2026 Lent Reflections

February 18, 2026

Joel 2:12–18; 2 Corinthians 5:20–6:2; Matthew 6:1–6, 16–18

Joel’s prophecy provokes a profound unease by calling us to “rend our hearts and not our garments” (Joel 2:13). Daily, we are invited to live the process of conversion. That is, to open the doors of our hearts so that Transforming Love can shape our being, transforming us more and more into instruments of his charity in the wounded world in which we live. This reflection on Transforming Love has been a constant reflection in our Congregation, and it can help us in this Ash Wednesday reflection.

God speaks to us firmly: “Return to me with all your heart” (Joel 2:12). This means that God wants us entirely, not halfway or only the crumbs that we sometimes offer. To turn to God with all our heart is to be able to surrender the most intimate part of ourselves, and thus, to be willing to carry out God’s work.

The Lenten season offers the whole Church a time of recollection, where we can reflect personally and communally on how we have lived our Christian life. All the ambiance, preparation and rites speak for themselves that “now is the favorable time” (2 Corinthians 6:2). It is a special time to rethink our actions and purify ourselves from that which distances us from the ideal of the Kingdom of God. This purification is possible through the practices of prayer, charity and fasting taught by Christ in his Gospel, which should not be restricted only to this season of the Catholic year.

Last year, Advent began on the day we finished the retreat with our dear associates. In the homily of the Mass we attended, the Franciscan priest challenged us about experiencing the period as more than merely a repetition. He provoked us to think about whether we would live Advent like all the others or whether we would change something, because the Christian life is like a tree that, if planted and not watered, dies. I think the same about Lent, and I wonder how we will live this period that begins today. May we see the new things happening in our lives and around the world, and may this newness bring about a change in actions that no longer serve us. May we be whole for God in prayer, for his creation in charity, and for the care of our essence through fasting.

Let us rend our hearts to live a journey of transformation in love!

Sister Juliana Santos Sousa, CSC

Reflection Questions: 

What does it mean for me to “rend my heart and not my garments?”

How have I been an instrument of God’s transforming love?

What do I want to do differently this Lent?

February 22, 2026

Genesis 2:7 – 9, 3:1 – 7; Psalms 51:3 – 4, 5 – 6, 12 – 13, 17; Romans 5:12 – 19; Matthew 4:1 – 11

These readings speak to us of the love of God, who creates us, seeks us, forgives us, and accompanies us even in our weaknesses.

In Genesis, we see a God who tenderly molds humankind, like an artisan in love with his creation. He places in our hands a garden full of beauty and freedom; however, that same freedom allows us to err in many ways. The sin of Adam and Eve is not only disobedience; it is the desire to live without trusting in God’s love, to “be like God.” Even so, when their eyes are opened and they discover their nakedness, God does not abandon them. He continues to seek and protect them, like one who loves deeply.

The psalm is the cry of the heart that recognizes its errors, understands, and feels that before God we are never alone. He can recreate what has been broken within us, restoring the joy and peace that the ultimate sin took away. God’s love never tires of starting anew, of waiting for goodness, humility and hope.

St. Paul reminds us that love is stronger than sin; where error multiplies, grace overflows. Jesus is that immense gift. With his loving obedience, he shows us the way back to the Father, a path of surrender, trust, and inner freedom that can only be lived by letting go of the fear of loving and being hurt, since loving is a free choice.

In the Gospel, Jesus overcomes temptation not out of pride, but out of love. He remains united to the Father even in loneliness, hunger and doubt. He rejects the easy paths of power, success and self-affirmation because he knows that the true nourishment of the heart is the Word and the will of God.

His victory teaches us that we too can overcome as we remain in God’s love, when we let him be our center. With Jesus, we are not alone in our own temptations; he accompanies us, understands us, and strengthens us.

Sister Nieves Lidia Ortiz Galván, CSC

Reflection Questions: 

How do I experience God’s loving gaze, which continues to seek me even when I hide?

What wounds or guilt do I need to place in God’s hands today so that he may purify them?

In what areas of my life do I need to open myself to the free gift of forgiveness and justification?

How can I respond like Jesus, with deep trust in the Word and the Father’s love?

What concrete steps can I take to live this Lent with greater love, humility and faithfulness?

March 1, 2026

Genesis 12:1 – 4a; Psalms 33:4 – 5, 18 – 19, 20, 22;
2 Timothy 1:8b – 10; Matthew 17:1 – 9

Christ’s divine glory

In the first reading, God calls Abraham to leave his homeland and go to a new and unfamiliar land. God did not want to isolate Abraham. Instead, he wanted a greater connection and opportunity for goodness for all of humanity. God established a covenant with Abraham, his obedient and faithful servant. Our faith allows us to see the foreshadowing of Jesus’ death and resurrection. As a direct descendant of Abraham, through Jesus,

God’s promises for salvation are fulfilled for every nation, every person.
God’s word is always reliable. His work is always faithful, and as believers, we are assured of his steadfast love, justice and mercy. Even when we fall short of God’s expectations, his unconditional love continues and often grows even stronger to demonstrate his love and mutual trust. God is praised for his majesty, especially as our creator. He urges us to place our faith and trust in him instead of man, as he is the ultimate source for our prayerful requests and for our hope. 

2 Timothy 1:8b – 10 reiterates that our rewards are not of this earth, but when we gain eternal life in heaven. As Christians, we know that salvation comes through God’s grace. This reading is a call to be deeply rooted in our faith, so much so that we are not ashamed to proclaim God’s glory and the triduum. Paul suffered in prison and told Timothy not to be ashamed of his faith, reminding him that God is with us through hardship and gives us power and courage to be strong and self-disciplined. St. Paul’s letter encourages a courage that does not come from my own strength but from God’s grace. When I face struggles, uncertainties, or moments of weakness, I am reminded that I do not walk alone. God gives me the grace I need, even when I feel unprepared.

The appearance of Moses and Elijah fulfills the prophecy of the coming of Jesus Christ. The Father’s voice echoes gently but firmly: “Listen to him.” Those words touch my heart. In the noise of life, in my doubts and worries, am I truly listening to Jesus? His gentle touch in the Gospel — “Do not be afraid” — feels like a personal reassurance to me today. As I continue this Lenten journey, I pray for the courage to trust like Abram, the hope to wait on the Lord, the strength that comes from grace, and the openness to be transformed by Jesus. May this season help me listen more deeply, walk more faithfully, and be renewed from within.

The call to listen to Jesus, as the disciples hear the directive from the cloud, is an imperative to guide us through Lent. Jesus’ true and divine nature as the Son of God is revealed, as is God’s promise of faithfulness and love even through the most difficult times. The story of the Transfiguration directs us away from trying to understand Jesus only as he is revealed in glory. It takes us down the mountain, inviting us to walk with Jesus into the suffering. The divine voice, commanding us to listen, points out that listening is more than hearing. As Jesus says in the Sermon on the Mount, “building on the rock means not only hearing his words, but acting on them.”

Sister Betbhalin Langrin, CSC

Reflection Questions: 

What is God calling me to leave behind this Lent?

How can I trust God more deeply when the path is unclear?

How can I rely more on God’s grace rather than my own strength?

Which part of the Transfiguration touches me most deeply, and why?

What areas of my life need transformation and renewal?

How can I place my hope in God more deeply this week?

March 8, 2026

Exodus 17:3 – 7; Romans 5:1 – 2, 5 – 8; Psalms 95:1 – 2, 6 – 7, 8 – 9; John 4: 5 – 42

God’s presence and mercy

As I reflected upon the readings and the Gospel, I found similar themes. The Israelites displayed the difficulties found in human nature to accept change and hardships. Often, we forget to give thanks to God when we reach our goal or destination and complain. The “culture shock” they experience is not a new concept in the Bible, though. I put myself in the Israelites’ shoes and found how easy it is to say, “No, it used to be this way,” when I encounter something new in community. Even with the rebellion of God’s people, he still provided water for them. How often does God provide for us, even when we do not show our best?

In the second reading, God has poured his love into our hearts. In exploring the life of a religious, we are mindful of God’s outpouring of love, and, through our vows of obedience, poverty and chastity, we, in turn, show our love and dedication. We are transformed through our faith in Jesus, creating a deeper relationship with God. The trials and tribulations we face along the way build our hope, perseverance and reliance upon God. Our sins have been forgiven because of Jesus Christ.

“God is the rock of our salvation.” In this psalm, it is emphasized how God is the foundation of our lives, the source for our strength, and the ultimate provider of hope. We are encouraged, therefore, to look for reasons to praise God, not out of obligation, but out of genuine and sincere joy and gratitude. God wants us to be fully present and bring our God-given gifts through praise and worship. It’s a call to count our blessings, whether big or small.

Today’s Gospel tells the beautiful story of Jesus at the well with the Samaritan woman. The woman had lost her faith. I pondered the scenario where the woman goes to fetch water from the well in the sixth hour. I envisioned myself going around noon, on a hot sunny day. The woman may have chosen that time, thinking she would not encounter anyone. When she encountered Jesus, she tried to mask her guilt/sins. Jesus, however, was well aware of her true self. When Jesus took the initiative to ask for a drink of water, she felt at ease. She dropped the pretense and let down her guard to let Jesus in. Jesus sees us at our worst, as with the Samaritan woman. He does not cast judgment, but instead, forgiveness. I look forward to that sixth hour (noon time, to me) to experience personal time with God, and remove my mask to expose humility, vulnerability, love and gratitude.

When the Samaritan woman went back to the city and shared her encounter with the Messiah, she was full of zeal to share the goodness of the Lord. We, too, should be full of zeal to share God’s goodness with all we meet. May we learn this Lenten season to remove our masks, allow our true selves to come to God, who is all-knowing.

Sister Lupa Hajong, CSC

Reflection Questions: 

Where do I find myself most days? Is it like the Israelites, who forgot the ultimate goal, or the Samaritan woman who tried to mask herself?

How often do we remember and show gratitude for the favors God bestows upon us?

 What masks do I want to remove during this Lenten season? 

How do I pay attention to the sixth-hour moments (quiet moments) with God?

March 15, 2026

1 Samuel 16:1, 6 – 7, 10 – 13;  Ephesians 5:8 – 14;  John 9:1 – 41

Seeing as God sees

Sometimes, as humans, we may see things from our own perspective, but God sees differently.

In our first reading, when God asks Samuel to anoint Jesse’s son as king, he first thought it would be the eldest son. However, it turned out to be David. God calls those whom we least expect. He calls them, like David, and uses them mightily. For God’s ways are not our ways. Let us embrace God’s plans, even when we don’t understand them. Samuel thought the eldest son would be anointed king, but God had plans for David.

In our second reading, St. Paul invites us as believers to be children of the light. He calls us to be the light for others. Maybe a fundamental question that we all need to ask ourselves is: How can I be the light of Christ to others? The answer is not only based on our words but, more importantly, on our actions. To “be the light “means to embody peace, positivity, love and goodness through the smallest or greatest gestures. How do we live and witness the Good News of the Lord? How do we use our faith to help others?

Friends, because Lent is a time of reflection and prayer, it is within our own personal space to discern the spirit of God within us. As we minister, serve and bear witness through our different apostolates, let us always remember to carry the inspiration “to be the light of Christ” wherever we are.

In the Gospel text, we read the account of Jesus healing the blind man. He restores his sight. In using the mud and saliva, he is washing away sin, as was done for each of us through baptism. As with the blind man, we receive spiritual sight, whereby enriching our lives and strengthening our faith. With healing, transformation occurs. We are called to action, much like the blind man who becomes a testament of God’s glory.

Whenever the Jews saw the blind man, they only saw a sinner. They believed that the man was suffering due to his past sins or the sins of his parents. However, when Jesus saw the blind man, he saw a beloved child of God, worthy of God’s love, compassion and mercy. This is yet another great reminder of God’s unconditional love for us, of forgiveness towards us, of God’s ability to take our imperfections and wash away our iniquities through our repentance, confession and faith.

The blind man suffered from his blindness. Eventually, his suffering brought him to the light of Christ. His blindness moved him to profess faith in God and in Christ Jesus.

May God help us so that we may be able to discern through God’s eyes. May we be the voice, the eyes, and the ambassadors of God wherever we are. Amen.

Sister Dorothy Achieng, CSC

Reflection Questions: 

How do I look at others? 
Am I a light to others in my witness to the good news of Christ?

How am I an inspiration to others?

 Do my encounters with others increase their faith?

Do we bring others closer to Jesus?

March 22, 2026

Ezekiel 37:12 – 14; Romans 8:8 – 11; Psalms 130:1 – 2, 3 – 4, 5 – 6, 7 – 8; John 11:1 – 45

God, the giver of life and hope

The readings represent the hopelessness of man or creation in the absence of God. This absence of God is more than death (Genesis 2:7; Psalm 104:30; Revelation 11:11). The readings, therefore, invite us to seek God, who will hear our cries, even in our darkest moments. God, the giver of life, never gives up on us, for he can revive what seems forever lost.

The first reading is about God’s promise, a promise of restoration, a new creation. The vision of dry bones coming to life represents Israel’s revival from exile. The Israelites go from despair to hope. The message is clear that God is the ultimate hope. Through him all things are possible. Through God’s divine intervention and power, he breathes new life into us, often when we may be ready to give up. God’s glory is the realization that all believers conclude through our constant spiritual awakening.

As St. Paul explains in the second reading, those who live according to the flesh cannot please God. This renders a message that if you are living to please man and only seek earthly gratification, then you are living a life contrary to God’s plan. As believers, the spirit of Christ dwells within us. As Christ’s sufferings were not in vain, neither are ours. As Christ was resurrected, so too will we be. When we are resurrected, we are freed from pain and suffering, weakness and sin, and we are granted eternal life.

The theme in the psalms coincides with the reading and the Gospel. It is one of shifting from personal need to one of communal hope. Throughout our lives in community, this is key to our ability to live out our vows, put God first, and become more like Christ. God carries us through even our darkest moments. He bestows upon us mercy, forgiveness and redemption. These gifts from God were not earned but “gifted” out of God’s deep love for us. A deep relationship with God is created out of reciprocal love, trust and faith. God doesn’t just forgive one sin; he forgives all of our sins, for God does not expect perfection but, rather, progression.

In the Gospel, Jesus learned that Lazarus was sick and was beckoned to come by Lazarus’ sisters, Mary and Martha. Jesus knew before he arrived in Judea that Lazarus was dead. When Jesus arrived in Judea, Lazarus had been dead and in the tomb for four days. Mary went out to meet Jesus and told him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” We can relate to Mary’s feelings of helplessness, grief and loss. Through these feelings, however, Mary and Martha’s faith did not falter. (Jesus had to delay his arrival so that Lazarus could die and be raised from the dead.)

When Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, he showed the power and glory of God. This miracle was for all to know that we, too, can be resurrected. It provides hope, transforming despair into belief and joy. It’s important to note that God has a plan, and things do not happen on our watch but according to God’s perfect timeliness. We are called to action, as believers, to examine ourselves more closely. What area in my life is “dead” that needs resurrecting? Be assured that the Lord is always faithful in his promises; if we allow his presence in our lives, he will restore us.

Sister Lydia Issah, CSC

Reflection Questions: 

In what aspect of my life do I need prophetic restoration during this season of grace?

 How have I lived my life as one called by God to embody his Spirit?

Does my current situation in life make me feel like I have slept long in my grave?

March 29, 2026

Matthew 21:1–11; Isaiah 50:4–7, Psalm 22,  Philippians 2:6–11, Matthew 26:14–27:66

Palm Sunday is a time to reflect upon humility, suffering and sacrifices, praise and worship, and obedience through faith. Christ’s arrival in Jerusalem is on a donkey. It is a peaceful entry, showing his peaceful and humble fulfillment of the prophecy. The donkey represents love and service, as the Son of God, triumphant in saving us from our sins, is seen in the processional, (Matthew 21:1–11). Jesus uses a donkey to demonstrate his humility. As with the crowds who chanted, “Hosanna,” which means “save us,” we are called to respond. They also chanted, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord,” which is a key part of the eucharistic rite in our Masses. How do we proclaim the glory of God with deep gratitude and welcome Jesus into our hearts daily?

In Isaiah 50:4 – 7, we learn the lessons of Jesus’ obedience to the Father as he endures great hardship. Christ trusts God completely. Christ displays complete submission to the will of God. God gives Christ, the servant, the ability to provide strength and sustenance to the weak and weary. We, too, are called to emulate Christ’s ministry through our own lives and ministries. We are called to nourish others during their hardships and life struggles just as we are provided nourishment through Christ.

Psalm 22 expresses deep suffering as lamented by David. Like David, we may also feel abandoned as we go through hardships in our lives. David even asks God, “Why have you forsaken me?” On the cross, Jesus also exclaims, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” The deep despair turns into praise and worship, as God never abandons us.

The resounding theme of humility continues in Philippians 2:6 – 11, showing Christ is the ultimate model of selfless humility and obedience. Jesus could have declared his supreme divinity as the Son of God, but he “emptied himself, willingly giving up such divine privileges, fulfilling the prophecy to the point of crucifixion.” This passage provides the foundation for who Jesus is. His identity and mission are the polar opposite of earthly ambition and materialism. Christ put others first, teaching us that we should also mirror Christ’s actions through selfless service, humility and putting God and others first. That is the blueprint of Christianity!

Today’s Gospel covers the Passion of Christ: betrayal by Judas, the Last Supper, Christ’s arrest, Peter’s denial of Christ, the trial before Pilate, ridicule, the crucifixion, and the Resurrection. We are challenged to commit to our devotion to Christ, remaining vigilant in our obedience, despite adversity in our lives. Pilate showed great weakness by not declaring Christ’s innocence, knowing full well of his innocence. The themes of divine fulfillment and human faults are prevalent here. Jesus’ willingness to sacrifice his body and blood for our sins — his divine purpose — starkly contrasts the violence, corruption and deception of our world. The stage is thus set for the Resurrection and the key to Christianity.

Sister Rita Boakyewaa Konadu, CSC

Reflection Questions: 

How does Christ’s humble entry set the stage for the sacrificial love of Good Friday and the triumph of Easter?

 How do I pray and praise God even through my hardships?
How can I be more Christ-like and provide sustenance for others, as Christ provides for me?

What actions do I take to humble myself before the Lord?

What human faults can I work on to become a more obedient servant to God?

 When I show weaknesses like Pilate and don’t stand up for what is right, how do I rectify this?

April 3, 2026

Isaiah 52:13 – 53:12; Psalm 31:2, 6, 12 – 13, 15 – 16, 17, 25; Hebrews 4:14 – 16; 5:7 – 9; John 18:1 – 19:42

The ultimate sacrifice

Today, the Church continues the celebration of the Easter triduum (the three most important days in the life of a Catholic believer). We are called to reflect on Jesus Christ, who suffered for our transgressions. Jesus’ followers and disciples, like Peter and James, never imagined that Jesus would have such an excruciating/painful death. Jesus performed miracles, including healing the sick and raising the dead. To his followers, he was the most powerful king, yet he relinquished all power and control for the forgiveness of sins.

We may all understand that Jesus was God and had the power to choose a different way of redeeming humanity other than death on the cross. Choosing the path of the cross points to humility and self-sacrifice. He took on our humanity to the point of dying on the cross so that we may be saved from the bondage of sin.

Isaiah 52:13 explains “… my servant shall prosper; he shall be exalted and lifted up and shall be very high … .” But at the end of it all, Isaiah concludes that the servant will bear the sins of many and be numbered among the transgressors. The letter to the Hebrews we read today reminds us that Jesus’ suffering and death were his obedience to the Father’s will. Those who obey him may have eternal salvation (Hebrews 4:14). Obedience also reflects his humility and ability to relinquish all control to the will of the Father.

Pilate asks about the accusations against Jesus, but it is hard for the crowd to provide such. Pilate has opportunities to release Jesus, knowing he is innocent, but the crowd prefers releasing Barabbas, who is a murderer. Jesus, whose “crime” was performing miracles (providing food, healing the sick, and even raising the dead), is forsaken by the crowd. The crowd understands Jesus has committed no crime; yet they react out of fear and ignorance. That which they do not understand, they condemn. How often do we still see this today? How do we “condemn” that which we do not know or understand (e.g., others who are not like us, rules, and decisions)? Today, we are called to identify with Christ. The Gospel quotation of “into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit,” is proclaimed. We, too, are called to commend our lives and vocations into the hands of our Lord.

Sister Margret Kabasiza, CSC

Reflection Questions: 

How can I be more like Christ, listening intently to follow God’s will?

How do I live out my vows of obedience, as Jesus obeyed the Father?

Through some of our encounters, how have the words, “Father, forgive them,” helped us to extend forgiveness?

We pray for the grace to freely embrace our crosses and follow Jesus Christ, who sacrificed his body and blood for our transgressions.

April 5, 2026

Acts 10:34a, 37 – 43; Psalm 118:1 – 2, 16 – 17, 22 – 23; Colossians 3:1 – 4; John 20:1 – 9

“He must rise from the dead.”

The Lord is risen, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia! Today’s readings display to us the fulfillment of God’s promises among his people. Easter is a reminder to us that God’s faithfulness outlasts every darkness in us and in the whole world. God accepts people from all nations who believe and commit to doing what is right and just. Jesus dying on the cross and rising on the third day is the foundation of Christianity. Today is the most important day in our Christian faith. God anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit so that through Christ, all believers can receive forgiveness for their sins. Jesus is the lord of all, while God is the agent behind Jesus’ life. This message was delivered well in the first reading today.

Psalm 118 is an expression of gratitude to God for God’s goodness and steadfast love. The stone that the builders rejected is now the cornerstone — Jesus Christ. “This is the day the Lord has made.” It is the day of his Resurrection. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Through him, we have new life. As part of the new life we are given, we have a responsibility to trust in God’s love — surrendering our worries and fears. It means “giving it to God.” Even when life gets hard, it is better to trust in God than to trust man. God has a plan — a plan for each of us.

In the second reading, Paul’s letter stresses that our old lives “have died;” however, through our current life, we have been transformed. Through our new “identity” we continue to be transformed, with the hope that one day we will be united with Christ. Our spiritual life calls us to focus on the heavenly things, and not the earthly ones. When we focus on what is yet to come, this gives cause to rejoice all the more, for the best part will be when we spend eternity with Christ.

The Gospel reveals to us how Jesus served with humility to the extent of accepting death on a cross for our salvation. He served with compassion, love and inclusiveness. He loved all his disciples — men, women, children, and with no regard for the color of their skin, status, wealth or lack thereof. Christ allows Mary Magdalene, whom society regarded as a sinner, to announce his resurrection. The experience of Mary waking up early to find the empty tomb shows that, even in darkness, God can and will use us as instruments to proclaim the Word. The Resurrection is not just a historical event; it’s a living reality that continues to transform our lives. Jesus’ resurrection, therefore, is a manifestation of God’s divine and transcending power over our lives. Those who believe and put their faith in him shall never die but, rather, gain eternal life.

After the death and burial of our Lord Jesus Christ, the disciples felt disappointed, lonely, discouraged, frightened and sorrowful. They enclosed themselves in a room to pray, a continuation of what they had learned from Christ, and an overarching theme
of Lent.

This Easter Sunday and the remainder of the Easter season, may the Holy Spirit open our hearts for continued transformation, that we may proclaim God’s glory and strive to be more like Christ in all we say, see and do.
The Lord is risen. Let us rejoice and be glad. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

Sister Spera Muhindo, CSC

Reflection Questions: 

How do I manage the everyday challenges in my life? How can I relinquish control and give it more to God? 

How does the Resurrection give me hope?

How can I be more of a light to others, as Christ is to me?