Catholic Faith Formation Resources

Wednesday of the First Week of Lent Luke 11:29–32 In today's Gospel, people ask Jesus for a sign—something spectacular, undeniable, dramatic. But instead of dazzling them, Jesus says that no sign will be given except the sign of Jonah. According to the Book of Jonah, God had explicitly instructed the prophet Jonah to go to Ninevah and warn its inhabitants, with the goal of leading them to repent of their wickedness or face God's judgment. The people listened, believed Jonah, humbled themselves, and changed their lives. No miracles are recorded there—just a warning and an open heart. And that was enough (see Jonah 3:1-10). Jesus also mentions the Queen of the South, who traveled far to hear the wisdom of Solomon. She made a long, costly journey because she believed that wisdom was worth seeking (see 1 Kings 10:1-13; 2 Chronicles 9:1-12). Then Jesus says something remarkable: “There is something greater here.” At first glance, it can sound almost disappointing. Why ...

Tuesday of the First Week of Lent Matthew 6:7–15 As we begin this first full week of Lent, Jesus gently brings us back to the heart of our faith: prayer. In today’s Gospel, Jesus reminds us that prayer is not about using many words or saying things “just right.” God is a loving Father who already knows what we need. Prayer, at its core, is about relationship. It is coming home to God who already knows us, loves us unconditionally, and desires our friendship. Jesus is our model for prayer. Jesus prayed regularly and often, before and during the events of his life, and sometimes spending the night alone in prayer. Moved by Jesus' example, his disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray. Jesus gives us the "Lord’s Prayer" or the "Our Father" 1 —a prayer many of us know by heart. Because it is so familiar, we may sometimes say it quickly or without much thought. Lent invites us to slow down and listen again. Every petition of this prayer teaches us ...

Monday of the First Week of Lent Matthew 25:31-46 Lent begins by turning our hearts toward what truly matters. Today’s Gospel is both simple and challenging. Jesus tells us that at the end of time, we will be asked about love—not in theory, but in action. “I was hungry and you gave me food… I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” What surprises everyone in the story is this: they did not recognize Jesus—"When did we see you?" Jesus was hidden in ordinary people and everyday needs. This is good news for us. It means holiness is not far away or complicated. It is close to home. It looks like love, kindness, patience, generosity, and mercy. Jesus meets us in the small moments of daily life—when we listen instead of rushing, when we help instead of ignoring, when we choose compassion over convenience. Lent is a season of renewal, and today Jesus gently reorients our focus. Fasting, prayer, and sacrifice are important, but they are meant to open our eyes and soften our he...

First Sunday of Lent Matthew 4:1-11 Every Lent begins in the desert. In today’s Gospel, Jesus is led by the Spirit into a quiet, lonely place where he fasts, prays, and faces temptation. This moment comes right after his baptism, reminding us that the desert is not a punishment—it is part of preparation. The desert is where hearts are clarified and faith is strengthened. Jesus is tempted in very human ways. He is hungry, tired, and vulnerable. The tempter invites him to take shortcuts, to put himself first, to seek power and recognition. Each time, Jesus responds by trusting God’s word instead of giving in to fear or desire. He shows us that temptation is not a failure. What matters is how we respond. Lent invites us into our own desert experience—not necessarily a place, but a way of living more simply and honestly, with our hearts and minds centered on God. Through fasting, prayer, and small sacrifices, we create space to notice what pulls us away from God. The desert helps...

Saturday After Ash Wednesday Luke 5:27-32 Have you ever felt unworthy to follow Jesus? Maybe you’ve thought, “Jesus wouldn’t call someone like me.” Well, here’s some good news from today’s Gospel. Jesus calls Levi, a tax collector—someone everyone else avoided—just as he calls each of us. There's no lecture, no conditions, no judgment. And Levi responds without hesitation to Jesus' grace-filled invitation: “Follow me.” Think about it: tax collectors were not only seen as sinners, but as traitors to their own people. Yet, Jesus doesn’t see Levi’s reputation or past mistakes. Jesus sees a person in need of mercy and invites him into a new life. And notice what happens next: Levi hosts a great banquet and invites his friends—other “sinners”—to meet Jesus. It’s a celebration of gratitude for God's grace. Lent is our invitation to be like Levi. It’s a time to notice where we feel unworthy, where we’ve separated ourselves from God or others, and to respond to...

Friday After Ash Wednesday Matthew 9:14-15 The Gospel today presents a simple but striking moment: the disciples of John ask Jesus why his followers aren’t fasting the way others do. Jesus responds with an image that is both tender and revealing: “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them?” In other words, Jesus is saying that fasting isn’t just about giving something up; it’s about longing for someone—it's about relationship. Lent invites us into that same longing. It’s a season of desire—a time to notice the places where we’ve grown distant from God and to let our hunger, our sacrifices, and even our discomfort draw us back to God. Jesus’ words remind us that fasting is not an end in itself. When we fast—whether from food, habits, noise, or distractions—we’re not seeking to demonstrate our willpower or prove our holiness. We’re clearing space and making room for God. We fast to remember what truly satifies. We fast to awaken our ...