A few days into Lent, how are we really following Jesus? In today’s Gospel, Jesus walks past Matthew, a tax collector, and simply says, “Follow me.” No explanation, no negotiation — just an invitation. And Matthew gets up and leaves everything behind. This homily invites us to reflect on our own response: have we truly chosen to follow the Lord, or are we just going through the motions? Lent gives us the grace to begin again — to move from routine to relationship, from obligation to discipleship. The Lord is still calling. It’s not too late to follow Him.

A few days into Lent, maybe the ashes are still faintly visible, and the Church already invites us to go deeper. In this homily, we’re reminded that fasting isn’t just about giving something up or proving our discipline — it’s about real conversion of heart. Through the challenging words of the prophet Isaiah and the powerful example of Jacinta Marto and Francisco Marto, we see that sacrifice only has meaning when it flows from love — love for God, love for sinners, love for those who suffer. When Jesus calls Himself the Bridegroom, He reveals that our fasting is preparation for something beautiful: the Wedding Feast of heaven. We’re not depriving ourselves for nothing; we’re making room for Him. Lent isn’t about “Catholic dieting” — it’s about preparing our hearts for the joy we were created for.

On this second day of Lent, we’re reminded that following Jesus is a daily choice. In the first reading from the Book of Deuteronomy, God places before us life or death, blessing or curse—and in the Gospel, Jesus says, “Pick up your cross every day and follow me.” For those who first heard it, the cross meant suffering and humiliation, yet Jesus transforms it into the very path to life. Over time, the Church has come to understand that carrying our cross can mean martyrdom, sacrifice, patient endurance, or simply staying faithful in everyday struggles. This Lent, we’re invited to trust that whatever cross we carry—big or small—can be united to Christ and become the road to blessing and deeper life with Him.

Lent isn’t just about giving something up—it’s about walking with Jesus into the desert and letting Him work on our hearts. In this homily, we’re reminded that instead of asking, “What’s my plan for Lent?” we should begin with, “Lord, what’s Your plan?” A powerful story about a child who felt like a “nobody” becomes a beautiful reminder that God listens to every prayer. Drawing from Pope Leo XIV’s Lenten letter, we’re invited to fast, quiet the noise around us, and make room to truly listen to the Lord through Scripture.

This homily invites us to slow down and really wrestle with what we hear in Scripture instead of just passing over the parts we don’t understand. By reflecting on the miracle of the loaves, we see how Jesus Christ is showing that His nourishment is meant for everyone — first Israel, then the whole world. The warning about the leaven of the Pharisees becomes a gentle reminder to let go of pride and self-importance, especially as Lent begins. It’s a call to trust God more deeply and allow His word to shape our hearts and lives.

This homily gently reminds us that Lent is a time to let God work on the broken places in our hearts. Through the story of Kevin Matthews and the rescued Broken Mary statue, we see how God can turn what feels damaged or forgotten into something beautiful. We’re encouraged to look honestly at hidden struggles — especially pride and judgment — and invite God to heal them. Echoing the Lenten call of Pope Leo XIV, the message is simple: slow down, listen to the Lord, and let Him guide your renewal.

With Ash Wednesday just around the corner, Father Luke Mary Fletcher invites us to reflect on what it truly means to live a Christian life. He shares stories from childhood, lessons from Jesus, and the importance of trusting God’s grace instead of relying only on our own effort. Morality isn’t just about following rules—it’s about love, making good choices, and walking with Jesus every day. This Lent, let’s open our hearts and lean on God’s mercy in everything we do.

On the feast of Saints Cyril and Methodius, this homily reminds us that confusion and tension in the Church are nothing new — believers have faced them since the earliest days. Through Scripture and the witness of these missionary brothers, we see how God calls His people to stay faithful, reject false worship, and remember that the Gospel is meant for everyone. Their story shows how holiness, patience, and unity can guide us through complicated times. When we stay close to prayer, the Mass, and the Church, we can move forward with peace and confidence, trusting that Christ is steadying the boat.