Lent Calendar Of Scripture Readings For 2004

This calendar was compiled by Fr Dominic Borg, OCD.

Feb 25 - Ash Wednesday (Psalm 51.4)
The ashes soil our faces and hands. Lord, help us to be clean once more.

Feb 26 - New Life (Psalm 1.3)
Like trees planted near running water, may our hearts be filled with the refreshment of God's word this Lent.

Feb 27 - Invitation (Isaiah 55.1-9)
Through sin our souls become dry and weary. God's invitation to us is clear and simple, "Come to the water."

Feb 28 - Strength (Isaiah 58.11)
We ask God's help and guidance, trusting that through the Lord's grace we will be renewed.

Feb 29 - Rainbow (Genesis 9)
When we see God's bow in the sky, we are reminded of the covenant, the promise God made to love and protect us.

March 1 - Freedom (Psalm 19)
God's commands are clear and true. They lead us to inner peace and freedom. We are wise to follow them.

March 2 - Nourish (Isaiah 55.10-11)
God's Word is a source of life for our souls. Let us spread the Gospel message by the way we live our lives.

March 3 - Compassion (Jonah 3.1-10)
The people of Nineveh changed their lives and God did not punish them. May we also change.

March 4 - Humble (Psalm 138)
We cannot change our lives for the better without help. God is waiting for us to admit we need help.

March 5 - Rejoice (Ezekiel 18.21-28)
God takes no pleasure in punishing evil, but rejoices as we make an effort to change our lives.

March 6 - The Extra Mile (Matthew 5.43-48)
We are always asked to do more than the minimum. We must constantly seek to love as God loves us.

March 7 - Here I Am (Genesis 22.1-18)
When Abraham answered God's call, he was prepared to do what God asked. We also must prepare.

March 8 - Give (Luke 6.36-38)
What have I given lately? What am I willing to give away? What would I most like to receive?

March 9 - Let us Be Washed (Isaiah 1.10, 6-20)
Put away your sins - start over again. God is waiting. Let us set things right and do what is good.

March 10 - Saint Joseph (Romans 4.13, 16-18, 22)
Righteousness comes from faith, hoping against hope that God's promises will be fulfilled.

March 11 - Listen (Luke 16.19-31)
God speaks to us in many ways. Let us open our ears, our eyes and our hearts to receive the message.

March 12 - Dream (Gen 37.3-4,12-13,17-28)
Joseph's dreams changed his life and saved others. What is your dream for your life?

March 13 - Lost & Found (Luke 15.11-32)
Think about something you found that you thought was lost. God invites us to return when we fail.

March 14 - Proclaim (1 Cor 11.22-25)
When we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim your death, Lord Jesus, until you come in glory!

March 15 - Wash (Luke 4.24-30)
We were chosen by God and made clean when we were washed in the waters of Baptism. Do I still feel clean?

March 16 - The Annunciation (Luke 1.37)
Nothing is impossible for God. Let us remember to trust that God will do what is best for us.

March 17 - God's Law (Deuteronomy 4.6)
May we be a wise people who show the world how close God is to us by observing God's law.

March 18 - Division (Luke 11.14-23)
Is there something in my life that keeps me separated from those I love? How can I reconcile with my neighbors?

March 19 - Heal (Hosea 14.2-10)
God seeks to heal, even if we turn away. God's love is free; it is like dew for our souls. Let us accept it.

March 20 - Spring Rain (Hosea 6.1-6)
God comes to refresh our souls like spring rain that waters the earth. What kind of new growth is waiting for us?

March 21 - Light (John 3.14-21)
When we take pride in our achievements, we are not afraid to show them. Is there something I prefer to keep in the dark?

March 22 - Rescue (Psalm 30)
Lord, I thank you for saving me from sin and death, and for turning my mourning into dancing because you love me.

March 23 -Flowing Water (Ezekiel 47.1-9, 12)
Where the water of God's life flows, there is abundant life. Come, drink of that life.

March 24 - Merciful (Psalm 145)
God is gracious, merciful, slow to anger, full of love, and companionate. The Lord is near to all who call for help.

March 25 - Believe (John 5.31-47)
If we believe Moses and the prophets, how much more do we believe in Jesus, sent to us from the Father?

March 26 - Blind (Psalm 34)
Lord, open my eyes so that I recognize my own sinfulness. Please help me overcome my weaknesses.

March 27 - Rush to Judgment (John 7.40-53)
Often we judge before we know the full story. Many failed to listen to the entire message of Jesus.

March 28 - Death Produces Life (John 12.20-33)
Allow your inner self to die like a grain of wheat. You will then be ready to produce good fruit.

March 29 - A Gentle Guide (Psalm 23)
God's hands are constantly upon us, never forcing, gently leading us toward eternal life.

March 30 - Patience (Numbers 21.4-9)
Lord God, when I grumble and lose patience with myself, help me remember to trust your care for me.

March 31 - Truth Sets Free (John 8.31-42)
Sometimes truth doesn't act or sound as we expect. It is hard to accept when it rocks our closed minds.

April 1 - Covenant (Genesis 17.3-9)
"I will be your God and you shall be my people." We are called to play an active part in keeping the covenant.

April 2 - Confused (John 10.31-42)
During Jesus' lifetime, some believed while others were confused. Faith tells us Jesus is the risen Son of God.

April 3 - Prepare (John 11.45-56)
It is time to make our final preparations before the coming Holy Week. The stage is set. Jesus is ready; are we?

April 4 - Rouse (Philippians 2.6-11)
God's Word challenges us to leave the old behind. Today, stay awake with Jesus and be changed forever.

April 5 - Salvation (Psalm 27)
We are about to celebrate the greatest days of our salvation history. Are we ready to recognize what that means?

April 6 - Follow (John 13.21-33, 36-38)
Peter wants to follow Jesus, yet will deny Christ three times. Jesus understood Peter's weaknesses and loved him anyway.

April 7 - Faith (Isaiah 50.4-9)
God is my help; who will prove me wrong? When we allow God to work through us, we accomplish great things.

THE PASCHAL TRIDUUM - FROM HOLY THURSDAY EVENING THROUGH EASTER SUNDAY EVENING

April 8 - Holy Thursday - A Memorial Feast (1 Corinthians 11.26)
This memorial feast has been celebrated in every generation. Jesus gave himself to be our everlasting food. When we partake of the Lord's Supper, we proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes again in glory.

April 9 - Good Friday - Who Would Believe It? (Isaiah 52.13-53.12)
The only one who was humiliated, afflicted and pierced, did not cry out in his own defense, but was led to the slaughter like a lamb. He took away the sins of the world and won pardon for our offenses. What great love!

April 10 - Holy Saturday - Why Are We Amazed? (Mark 16.1-7)
Why are we so surprised that Christ has been raised from the dead? We were told it would happen this way; Christ has ransomed us with his blood, paying the price of Adam's sin. We need no further evidence of God's love.

TRADITIONAL LENTEN DISCIPLINES

Fasting & Abstinence: Catholics of age 14 and older abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday and all the Fridays of Lent. In addition, on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, Catholics from age 18-59 fast, limiting themselves to one full meal and two smaller meals each day.
Prayer: Catholics are encouraged to pray more during Lent, especially with Scripture. Lent is also an ideal time to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation in preparation for the celebration of Christ's Passion, Death and Resurrection.
Almsgiving: Moved by the sacrifice of Christ, many Christians combine almsgiving with fasting, giving to the poor the money they saved by eating, drinking or buying less as they rely more upon God's abundant grace.