments in life when God’s presence seems hidden, when suffering or uncertainty clouds our vision. In those moments, Jesus calls us to keep walking in faith, trusting that He is leading us even when we cannot see the way.

Judas’ betrayal and Peter’s denial loom on the horizon, yet Jesus continues to call His disciples to remain faithful. He calls us, too, to be children of the light—to hold on to His truth, to live with love and integrity, and to follow Him even when the path is difficult.

As we prepare our hearts for the Passion of Christ, let us ask for the grace to stay close to His light, never turning away, but instead walking with Him in trust and love.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You are the true Light that no darkness can overcome. In moments of doubt, fear, or suffering, help me to trust in You. Keep me from being led astray by the darkness of sin, and strengthen my faith so that I may walk in Your light. Make me a child of the light, reflecting Your love to the world. Amen.

Reflection Question:
How can I remain faithful to the light of Christ even when I face challenges or doubts?

Scripture Reading:
“Mary took a liter of costly perfumed oil made from genuine aromatic nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and dried them with her hair; the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.”
—John 12:3 (NABRE)

As Holy Week begins, the Gospel for Holy Monday invites us into a moment of profound love and devotion. Mary, the sister of Lazarus, pours costly perfumed oil upon Jesus’ feet, anointing Him in an act of extravagant love. Her actions stand in stark contrast to Judas, who objects to what he sees as a waste. Yet, Jesus defends Mary, recognizing her offering as preparation for His burial.

Mary’s gesture is an invitation to us. In this sacred week, how do we respond to Jesus? Do we, like Mary, offer Him the best of our hearts, or do we, like Judas, hold back, calculating what is “too much” to give?

Holy Monday challenges us to examine the depth of our devotion. Mary’s love was not half-hearted—it was complete, selfless, and unashamed. She did not fear the judgment of others; she simply loved her Lord. Her perfume filled the house, just as a life lived for Christ fills the world with the fragrance of His love.

As we walk with Jesus toward Calvary, let us ask ourselves: What do we withhold from Him? Is there a part of our lives we hesitate to surrender? Holy Monday reminds us that true discipleship is a generous outpouring of love, a willingness to give Jesus our all, no matter the cost.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, as I journey with You through this Holy Week, teach me to love You with a heart like Mary’s—generous, devoted, and unafraid. Help me to surrender all that I am, offering my life as a fragrant gift to You. May my love for You be sincere and unwavering, especially in times of trial. Amen.

Reflection Question:
What is one area of my life that I need to surrender more fully to Jesus this Holy Week?

Scripture Reading: “The crowds preceding him and those following kept crying out and saying:
‘Hosanna to the Son of David; blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord; hosanna in the highest.’”
—Matthew 21:9 (NABRE)

Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, the most solemn and sacred time in the Church’s liturgical year. On this day, we remember Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, where the people spread their cloaks on the road and waved palm branches, welcoming Him as the long-awaited Messiah. Yet, just days later, the same voices that cried, “Hosanna!” would shout, “Crucify Him!”

This contrast invites us to examine our own hearts. How often do we, like the crowd, welcome Jesus with enthusiasm when things are going well, but turn away from Him in times of hardship? Do we remain faithful when the road of discipleship becomes difficult?

Jesus enters Jerusalem not as a conquering warrior but as a humble King, riding on a donkey. He does not come to rule with power and might but to offer Himself in love and sacrifice. His kingship is one of mercy, self-giving, and total surrender to the Father’s will. As we begin Holy Week, let us reflect on how we welcome Jesus into our own lives. Do we make room for Him in our hearts, not just in moments of joy but also in times of suffering?

The palms we receive today symbolize our praise, but they also challenge us. Will we follow Christ to the Cross? Will we stand by Him in faith when trials come? Let our “Hosanna” be more than words—let it be a commitment to walk with Jesus, even to Calvary, trusting that His love leads to the victory of the Resurrection.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, you entered Jerusalem knowing the suffering that awaited you, yet you embraced it out of love for us. Help me to welcome you not just in moments of joy but in every part of my life, even in my struggles. Strengthen my faith so that I may follow you faithfully, carrying my cross with love. As I enter this Holy Week, open my heart to your grace and transform me by your mercy. Amen.

Reflection Question:
How can I truly welcome Jesus into my heart and remain faithful to Him throughout Holy Week?

Scripture Reading:
“Jesus straightened up and said to her, ‘Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?’ She replied, ‘No one, sir.’ Then Jesus said, ‘Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on do not sin any more.’”
—John 8:10-11 (NABRE)

As we journey deeper into Lent, today’s Gospel presents one of the most powerful encounters of mercy in Scripture—the woman caught in adultery. Dragged before Jesus by the scribes and Pharisees, she faces public humiliation and the threat of death. But instead of condemning her, Jesus responds with divine mercy.

Rather than engaging in their trap, Jesus bends down and writes in the sand. His silence speaks volumes, forcing the accusers to reflect on their own sinfulness. One by one, they leave until only Jesus and the woman remain. In this sacred moment, He offers her not condemnation, but a new beginning: “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on do not sin any more.”

This passage reveals the heart of Christ. He does not ignore sin, but neither does He crush the sinner. He calls us to conversion, not through fear, but through love. How often do we feel unworthy of God’s mercy? Like the woman, we may struggle with guilt, yet Jesus meets us in our brokenness and lifts us up with His grace.

As Lent draws closer to Holy Week, let us ask ourselves: Do I judge others harshly while ignoring my own sins? Do I accept the mercy of Christ, or do I let shame keep me from His forgiveness? Today, Jesus invites us to lay down our stones—of self-righteousness, of self-condemnation—and embrace the freedom of His mercy.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You see me as I am, yet You love me with infinite mercy. Help me to turn away from sin and accept Your grace. Teach me to forgive others as You have forgiven me, and to walk in the newness of life You offer. Amen.

Reflection Question:
Where is Jesus calling me to let go of judgment—either toward myself or others—and embrace His mercy instead?

Bible Verse:
“For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life… nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 8:38-39 (WEBBE)

Reflection:
In the depths of grief, we may question many things: the fairness of life, the reasons behind loss, and even the presence of God in our suffering. It is easy to feel as though we have been separated from His love, as if grief itself has created a distance that cannot be bridged. But Romans 8:38-39 assures us that there is no power, no force, no circumstance that can separate us from God’s love. Not even death, the very thing that feels so final, can sever the bond we have with Him.

Paul’s declaration is bold and unwavering. Nothing in life, whether it be joy or pain, can take us away from the love of God. The verse tells us that “any other created thing,” including the very grief and loss that we face, cannot break that connection. God’s love is eternal, steadfast, and boundless. It reaches beyond the boundaries of life and death, offering comfort and assurance that His presence is with us always.

For those who have lost loved ones, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that even as we mourn, we are embraced by the love of Christ. Our grief is met with His unwavering support, and our hearts are never alone. While we may long for the presence of those we have lost, we can find solace in the truth that they, too, are in the embrace of God’s perfect love, and that one day we will be reunited, never to be separated again.

Prayer:
Lord, I am comforted by Your promise that nothing, not even death, can separate me from Your love. In the moments of grief when I feel the weight of loss, remind me that Your love is greater and will see me through. Help me to rest in the assurance that You are with me, holding me close, and that Your love will never let me go. May this truth bring peace to my heart and strength to my spirit. Amen.

Course of Action for Today:
Reflect on how the love of God has been with you through your journey of grief. Spend a few moments in quiet prayer, thanking Him for His presence and love that transcends any pain you are feeling. Consider writing down moments when you have felt His comfort during difficult times. This will remind you that, even in the darkest moments, His love is always near.

Reflection Question:
How does knowing that nothing can separate you from God’s love bring you comfort in your grief?