Heartbeat of the Month - March
We move forward in this season of Lent with the brief meditations offered to us by the Desert Fathers. With their lives devoted entirely to prayer and penance amid solitude, silence, and isolation from the world, they help us to have the right disposition to live this time of penance and purification.
One of these great saints is Saint Anthony the Abbot. In his biography, written by Saint Athanasius, it is recounted that one day while attending Mass, he heard in the Gospel the words that Jesus said to the rich young man: “If you want to go all the way, sell what you have, give the money to the poor – thus you will have treasure in heaven – and then come with me.” St. Anthony felt that these words were addressed directly to him, and he immediately sold all his possessions and distributed them among the poor, keeping only a small portion for his own sustenance. Then another day, the Gospel challenged him again: ‘Do not worry about tomorrow’. And he distributed even the little he had kept for himself.
Let us ask the Lord, through the intercession of Saint Anthony, to grant us during this Lent the grace to live confidently in His Providence and to grow in poverty of spirit.
The Sorrows of the Virgin
But perhaps someone will say, “Did Mary not know that her Son would die?” Yes, she knew, and with complete certainty. “Did she not know that he would rise again after a short time?” Yes, she knew, and with complete certainty. “And yet, despite this, did she suffer for the Crucified One?” Yes, she suffered, and with great intensity. And if not, what kind of man are you, brother, or where does this wisdom come from, that you are more surprised by Mary’s compassion than by the passion of Mary’s Son? He died in his body, and she could not die in her heart? That death was motivated by a love greater than any other man could have; this other death was motivated by a love that, after that one, has no equal.”
Saint Bernard
The thorns of February
If Lent is a time of prayer and purification, let us be generous in offering sacrifices during this time, especially in reparation for the wounds that damage the Mystical Body of Christ, His Holy Church.
For those who scandalise the faithful, promote sacrilege, and show contempt for the reverence due to the Blessed Sacrament. Forgive us, Lord, forgive us.
For those who abuse their authority and threaten to impose unjust sanctions on those who remain faithful to the Tradition of the Catholic Church. Forgive us, Lord, forgive us.
For those who seek to place women in a position of equality, according to worldly logic and not according to liturgical norms that emanate from divine will. Forgive us, Lord, forgive us.
For those who promote the abominable crime of abortion with impunity from institutions belonging to the Catholic Church. Forgive us, Lord, forgive us.
For the bishops who teach error by promoting the blessing of sins that cry out to Heaven. Forgive us, Lord, forgive us.
For those who promote religious indifference by equating Lent with the Muslim month of Ramadan. Forgive us, Lord, forgive us.
The purpose of March
March is the month of Saint Joseph. Entrust yourself to him in a special way in everything you do.
