For 27 February 2026, Friday of the 1st week of Lent, based on Matthew 5:20-26, sent in from Chicago, Illinois, USA.

Exploring the readings for the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, which proclaim that we don't need worldly power; rather, we need to use what little power we have to uplift the less fortunate. In doing so, God's power will work through us, bringing healing and light. It's a call to proactive compassion, trusting that when we care for those in need, God will take care of the rest.

Yesterday, we saw King David in beautiful prayer, full of gratitude. Today, we encounter a very different David: the King who lusts after Bathsheba, commits adultery, and orchestrates the murder of her husband, Uriah, to cover his tracks. As Father Scott expresses moral outrage at this abuse of power, Father Peter offers a profound and sobering counter-challenge

In today’s reflection, we pray with King David in 2 Samuel as he responds to God’s astonishing promise of a lasting dynasty. David’s humble question—“Who am I, Lord God?”—becomes a model of gratitude and awe at God’s unearned grace.

Father Scott connects the dots between today’s powerful scripture readings. He explores the Second Reading from the Book of Acts, where Peter realizes God’s message is for all nations, not just the Jewish people. This connects deeply to the Prophet Isaiah’s description of the "Servant" who brings justice without violence, and ultimately to the Gospel account of Jesus’ baptism.

we look at the question posed to John: "Who are you?" John’s answer is simple yet profound—he is not the Messiah, but rather a voice crying out in the desert, preparing the way. We all face moments where we feel "out in the cold," waiting in the wilderness for something to happen.

The Spirit of Christ lives within our hearts, crying out "Abba, Father!" Even when we feel unworthy or drowned out by negative thoughts, that small, quiet voice inside us claiming our place in heaven is the true voice of the Spirit.

While shepherds had angels appear to tell them of the holy birth and Simeon had his own explicit revelation from God about it, Anna simply lived every moment attentive to God working in the world.

In the Gospel of Matthew, Joseph discovers Mary is pregnant and believes his only choices are to divorce her quietly or expose her to shame. Meanwhile, in the first reading from Isaiah, King Ahaz faces a terrifying political invasion and thinks his only choice is to surrender his sovereignty to Assyria. This video explains the deep historical context behind the "Emmanuel" prophecy in Isaiah 7 and how St. Joseph succeeded where King Ahaz failed—by trusting that God can create a "third option" where we see none.

Isaiah promises a world where the wolf lives with the lamb. But can we imagine a world where Ukrainians and Russians, Gazans and Israelis, or Republicans and Democrats live in peace? And can we help bring one about?