But the LORD said to Samuel: 
“Do not judge from his appearance or from his lofty stature, 
because I have rejected him.
Not as man sees does God see, 
because man sees the appearance 
but the LORD looks into the heart.

I Samuel 16: 7

Here are the complete readings for Sunday, March 30, 2025.

(“Jesus gives sight to a blind man by birth” Miniature by Cristoforo De Predis)

What are the emotional walls we use to protect ourselves from pain that we need to tear down so that we can see and hear properly? Repentance can be a daily activity, not only to confess sins but to reflect on who we are and have been over the course of the day. Besides thinking about what we’ve done wrong, can we think about the moments when we have shown gratitude and when have we given other people our full attention? Sometimes this process of contemplation can take time and the immediate results unclear. Consider the transformation of the man born blind. While he received his physical sight immediately from Jesus, the man’s understanding of who he was and who Jesus was took time. Gradually, he became more and more aware of who he was to be, and faced the adversity that came with this decision with increasing courage and confidence. As people who practice faith through both action and contemplation, let us remember that conversions can and do happen in their own time. At its core, conversion is the joyful realization that we are loved and are capable of loving in communion and service with God.

At times you will discover
that God’s ways are not your ways,
and God’s thoughts are not your thoughts.
When this happens,
try to surrender yourself trustingly
into the arms of your Parent God,
who knows you,
understands you,
and loves you.

Perhaps you can repeat
with your Founder
this simple prayer
which he cherished:
O Lord, I cannot understand your ways,
but I must adore them.– The Fundamental Principles of the Xaverian Brothers

God, the path forward is so clearly lit by you. When I go off course, help me to be honest and not blame my failings on someone else without first looking deep in my own heart to find the source of my troubles. You give us the gift of your presence, which is what we need. Inspired by this confidence, may I step forward to be present to others who find themselves lost or alone.

Amen

Just as from the heavens
the rain and snow come down
And do not return there
till they have watered the earth,
making it fertile and fruitful,
Giving seed to the one who sows
and bread to the one who eats,
So shall my word be
that goes forth from my mouth;
It shall not return to me void,
but shall do my will,
achieving the end for which I sent it.

Isaiah 55:10-11

Here are the complete readings for Tuesday, March 11, 2025

(“The Word was God” painting by Carol Ogden)

Think about a selfish time in your life. Maybe it was when you were young, or an adolescent, or perhaps last week. More specifically, consider a time when you did not recognize your selfishness immediately, and you were either indifferent to others you may have hurt, or were convinced your actions were justified? What has made you change your perspective? Who has helped you indirectly to get to a place when you can unpack your mistakes and rebuild them as wisdom? To whom then do you pass on this wisdom, and how do you communicate it? What do you do when the person’s response does not demonstrate that they have accepted your advice? Does it matter?

As you prayerfully reflect on the past,
assess the present,
and ponder the future with one another,
be considerate of this history
and of this ministry.  – The Fundamental Principles of the Xaverian Brothers

God, my mistakes are legion and my selfishness leaves me embarrassed. Lovingly put in my place, I am grateful that you forgive and do not allow me to forget the transformation that has taken place in my heart. Thank you for reminding me that your kingdom is not some far off place, it is here in our midst. Give us all nourishment, so that we may plant seeds that will grow and bear good fruit to feed your children.

Amen

Then the righteous will answer him and say,
‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you,
or thirsty and give you drink?
When did we see you a stranger and welcome you,
or naked and clothe you?
When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?’
And the king will say to them in reply,
‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did
for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.’

Matthew 25: 37-40

Here are the complete readings for Monday, March 10, 2025

(“Last Judgment” Mosaic Sant’Apollinaire Nuovo in Ravenna, Italy)

We are more powerful than we think. This is not about our potential, it is about the influence we radiate outward right now. What we do in our interactions each day is more consequential than we know. This passage is a not so subtle reminder about the good we are capable of sharing, especially to those who have been pushed to the margins or put in exile because they were judged to be “other.” On this day, how can we more aware of the opportunities to be fully present to our companions and to strangers, especially when we are on the cusp of being distracted from these ordinary but graced encounters?

You have promised
to follow Christ, the poor man,
totally given in love to God
and for all people everywhere,
and whose loving obedience led Him
to death on the cross. – The Fundamental Principles of the Xaverian Brothers

God, we thank you for the gift of your presence. You are an eternal mystery and a constant companion. Help us draw deeper into this great unknown, leaving behind our fears and insecurities. May we recognize the conflicts and dangers in life for what they are and rejoice in the daily gifts to be found in your creation. In our prayers, may we ask not to be spared from unpleasantness, but be able to move forward and onward trusting that you are with us as you always have.

Amen