The readings for this homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/021826.cfm The world has its “small-g gods”: sex, money, and power. In this powerful Lenten homily, Fr. Chris Alar, MIC explains how the consecrated religious counter them through poverty, chastity, and obedience—but what about the laity? The answer is the Church’s timeless Lenten call: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.

Turn to any page of St. Faustina’s Diary, and you’ll find spiritual gems. Like this one.Jesus told St. Faustina:I am pleased with your efforts, O soul aspiring for perfection, but why do I see you so often sad and depressed? Tell Me, My child, what is the meaning of this sadness, and what is its cause? … The cause of your falls is that you rely too much upon yourself and too little on Me. But let this not sadden you so much. You are dealing with the God of mercy, which your misery cannot exhaust. Remember, I did not allot only a certain number of pardons. (1488)

This week, Fr. Anthony encourages us to develop a habit of prayer this Lent, as prayer is the oxygen for the soul.