In an address given to graduating seniors, Harvard biblical scholar Dr. Peter Gomes said, "The future is God's gift to you." What good words, huh? When we find ourselves stuck, our lives in a rut — that's when Jesus wants step right down into our rut with us. Not with judgement, shame, or condemnation, but with truth, mercy, healing, and hope. He wants to lift us up, heal our hurt, and give us a fresh start — a future. That's what happens with the sacrament of Confession. Jesus is there, waiting for you: thirsty for your trust, hungry to heal your heart, and eager to offer you a new future.

Readings at this Mass: Ex 17:3–7 | Rom 5:1–2, 5–8 | Jn 4:5–42

We all have or will have trouble in our lives. Through it all, the key is to surrender to God and let Him take control. To be addicted to our own self-will is a tyranny that enslaves us — the only rescue from it is to trust God, trust Jesus, and let Him take care of it. Identify the most pressing thing that keeps you afraid from trusting God and His providence in your life, and ask God to take control while you surrender yourself to Him (the Surrender Novena is a great tool to help you in this).

Readings at this Mass: Gn 12:1–4a | 2 Tm 1:8b–10 | Mt 17:1–9

Lent is a time to enter honestly into our own hearts — to repent, to confess, and to grow closer to God. It is a season of freedom, when the Lord desires to lift burdens from us so that we may truly flourish. This Lent, do not be afraid of what God uncovers. He is not trying to diminish you. He is forming you. And if we let Him change our hearts, we will not merely endure these forty days — we will flourish.

Readings at this Mass: Gn 2:7–9; 3:1–7 | Rom 5:12–19 | Mt 4:1–11