of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
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Give Your YES This Lent to Our Lady

As a new Catholic convert in 2010, I didn’t yet grasp that I was stepping into a journey—the journey—of the soul. Though I had been baptized and had spent over a decade attending Sunday Mass with my husband and children, actively participating in the liturgy, I hadn’t reached a point of true surrender. I hadn’t fully reconciled that my life was no longer my own. It wasn’t until my Confirmation that I began to understand: I had been ransomed, purchased by the boundless love of Jesus Christ, so that through the gift of Baptism, I’m adopted—fully chosen—into His family. Looking back, I see that time of conversion as a kind of honeymoon phase, alive with the same vibrancy and excitement I felt in my marriage. How generous God is to reveal His life to us through the sacrament of Holy Matrimony.

Something truly striking occurred during the “honeymoon” phase of my conversion. While I was in adoration, basking in the newness of my faith, the Lord quietly spoke to my heart. He invited me to deepen my love for Him by turning to His Mother. I was kneeling in adoration, the Blessed Sacrament glowing softly before me, when a whisper brushed my heart: “Learn to love Me more.” How? I would plead… “go ask my Mother.”

Now, as a newbie Catholic, this threw me for a loop. Mary? I’d seen those pious folks clutching their rosaries, eyes misty with devotion, and—forgive me—I’d judged them. Out of ignorance, of course. I didn’t get it. So, I ignored that whisper for months. I was too busy savoring my shiny new sacramental life, fresh out of RCIA, and this nudge felt like a chore I didn’t sign up for. What did Jesus even want me to do with it?

Then, one day, while gazing at the Blessed Sacrament in adoration, I gave in with a quiet, simple “yes” .

That YES plunged me into something indescribable… it gave me a new perspective, another side of the God’s Merciful Love, which gave me another side of myself, my identity. My YES to Mary allowed me to look at the hard stuff, the ugly stuff in my life that needed maternal tenderness. Jesus knows we need a mother, and so the first place he wanted to take me was to Her. That single word, YES, has since transformed my entire life. Why? Because God’s plan can unfold in our souls when we surrender our will. Who better to give everything to than the one who gave us everything!

This quiet whispering YES started small with the Pilgrim Queen Visits. Picture this: Our Lady of Guadalupe home shrine (we also have a Flame of Love Traveling Queen), coming to our house each month like a royal guest. My family gathered—awkwardly at first—rosaries in hand, praying to honor Jesus and His Mother. Those visits lit a spark in our domestic church, warming our hearts to something bigger. But the real game-changer? Marian Consecration. That same day I whispered my yes in adoration, Jesus made it crystal clear: This is what I want for you. Not just a casual nod to Mary, but a full-on, heart-in-hands surrender.

Marian Consecration cracked me open. It wasn’t easy. In fact it took me three years—three years!—of wrestling, praying, and leaning into Her before I could hand over everything, my marriage, my children, my life. It taught me to love more sacrificially then ever before. Giving Mary my hurts and battles allowed me to give without counting the cost. I knew that now, my meager offerings were mighty in the hands of Mother Mary and i wanted to do more and more to serve and “offer it up”.

All this is not just reserved for me, Mary is your Mother too! Mary is the Mother of all humanity and as the dispenser of grace, all people of goodwill may consecrate their lives to Mary, just as all are invite to receive the Flame of Love!

“Our entire perfection consists in being conformed, united and consecrated to Jesus Christ. Hence the most perfect of all devotions is undoubtedly that which conforms, unites and consecrates us most perfectly to Jesus Christ. Now, since Mary is of all creatures the one most conformed to Jesus Christ, it follows that among all devotions that which most consecrates and conforms a soul to our Lord is devotion to Mary, his Holy Mother, and that the more a soul is consecrated to her the more it will be consecrated to Jesus Christ.” St Louis de Montfort

Following Marian Consecration, I received the Flame of Love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. If Marian Consecration was the door, this was the fire inside! It’s Jesus Himself, blazing out from Mary’s heart, a gift so simple yet so torrential as it’s meant for every soul—Baptized or not. She obtained this grace to blind Satan, to pull hearts back to her Son, to knit us all together. It’s not complicated, but it’s everything. Grace helps us desire virtue and to love one another with family or familial love as children of God. This level of love will magnify the urgency in a soul to spread the Flame of Love even more! Constantly invoking Mary’s Maternal Flame into everyone and everything, spreading it heart to heart.

Anthony Mullen, First US National Coordinator of the Flame of Love IHM and founder of Children of the Father, writes;

“The reality is that we regularly fail to see our dear Lord in each person, especially those who are different or whom we do not connect with, or those who have traits which turn us off or displease us. But Charity is the essential Virtue, it is the whole key to the spiritual life and the transforming union we seek!”

Anthony was an international advocate of Marion Consecration and his foundation was instrumental in leading not thousands, but over a million souls to Jesus through Mary! Unfortunately, his website is no longer active, but I encourage you to read his blog. I often consult his writing and ask his intercession for us, may he rest in peace.

Through Marian Consecration and the Flame of Love IHM we ask Mary to extinguish sin and darkness from our lives and that’s exactly what She does! On March 25th,  Holy Mother Church honors Our Lady’s YES on the Solemnity of the Annunciation of Our Lord. This solemnity is perfectly placed at the half way point of Lent this year and I can’t help but think that this echoes consolation right from Mary’s heart, saying YES… KEEP GOING TOWARDS MY SON. And so, I say yes again and invite you this Lent to join me and many others on this journey of Marian Consecration through the method of St. Louis de Montfort and Elizabeth Kindelmann. FIAT!

Thank you for your dedication in spreading the Flame of Love Immaculate Heart of Mary. Praying for and with you all.

Jill Metz

USA National Director

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SET ABLAZE the FULLNESS of GRACE!

THIS LENT, JOIN US for TOTAL CONSECRATION to MARY

SET ABLAZE the FULLNESS of GRACE!

Starting March 11th and ending on Palm Sunday, April 13th –Anniversary date that Elizabeth Kindelmann was given the Flame of Love

As Lent approaches, we invite you to TOTAL CONSECRATION to Jesus through Mary in the Flame of Love—a perfect renewal of our Baptismal vows. Accompanied by St. Louis de Montfort’s “Total Consecration,” we walk with Elizabeth Kindelmann as we witness her journey toward spiritual maturity. Marian Consecration and the Flame of Love are intertwined because consecration gives Mother Mary our fiat to form Christ, within us. The Flame of Love, Jesus coming from Her Immaculate Heart, blinds satan and brings the Triumph of her Immaculate Heart.

This is Heaven’s gift. Are you ready to receive it?

Join us for a transformative 33-day TOTAL CONSECRATION to Jesus through Mary in the Flame of Love from March 11th to April 13th (Palm Sunday, the anniversary of Elizabeth Kindelmann receiving the Flame of Love). This promises to be unlike any other, SETTING ABLAZE the FULLNESS OF GRACE within us.

  “As all perfection consists in our being conformed, united and consecrated to Jesus, it naturally follows that the most perfect of all devotions is that which conforms, unites and consecrates us most completely to Jesus.  Now of all God’s creatures, Mary is the most conformed to Jesus.  It therefore follows that of all devotions, devotion to her makes for the most effective consecration and conformity to Him.  The more one is consecrated to Mary, the more one is consecrated to Jesus.  That is why perfect consecration to Jesus is but a perfect and complete consecration of oneself to the Blessed Virgin, which is the devotion I teach; or in other words, it is the perfect renewal of the vows and promises of Holy Baptism.” St. Louis de Montfort

OPTIONAL/ You may READ the Daily Consecration & Prayers – St . Louis de Montfort

* Having a book is not necessary to join us for Marian Consecration because you may listen to the readings each day. SKIP TO LISTEN if you have no book>>>>

Choose any of the following books to accompany the Diary.

Flame of Love Spiritual Diary of Elizabeth Kindelmann

+ Preparation for Total Consecration Paperback – January 1, 2008 by St. Louis Marie de Montfort (Author)

+ Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary: The 33 Day Method of Prayer & Meditation According to St. Louis de Montfort Hardcover – May 20, 2019 by Louis de Montfort (Author)

+ Preparation for Total Consecration to Jesus Christ Through Mary: According to St. Louis DeMontfort by Fr. Hugh Gillespie SMM (Author)

If you find listening more effective than reading, use this PDF file to access FREE YouTube video links to the Daily Readings. Reflections and Prayers according to St. Louis de Montfort.

YOUTUBE PLAYLIST of the 33 Day Preparation to Consecration
Click the calendar and then the day of the month to listen to the audio of the daily prayers and reading of St Louis de Montfort, Total Consecration.

Be sure to subscribe today to Facebook for Daily Posts , Instagram, and YouTube for Weekly Series so you can join us! These daily reflections will highlight the passages and messages from the Spiritual Diary of Elizabeth Kindelmann. *If you are not subscribed to FACEBOOK or INSTAGRAM, unfortunately you will not be able to access the daily reflections.

WATCH ON YOUTUBE, SUNDAYS OF LENT 7pm ET!

Together, let us embrace these Flame of Love practices this Lent, it will water the soil of our hearts so it may grow and bear fruit toward a stronger and loving relationship with Jesus and the Blessed Virgin Mary, our Mother.

In the Spiritual Diary of Elizabeth Kindlemann, Jesus and Mary teach us how to amend our lives through reparation and of course, a lot of grace!

Perhaps you are just learning about the Flame of Love, or you have not yet put into practice some of the devotional elements. Lent is the perfect time to fan the Flame and incorporate these practices.

Flame of Love Devotional Practices and Prayers:

1. Memorize the Unity Prayer and pray it throughout the day.

Jesus said, “Through this prayer, Satan will be blind and souls will not be led into sin.“

Page 25 of the Full Diary

The Unity Prayer illuminates the path to Calvary. Praying it, we unite with Jesus and share His cross. Let us learn this prayer that allows us to blind Satan and save souls.

2. Enter into the Weekly Agenda

Jesus: “My daughter, I’m now going to specify how each day of the week should be allocated. . . . Come, if you have time. If you have plenty of it, tell Me. The decision is yours. I respect your free will completely. You flatter Me if you abandon it spontaneously to Me.“

Page 24 Full Diary

Have you considered how you spend your days in light of Jesus and Mary’s call in the diary? Now is the perfect time to start! Even small steps, like dedicating one day a week, can make a difference

3. Pray with others in a Cenacle of Reparation

There are many opportunities to join us in prayer during Lent and the entire year. We have on-line virtual prayer groups and in-person groups though out the entire world! When we come together to pray, Mary pours out Her Flame of Love Graces over all of humanity and satan is blinded.

Find a Cenacle that you can attend during Lent.

Join Us for our Monthly National Cenacle.

4. Pray a Night Vigil in the Perpetual Vigil Room

A night prayer vigil can be offered for 5 minutes or 5 hours! Some people set their alarms to wake in the night, others awaken on their own. There is no right or wrong way to pray in a night vigil. All that is needed is our desire to do so for the sake of love.

Pray for guidance on how to offer your Lenten sacrifices. Ask for the grace to discern what you can do in your current circumstances. If you’re thinking about fasting, the Weekly Agenda can offer helpful suggestions.

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2025 Global Theme is Announced

International Director Announces 2025 Theme…

As I write, most of you will have passed into 2025. Here in New York, we are still keeping vigil for the great Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God – an utterly astounding title. Yes, I never cease to be astounded by the first chapter of both the Gospel of Saint John and his first letter. The depth of love, of condescension, of humility is incomprehensible.

This love is so poignantly portrayed in Saint Paul’s words to Timothy when he tells is that God “desires all men to be saved.” (I Timothy 2:4) Yet we know that, like the Pharisees in Luke 7:30, man in his freedom can frustrate the plan of God since, for love to be perfect, it must be free.

And this same poignant and powerful proclamation of love is echoed in the heart and cry of our Blessed Mother in the first words she speaks when she gives the Flame of Love of her Immaculate Heart for the first time on April 13, 1962 and which provides our theme for this new year: “There is so much sin in the country. Help me to save it!” Yes, “HELP ME SAVE THE COUNTRY!”

I hear this cry in my ears every morning when I awaken. Each night, I need to answer Jesus: “Take part in My redeeming work without ceasing. Don’t ask how. Desire that My Kingdom come for you and for every soul. When you go to retire for the night, look over your entire day: What have you done for the coming of My Kingdom?” April 20, 1962

My dearest brothers and sisters, we are compelled by this same love (II Cor 5:14). What a sublime calling! I feel very strongly and I know that Győző feels the same, that the most important thing we can do right now to answer our Blessed Mother’s call to “Help me save the country” is to ensure all of our people, all of our cenacles, understand the scope and the purpose of the Flame of Love – “Help me save the COUNTRY”.

If our people believe that the goal is to create prayer groups for a new prayer devotion or that the goal is to enhance our own spirituality, that is exactly what we will do and we will have a rapidly growing, spiritually powerful prayer devotion. That’s not “Help me save the country”. Please don’t misunderstand me. Our prayer cenacles are important and powerful. Our family cenacles are even more important but they are the matches and not the fire. They are the tools and not the goal. If we only focus on the tool, we will not achieve the goal.

Not everyone in the world will join a Flame of Love cenacle nor every person in the Church – there are many other jobs to be done in the Church besides participating in a Flame of Love cenacle. But everyone in the Church and in the world needs The Flame of Love! “You must strive for the blinding of Satan, which we will accomplish with the coordinated strength of the whole world.” November 27, 1963

When we all start pulling together in the same direction – through prayer, sacrifice, desire, and, where we can, labor for the Flame of Love to light in all hearts, (“So line up side by side, because the flame burning by hellish hatred will break on the power of sacrifice and prayer. The evil ones will be driven back more and more, their flame burning by hatred will go out, and the light of my Flame of Love will fill every part of the world.” December 6, 1964), then we can help our Blessed Mother “light in the entire country the flame full of grace, which I have given you from my Heart. This will be the miracle which catches fire and will blind Satan.” April 13, 1962.

So please help every one of our people in each one of your countries understand and work toward the goal – not just to pray, sacrifice, and desire that people join our prayer cenacles but to pray, sacrifice, and desire that the Flame of Love light in all hearts in our countries. With all our being, let us answer our Blessed Mother’s cry: “HELP ME SAVE THE COUNTRY!” That is our theme for 2025.

In case you find it helpful, I have posted the above portion of this email to https://www.flameoflove.info/posts/help-me-save-the-country/

John Sullivan

International Director

Flame of Love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

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Calling all FIRE STARTERS!

VIRTUAL Inquiry Meeting for National Volunteers

Calling All Fire Starters!

Tuesday, November 12th @ 8:00 pm ET  

or

Saturday, November 16th @ 11:00 am ET

We are offering this inquiry meeting to share information about the growth of the movement in the US and looking to connect with those of you who may have a calling in their hearts to offer MORE, but are not sure where to start. Unite with us to help spread the Flame!

“Try to serve Me even better. Don’t forget. There should not be even one hair between us. There is much to do and few laborers. With all your strength, remain continually in My redeeming work. You will not be paid less because you came later than those who arrived early. But, naturally, from you I require surrender and faithfulness that must last unto death, because it is the only way you can help from up there also. There, our hands will gather in unity.” Jesus to Elizabeth 

REGISTER
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JESUS LOVES A CHEERFUL GIVER

“The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.  Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-7

In 2024, we have been blessed by the tremendous growth of the Flame of Love IHM throughout the nation! As we approach Fall and begin considering events and materials for 2025, it has become clear that we have hit a critical need for donations.

Monsignor Ralph Chieffo, US Board President and former National Spiritual Advisor, encourages us to be cheerful givers as the Flame of Love IHM Movement ignites across the United States.

“I praise God the Father for sending us Jesus conceived in the womb of Mary by the power of the Holy Spirit.  This outpouring of divine love and mercy blesses us with the gift of salvation and a share in our divine call to be saints.  Living a sacramental life unites us to Christ and his Mother, the Church.  The gift we receive in his Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity is the gift we give to those hungering for meaning and purpose for their life.  Like our Blessed Mother, we can enkindle in others the Flame of Love, heart-to-heart. 

Elizabeth Kindelmann discovered that when she prayed for God’s plan for her life, Jesus blessed her with his divine presence in the Eucharist to grace and guide her to grow in faith, hope and love. In adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, she developed trust in clergy and laity to believe that our Lord chose her to receive and promote the messages of the Flame of Love.”

“Saint Paul encourages all disciples of Jesus Christ to rejoice in the Lord always and be a cheerful giver.  Only by offering to others the presence, power and peace flowing from the effects of the grace of the Flame of Love in our hearts can we be Missionary Disciples of Jesus and Mary.

As our membership grows, we need everyone to pray, share and financially support the rising cost of prayer cards, books and events to promote the Flame of Love.  Take time before the Blessed Sacrament to thank God for the blessings you have received and ask our Lord how you can spiritually and financially give back with a “cheerful spirit.”

“I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.”

+++

The Flame of Love IHM Apostolate is World Wide and is 100% volunteer run! This is an incredible testimony of the Blessed Mother’s Cause for souls, as we witness the dedication of our leaders and all those who spread this great grace. The need for formation materials is mounting and our participation in larger National events is requested, yet extremely costly. If we want to continue to see the Flame of Love spread, we need your help and support. When you donate to the Flame of Love, you will ensure that this Flame continues to burn throughout our country by helping us to provide the resources for parishes and families.

What ever you can offer is greatly appreciated! If it is possible for you to offer a monthly donation, we humbly ask that you would consider this option. Having your committed support allows us to better plan for our future.

Please visit our DONATION page and THANK YOU for spreading the Flame of Love.

Dear Lord Jesus, everything that we have, was given to us from the abundance of Your Love so that we may share freely, never counting the cost. Thank you for taking care of us, Your little children, with great generosity. Amen.

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Welcoming Mary Into Our Home

Submitted by Dr. Chris Wroe

Mary is a mother.  She gave birth to a son, Jesus.  Jesus entrusted John with the responsibility for her care at the foot of the cross.  Now, we are asked to welcome His mother into our homes and into our hearts as our Mother.  Like all mothers, she knows the joy and pain of motherhood.  We should never forget that Mary, “Queen of Heaven and Earth” is also our Heavenly Mother and feels our happiness and our pain.  As she says to Elizabeth Kindelmann, her suffering did not end with the death of Jesus, it continues for all her children (including you and me), whom she sees being deceived by Satan and whose souls could be lost forever.  Mary is our Mother, and she asks for our help.

Mary asks us, through Elizabeth, to help her to spread her “flame of love” throughout the world, starting in the home, family by family.  We cannot ignore the constant downgrading of the Christian model of ‘family’ with the growing acceptance within society for people living together without marrying; same gender unions; people having several sexual partners and loose definitions of morality.  In short, society is increasingly keen to embrace whatever form of relationship you decide will work best for you and reaffirms it is no-one else’s business.  In a world where belief in God is steadily declining how can we expect any moral code to be taken seriously that impinges on ‘individual choice’?  Consequently, notions of ‘family’ and ‘morality’ are relentlessly under challenge, particularly in the more developed societies,

Mary is The Ark’.  She wants Elizabeth, and us, to join her in praying for all her children to know they do belong to a very special family, the family of God.  She mentions, with affection, Joseph, her husband, and tells Elizabeth to ask for his help every day.  She recalls how while he worked in the evening, she would be praying and invites Elizabeth to join them on their nightly walks – it speaks of her loving respect and devotion to her husband, parents to Jesus, “the Holy Family” in the gospel of Matthew.  Mary longs to protect us from the snares of Satan and this is why she is bestowing this wonderful grace of “the flame of love” upon her children, blinding the demons so they can be freed from the confusion and evil influences surrounding their choices to see God’s love for them and the true beauty of His creation for them.

Mary is on our side in the battle between good and evil that many fail to recognize is happening. She is ‘ The Ark’ we need to embrace, the bringer of ‘The Flame of Love’ (that is Jesus), to set our hearts on fire with love for God, our Father, when we see the greatness of His love for us.  Mary, Mother most loving, wants all of us, her children, to find our way ‘home’, to Heaven.  So, like the apostle John, let our hearts be ready to welcome the Mother of Jesus, our Lord and our God, in praise and thanksgiving.  Mary’s heart, bursting with love, is bringing Jesus into our world again!

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SUNDAY, MARCH 8, 2026 – THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT


THE SAMARITAN WOMAN (Jn 4:7-15)

Prayer:


O Jesus, give me the living waters of the Kingdom.

Imagination:


Picture Jesus speaking to the woman by the well.

Context:


John’s gospel has three central stories. The Woman at the Well represents a beginner. The healed blind man (C9) represents a disciple in the middle of trials and Lazarus (C11) represents the disciple facing death. In this first part, her conversion begins.

Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)

A woman of Samaria came to draw water at the well. Jesus said to her, “Give me to drink.” She said, “How can you, a Jew, ask me, a Samaritan woman, for a drink?” Jesus answered, “If you knew the gift of God and who is saying to you “Give me a drink”, you would have asked him and he would give you living water.”
She asked, “Are you greater than Jacob who gave us this well?” Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I shall give, will never thirst. It will be a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” The woman said, “Sir, give me this water, so that I may not be thirsty, or have to keep coming here to draw water.” (Jn 4:7-15)

Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder the ones that attract you.)

  1. This meeting at the well seems like a chance occurrence. Really, God planned this “from the beginning.”
  2. Jesus humbles himself. He breaks all the social customs which divide a Jew from a Samaritan or a man from a woman.
  3. Both are deeply interested in water. The woman for natural water and Jesus for the “water welling up to eternal life.”
  4. Because of her thirst, she opens her heart. “Sir, give me this water.”
  5. She is prepared to receive, but some obstacles are present.

Affections. (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)

  • O God, you meet me in the common events of my daily life.
  • O Jesus, You come to me. You speak. You invite.
  • As I respond you reveal yourself to me.
  • Lord, I thirst for doors to your Kingdom.
  • Give me your water and I will thirst even more.
  • O Jesus, I am created for pure heavenly water.
  • Help me to reject polluted earthly water.

Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)

+ Today, I will see Jesus coming to me in ordinary events.
+ I will ask for living water.

Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation.)

“Whoever drinks the water that I will give, will never thirst.”

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If We Only Knew The Gift of God

Today’s Consuming Fire Meditation- – A Daily Dose of the Flame of Love Diary Served Up with Today’s Scriptures


Third Sunday of Lent

If We Only Knew The Gift of God

Keep this great grace you received from Me in the depth of your soul. It is a special gift of God. (Jesus) (May 4, 1962)

Today’s Readings: Jesus answered and said to her,
“If you knew the gift of God
and who is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink, ‘
you would have asked him
and he would have given you living water.” (John 4)

Prayer Meditation- Lord, today we read about the Samaritan Woman- so skeptical at first but by the end of the encounter she was a true believer. You showed her everything she ever did and yet You offered Her Your Living Water that she would never thirst again. Today, Lord, so many skeptical and stuck in poor decisions just like the Samaritan Woman. Will we open ourselves to Your Gift of Yourself or will we stay stuck where we are? Lord You thirst for us and nothing we have ever done can keep us from You- only we can keep ourselves from You. May we thirst always for the Living Water that will save our souls and the souls of all we love.

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SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 2026 – SECOND WEEK OF LENT


THE PRODIGAL SON (Lk: 15:11-32)

Prayer:


O Heavenly Father, let me never leave your house.

Imagination:


Picture Jesus with His disciples.

Context:


This is a “Parable of the Father’s Love” and is drawn from real life. Many young unmarried sons (under twenty) asked for their inheritance to leave Palestine and better themselves. This son, however, loses his money and returns home. The father’s response is not reasonable, but mirrors the way God treats us.

Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)

A man had two sons.  The younger said, “Father, give me my inheritance.”  After gathering his things, he went to a distant country.  However, he wasted his money by living recklessly.  When he had lost everything, a famine broke out and the son got a job feeding pigs.  He would like to have filled his belly with their food but no one gave him any.

Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder the ones that attract you.)

  1. This scene happens so frequently.  A young person grows dissatisfied and wants out.
  2. This desire destroys the family support which he/she still need.
  3. The son rejects the Father’s wisdom and soon his own wisdom fails him miserably.
  4. The destructive power of sin destroys all that he has.
  5. The result is total disaster.  A privileged son has become a hungry swine herder.  (The lowest of occupations).

Affections. (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)

  • O God, how often my desire for liberty has led me to frightful decisions.
  • Too often, O Lord, I have trusted my own wisdom.
  • O Jesus, my unbridled passions have led me into problems.
  • You allowed my situation to deteriorate.
  • You abandoned me to my own whims, so I would face reality.
  • Leaving your house, O Lord and choosing my own path have led me to the depths of darkness, even to depravity.

Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)

+ I will recall all of my foolish decisions, taking full responsibility for what I have done.
+ I will not blame God for my situation. I decided to leave his house.

Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation.)

He got a job feeding the swine.
(To complete the parable, go to the next meditation.)

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FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2026 – SECOND WEEK OF LENT


TAKING AWAY THEIR VINEYARD (MT 21:33-43)

Prayer:


O Lord, you have given me everything. Make me a faithful tenant.

Imagination:


Picture Jesus with his disciples and his opponents.

Context:


Jesus spoke this parable in Jerusalem when the chief priests and elders questioned his authority. The parable fitted their situation. The tenants are the Jewish religious leaders. The vineyard is Israel. The servants already rejected are the Old Testament prophets. The son, of course, is Jesus. By rejecting the son (killing him on the cross), the religious leaders will lose their authority.

Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)


Jesus said, “There was a man who planted a vineyard, put a hedge, dug a vat and erected a tower. He rented it to tenants and went on a journey. When the harvest came he sent his servants to the tenants to receive his share. The tenants beat one, killed another and stoned another. He sent more servants and they did the same. Finally, he sent his son, thinking, “They will respect my son.”

Seeing the son, the tenants said, “This is the heir. Let us kill him and we shall own the vineyard.” So they killed him and threw him out of the vineyard. What will the Lord of the vineyard do to those tenants when he comes?”

They answered, “He will bring those evil men to an evil end and will give the vineyard to those who will give him grapes at vintage time.” Jesus said, “For this reason I say that the Kingdom of God will be taken away from you and will be given to a people who will yield a rich harvest.

Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder the ones that attract you.)

  1. Notice the zeal and care of the owner for his vineyard. He plants a vineyard and builds a hedge, a vat and a tower.
  2. The owner only wanted his share of the grapes.
  3. The messengers just bring the owner’s words – to give them what is his due.
  4. The owner is patient, even when the tenants kill his servants.
  5. He gives them another chance, deciding to even risk his son to restore the right relationship.
  6. The tenants want the whole vineyard and are willing to kill the son to get it.
  7. Instead of gaining the vineyard, they are cast out.
  8. The vineyard is taken away and given to others.

Affections. (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)

  • Jesus, you have done everything for me. You created me. You came to earth for me. You died for me.
  • O Lord, you have a right to my praise, to my life, to everything. It is yours.
  • O Lord, when you send your messengers, let me accept them. When you speak in my heart, let me listen.
  • How patient you are, O Lord, waiting, always waiting until I turn to you.
  • Father, you sent your only Son to me, even at the cost of his life.
  • I give you everything. All that is yours is mine. You have done everything for me.

Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)

+ I will give God every Sunday. The day belongs to him.
+ I will listen to the church and to God’s voice within me.

Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation.)

Finally, he sent his son, thinking, “Surely, they will respect my son.”

image Meditations

Collecting The Produce

Today’s Consuming Fire Meditation- – A Daily Dose of the Flame of Love Diary Served Up with Today’s Scriptures


Friday of the Second Week of Lent

Collecting The Produce

Your oil bearing seeds can only mature and produce abundant fruit in the rays of the Divine Sun. Try to serve Me even better. (Jesus) (October 4, 1962)

Today’s Readings: Hear another parable.
There was a landowner who planted a vineyard,
put a hedge around it,
dug a wine press in it, and built a tower.
Then he leased it to tenants and went on a journey.
When vintage time drew near,
he sent his servants to the tenants to obtain his produce. (Matthew 21)

Prayer Meditation- Lord, You have given each of us a vineyard, You have given us all that we need to produce good fruit in our souls. And You have every right to collect our produce at any time at a time unknown to us. But will we be ready or are we fighting Your Grace as if You have no right to the vineyard of our souls. Lord, we do not own our vineyards, they belong to You! Lord, our fruit can only mature in the rays of Your Divine Sun in our lives. Lord, help us to serve You and to be ready when You call, building our lives on the Cornerstone of Your Love!

image Consuming Fire

THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2026 – SECOND WEEK OF LENT


THE RICH MAN AND LAZARUS (LK 16:19-31)

Prayer:


O Lord, awaken me by this warning. Do not let me be like the foolish brothers.

Imagination:


Picture Jesus teaching the crowds.

Context:


Judaism believed that riches proved God’s favor and that poverty proved sinfulness. Jesus reveals the true picture, which shocks his audience. The rich man goes to hell, while Lazarus enjoys the highest honor of being at Abraham’s side. This sets the stage for this parable of the six brothers (its real name). The rich man sees clearly that his five brothers are in danger. However, his brothers are like foolish men with no thought of the impending judgment. They do not listen to the Church and its preaching.

Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)


A rich man feasted sumptuously every day. At his gates sat Lazarus, a beggar filled with sores. He desired only the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table but no one gave them. It happened that the beggar died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried in hell. He lifted his eyes and saw Abraham afar off with Lazarus at his side.

He cried out, Father Abraham, “Let Lazarus come and refresh me with some water.” Abraham replied, “Remember that you received good things in life and Lazarus received evil things. Now he is comforted and you are tormented. Besides, there is a great abyss between us and no one can pass from one side to another.” The rich man said, “Then send Lazarus back to earth to preach to my five brothers, so they do not come to this place of torment.” Abraham said, “Let them listen to Moses and the prophets.” The rich man said, “If someone risen from the dead told them, they would do penance.” Abraham said, “If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, they will not listen to one risen from the dead.”

Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder the ones that attract you.)

  1. Lazarus is used only to highlight the problem of the six brothers, one dead and five living.
  2. The dead brother realizes how important repentance is. Without penance, his five brothers will all join him in hell.
  3. They have the normal helps (the teachings of Moses and the prophets) but the rich man realizes that they won’t use those helps.
  4. He pleads for Lazarus to be a risen-from-the-dead preacher, to whom they will certainly listen.
  5. However, Jesus is already risen from the dead and most do not listen even now.
  6. The parable challenges us to respond to the gospel that is preached to us every day.

Affections. (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)

  • Jesus, while I am here on earth, I am free to choose.
  • When my life is over, I will have made my choice.
  • Right now, I decide to repent, to change and to have you as my Lord.
  • I do not need an extraordinary preacher. I need only your word.
  • You are risen. You preach to me. You speak within. You call. You shout. I must hush all the other voices, so I can hear you.
  • Someday, Jesus, I will be in heaven or in hell. Guide my free will.

Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)

+ I will read God’s word with urgency.
+ I will believe that God who wants to welcome me into his Kingdom.

Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation.)

Lazarus was carried by the angels to the bosom of Abraham.

image Meditations

Only His Love Remains

Today’s Consuming Fire Meditation- – A Daily Dose of the Flame of Love Diary Served Up with Today’s Scriptures

Thursday of the Second Week of Lent

Only His Love Remains


Why do you prefer some passing goal? Do you not trust the value of sufferings? I give value to your sufferings and it causes Me sorrow if you do not appreciate them. (Jesus) (August 16, 1962)


Today’s Readings:

Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose hope is the LORD. He is like a tree planted beside the waters that stretches out its roots to the stream: It fears not the heat when it comes, its leaves stay green; In the year of drought it shows no distress, but still bears fruit. (Jeremiah 17)


Prayer Meditation: O Lord, we put our faith is so many passing things- work, health, family, our country. And yet all things will pass- only Your Love remains. We are pilgrims and one way or another, we will suffer loss, pain, and grief in this world. However, united with Your Love we are like the tree planted beside the still waters of Your Grace and we will not fear.

image Consuming Fire

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2026 – SECOND WEEK OF LENT


AMBITIOUS JAMES AND JOHN (Mt. 20:17-28)

Prayer:


Come Holy Spirit. Reveal the glory you have prepared.

Imagination:


Picture James and John seeking favors from Jesus.

Context:


Jesus has just told the apostles that he would come in glory. With great ambition, James and John want that glory. Before granting any glory, Jesus must enter into his Messianic glory by drinking the cup. This cup means both his suffering and the Eucharistic cup celebrated in Mark’s Church.

Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)


The mother of James and John came to Jesus, accompanied by her sons. Jesus asked “What is it that you want?” She answered, “Promise me that these sons of mine will sit, one on your right hand and the other on your left hand in your Kingdom.” Jesus replied, “You do not know what you are seeking. Can you drink of the chalice that I will drink?” They said, “We can.” Jesus said, “You shall indeed drink of the chalice that I drink of. However, to sit on my right hand or my left hand, is not mine to give you. It is for those for whom it has been reserved by my Father.”

Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder the ones that attract you.)

  1. These apostles have no idea of the costs of the Kingdom’s glory.
  2. Jesus tells them that they seek what they do not understand.
  3. Even with this warning, they glibly say that they can drink the chalice.
  4. Jesus sees the future.  After many failures, they will drink the chalice and will be martyred.
  5. The highest glory, however, is reserved for others.
  6. Such is the Kingdom!  God has already prepared each one’s place and his decisions are beyond our comprehension.

Affections. (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)

  • O Jesus, enlighten me about the greatness of your Kingdom.
  • Pull me into the great mystery of your will.
  • Help me to drink your chalice. 
  • O Jesus, You have prepared my place in glory.
  • O Jesus, Your only desire is to share your glory with me.
  • You have already made me so many promises.

Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)

+ I will find time for mental prayer so God can reveal the Kingdom to me.
+ I will cherish God’s will, both on earth and in heavenly glory.

Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation.)

The Father has already decided my place in heavenly glory.

image Meditations

Drinking The Chalice

Today’s Consuming Fire Meditation- – A Daily Dose of the Flame of Love Diary Served Up with Today’s Scriptures


Wednesday of the Second Week of Lent

Drinking The Chalice

Look at the plants in your garden, they always climb and try to reach higher. Their flowers wither quickly, but soon new ones open up. The withering of the flower does not show its uselessness because the chalice of withered flowers contains the fertile seed which reproduces the plant. You understand, do you not? If there were no battle, what would then give value to things? Always try to go higher. Do not feel sorry for the withered chalices in your flowers. (Jesus) (June 29, 1964)

Today’s Readings: Jesus said in reply,
“You do not know what you are asking.
Can you drink the chalice that I am going to drink?”
They said to him, “We can.”
He replied,
“My chalice you will indeed drink,
but to sit at my right and at my left,
this is not mine to give
but is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.” (Matthew 20)

Prayer Meditation- Lord, today we read in the Gospel about a mother and two disciples that are really no different from us. We follow You and we anticipate glory, and rightfully so, but we confuse earthly glory with Heaven. Lord, You came to serve and not to be served. You came to suffer and die for us- there is no way to Heaven except through the Cross. So, can we drink the chalice You have for us- knowing that the withered chalices of life contain the fertile seed of new life. Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains a grain of wheat but if it dies it bears much fruit (John 12:24). Lord, increase our faith, hope and trust that drinking the chalice You have for us would be not bitter but sweet in union with You!

image Consuming Fire

TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2026 – SECOND WEEK OF LENT


THE HYPOCRISY OF THE PHARISEES: (Mt: 23:1-12)

Prayer:


O Jesus, give me the heart of a servant.

Imagination:


Picture Jesus instructing His disciples in humility.

Context:


Jesus does not criticize the teaching of the scribes and Pharisees (although he alludes to moral rigorism) but he condemns their practices of seeking honor and gaining titles. Jesus wants his disciples to serve others and to take the last place.

Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)


Jesus told the crowds and his disciples, “The scribes and Pharisees sit on the chair of Moses. Therefore, do all that they say but do not follow their example. For they bind heavy burdens and lay them on men’s shoulders, but they do not lift a finger to help them.
They do all their works to be seen by men. They widen their phylacteries and wear huge tassels. They love first places at feasts and first place in the synagogues. They like to be greeted in the marketplace and be called “Rabbi”. You are to avoid the title “Rabbi”. Only one among you is the teacher. The rest are learners.
Do not all call anyone on earth ‘Father’. Only one is your Father, the One in heaven. Avoid being called ‘Teacher’. Only one is your teacher, the Messiah. The greatest among you is the one who serves the rest. Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.”

Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder the ones that attract you.)

  1. By hypocrisy, a person professes a belief that they do not live out.
  2. Jesus despises this false devotion and provides many concrete examples.
  3. The Pharisees place burdens on people and offer no help.
  4. They seek praise of others and places of honor.
  5. They seek titles and superiority.
  6. They distance themselves and refuse to serve.
  7. Only Jesus Christ is your master.

Affections. (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)

  • O Jesus, I will live my devout life in truth.
  • I will place everyone in my heart and be a servant to all.
  • I will love the other disciples and we will be a true sign to the world.
  • I will seek no worldly glory, especially in my devout community.
  • You, alone, are my Christ, my Master, my Lord.
  • Do not let me ruin your work.

Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)

+ Today, I will serve others.
+ I will avoid all ostentatious behavior so the gospel can spread.

Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation.)

The greatest among you must be the servant of all.

image Meditations

Purify Our Intentions

Today’s Consuming Fire Meditation- – A Daily Dose of the Flame of Love Diary Served Up with Today’s Scriptures

Tuesday of the Second Week of Lent

Purify Our Intentions

My little one, do not be overwhelmed. Live hidden in great humility. Except for a few persons, no one should know about you.(Jesus) (March 4-7, 1962)

Today’s Readings: All their works are performed to be seen.
They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels.
They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues,
greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation ‘Rabbi.’ (Matthew 23)

Prayer Meditation- Lord, we who follow You may find ourselves in many ministries and activities to the point of exhaustion, but who are we really serving? No one wants to admit it, but are we doing what we do to be seen? Yet, Lord, You do Your Work through the humble and the hidden. Lord, many of the things we do may be good but are they about the one thing necessary (Luke 11)? Lord, all of our works are filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6) if You are not in them- purify our intentions that we would serve You in true humility.

image Consuming Fire

MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2026 – SECOND WEEK OF LENT


COMPASSIONATE AS THE FATHER (LK 6:36-38)

Prayer:


Father, fill me with your compassion.

Imagination:


Picture Jesus teaching his disciples.

Context:


After teaching about loving enemies, Jesus concludes with “Be compassionate as the heavenly Father.” He then stresses the need not to judge others. This will determine what will be measured out to the disciples.

Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)


Jesus said to his disciples, “Be merciful as your Father is merciful. Do not judge and you shall not be judged. Do not condemn and you will not be condemned. If you forgive, you will be forgiven.
Give and it will be given to you, good measure, pressed down and shaken together, flowing over into the fold of your garment. By the same measure that you measure, it shall be measured out to you.”

Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder the ones that attract you.)

  1. How merciful the Father is. That is how merciful the disciple must be.
  2. If we do not judge, God does not need to judge us.
  3. To be forgiven by God, we need only to forgive others.
  4. Jesus uses the example of buying grain at the marketplace.
  5. The seller fills the basket and presses down so he can give even more.
  6. Finally, he shakes the basket so every inch is filled with grain. This is how a disciple should give.
  7. People also carried grain in their apron. Jesus promises that his blessing will “flow over the fold of the garment.”

Affections. (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)

  • O Jesus, I will approach every person with a merciful and compassionate heart.
  • O Lord, you make so many promises and all of them are true
  • If I forgive others, you will forgive me.
  • Such a great reward for such a little effort!
  • Fill me, Lord. Press your favors into my heart.
  • Shake me so you can fill me even more.
  • O Jesus, I give you little and you give me much.
  • My heart overflows, incapable of receiving all you give.

Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)

+ I will ask Jesus to make me a generous person.
+ Today, I will see who needs my compassion and forgiveness.

Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation.)

Give and it will be given to you in full measure.

image Meditations

SUNDAY, MARCH 1, 2026 – SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT


THE TRANSFIGURATION (MT 17:1-9)

Prayer:


Jesus, take me up the mountain of prayer.

Imagination:


Picture Jesus in glory with his three apostles.

Context:


Peter has just proclaimed by faith that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the living God. Now, he and two others experience this truth as they see Jesus in glory. Immediately, Jesus speaks of his death on the cross where these same apostles will have great difficulty in seeing him as the Messiah.

Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)


Jesus took Peter, James, and his brother John up a high mountain by themselves. He was transfigured before them. His face shone as the sun and his garments became white as snow. Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared and were talking with him. Peter said to Jesus, “It is good for us to be here. If you will, let us build three tents, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.
As he was speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them. A voice out of the cloud said, “This is my Beloved Son in whom I am well pleased. Listen to him”. The disciples fell on their face and were filled with fear. Jesus came, touched them and said, “Get up and do not fear.” Lifting up their eyes they saw no one, only Jesus.

Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder the ones that attract you.)

  1. The mountain is the perfect place for prayer, far away from worldly distractions.
  2. What a privilege, to have Jesus lead you away so you can be with him.
  3. The vision has a fullness.  Even Jesus’ garments become like snow.
  4. Moses and Elijah appear with Jesus who is the central figure.
  5. Peter is right.  It is very good to enjoy Jesus’ presence and see his glory.
  6. There is more to come. The heavenly Father takes control.
  7. The Father makes it clear that Jesus is his beloved son and we must listen.
  8. The experience overwhelms the apostles and they are unable to stand.  Experiencing God will do that to you.
  9. When all is complete, they see only Jesus.  They are changed forever.

Affections. (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)

  • Jesus, take me with you to the mountain of prayer.
  • Reveal your glory and capture my will.
  • How good it is to enjoy your presence!
  • Father, overshadow me and let me hear your voice.
  • Seeing your glory, Lord, I fall on my face.
  • Touch me.  Tell me to rise.  Come, I must walk with you.

Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)

+ I will be faithful to daily mental prayer.
+ I will obey the Father and listen to His Son.

Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation.)

Jesus took them up the mountain and was transfigured before them.

image Meditations

Rise And Do Not Be Afraid

Today’s Consuming Fire Meditation- – A Daily Dose of the Flame of Love Diary Served Up with Today’s Scriptures

Second Sunday of Lent

Rise and Do Not Be Afraid

Because your soul has been purified of the anguish of doubts, you now have been given the power to rise to the heavenly Father and be immersed in the delightful and joyful contemplation of the Holy Trinity. (Jesus) (October 23-24, 1963)

Today’s Readings: But Jesus came and touched them, saying,
“Rise, and do not be afraid.”
And when the disciples raised their eyes,
they saw no one else but Jesus alone. (Matthew 17)

Prayer Meditation- Lord today we meditate on the Transfiguration. Peter, John, and James see You in the Your Glory. Peter nervously tries to enter the conversation with You, the Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah) but really the Apostles are scared to death and have no idea what is going on. In so many ways, when faced with Your Glory and Your Majesty, we can be the same. And yet, You call us- Our God first and foremost but also Our Friend to rise and not be afraid especially in these turbulent times. You call us to be purified of doubt and fear and to rise to You in confidence and trust! Let us raise our eyes and see no one but You alone- reign in all the Earth Jesus!

image Consuming Fire

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2026 – FIRST WEEK OF LENT


LOVE YOUR ENEMIES (MT 5:43-48)

Prayer:


Come, Holy Spirit. Make me perfect as the heavenly Father is perfect.

Imagination:


Picture Jesus asking the disciples to imitate the Father.

Context:


Jesus continually demands that his disciples show goodness towards enemies. They must act as children of a heavenly Father. At the end Jesus reveals his goal. He wants the disciples to be as perfect as the heavenly Father.

Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)


You have heard it said, “You shall love your neighbor but hate your enemy.” I say to you “Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you. Pray for those who persecute you and insult you. In this way, you can be children of your heavenly Father. He makes the sun rise on the good and the bad. He makes the rain fall on the just and the unjust.
If you love those who love you, what reward shall you have? Do not even sinners do this? If you greet your brothers only, what is unusual about that? Do not even the pagans do that? You must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder the ones that attract you.)

  1. Jesus calls you to the height of holiness.
  2. He asks you to love everyone and to exclude all hatred.
  3. He offers you the highest reward. You will be a child of the heavenly Father.
  4. Look at how God acts. He sends his sun and his rain on everyone, good or bad.
  5. Jesus wants you to act in the same way.

Affections. (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)

  • Jesus, lead me to your heights of holiness.
  • O Jesus, give me a new way to live.
  • Let your love cast out all my hatred.
  • Make me a child of the heavenly Father.
  • I will shower my love and my forgiveness upon everyone.
  • You call me to be perfect as the Father. I will begin right now.

Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)

+ I will let everyone into my heart this day.
+ I will remove my hatred and critical spirit.

Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation.)

Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect.

image Meditations

Perfected In Love

Today’s Consuming Fire Meditation- – A Daily Dose of the Flame of Love Diary Served Up with Today’s Scriptures

Saturday of the First Week of Lent

Perfected In Love

If we refer to the Flame of Love, the Lord Jesus will enlighten our intellect to know what we must do, for example, how we can choose between two things and which is the most perfect and represents the Will of God. (Elizabeth) (July 11, 1975)

Today’s Readings: And if you greet your brothers and sisters only,
what is unusual about that?
Do not the pagans do the same?
So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5)

Prayer Meditation- Lord, it just seems natural- we prefer those who like us and tend to avoid those who don’t. These people can even be among our loved ones at times- how many times do we avoid family members who criticize us. Perfect love just seems like some kind of ideal we will never reach. And yet You do not ask us to be perfect to set us up for failure. You really mean we can love those who hate us and persecute us- Lord it is in Your Love and Love alone that we can be perfected. Lord Jesus enlighten our minds and our hearts that we would always choose Your Will and not ours so that we would be perfected in love this Lenten season!

image Consuming Fire

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2026 – FIRST WEEK OF LENT


ANGER (MT. 5:20-26)

Prayer:


Come, Holy Spirit. Let your gentleness overcome my anger.

Imagination:


Picture Jesus teaching his disciples to reconcile.

Context:


Jesus teaches a “greater goodness” which is demanded by the holiness of this new Kingdom. In this gospel, he compares the Old Testament teaching on anger and his new teaching. The disciples maintain unity by forgiving each other.

Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)


Jesus taught the disciples about anger, saying, “You have heard it said, ‘You shall not kill’ and ‘Whoever kills shall be liable to judgment’. But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother, shall be in danger of judgment. Whoever shall say to his brother, ‘Raqa’ shall be in danger of the council. Whoever shall say ‘You fool’ shall be in danger of hell fire.
If you come to the altar to offer your gift and remember that your brother has anything against you, leave your offering before the altar and go first to be reconciled to your brother. Then come and offer your gift.”

Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder the ones that attract you.)

  1. Jesus invites his disciples to live at a new level of goodness.
  2. The law commanded external compliance.  Jesus goes much deeper, into the disciples’ hearts.
  3. His disciples must remove their inner anger.  Then, discord will cease.
  4. He forbids angry words, so that hatred gains no foothold.
  5. Even the temple sacrifices must be delayed until the disciples reconcile.

Affections. (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)

  • Jesus, make me gentle.
  • Save me, O Lord, from the violent waters of anger. 
  • On the cross, you spoke no angry word.  You were silent as a lamb going to the slaughter.
  • Release a river of peace, forgiveness and reconciliation within me.
  • Reconcile me to all of my family and friends.
  • O Jesus, I will drink deeply of your forgiveness.

Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)

+ Today, I will forgive everyone who hurts me.
+ I will reconcile with my enemies wherever possible.

Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation.)

Leave your gift at the altar and go to be reconciled with your brother.

image Meditations

Every Little Prison

Today’s Consuming Fire Meditation- – A Daily Dose of the Flame of Love Diary Served Up with Today’s Scriptures


Friday of the First Week of Lent

Every Little Prison

All can work for Me, the free man and the one suffering in prison. What is important is the availability of the soul and the spiritual freedom which constitutes the culture of the soul. (Jesus) (May 24, 1963)

Today’s Readings: Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court.
Otherwise your opponent will hand you over to the judge,
and the judge will hand you over to the guard,
and you will be thrown into prison.
Amen, I say to you,
you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.” (Matthew 5)

Prayer Meditation- Lord today we read how if we are angry, if we are holding onto resentments and unforgiveness and do not let them go there is only one place for us- prison. Because the prison is not as we imagine it, Your judgement of us over every failure, but we put ourselves in prison when we do not settle quickly with opponents even if it is just forgiveness in our own hearts. So many of us think we are free, but we are really suffering in the prisons of our own making. Lord, help us today to forgive all and let us leave resentment at the foot of the cross so that our souls will be fully available for the spiritual freedom You died to give each one of us!

image Consuming Fire

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2026 – FIRST WEEK OF LENT


CONFIDENCE IN PRAYER (MT 7:7-12)

Prayer:


O Jesus, teach me to ask and to seek and to knock.

Imagination:


Picture Jesus teaching His disciples to have confidence in prayer.

Context:


God wants to bless you. First, he wants you to seek his blessings (so when you receive them you will thank God and grow in faith). Jesus uses three images (ask-receive; seek-find; knock-be opened) to assure you that God wants you to ask.

Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)


Ask and it will be given you. Seek and you shall find. Knock and it shall be opened to you. Whoever asks, will receive. Whoever seeks, will find. To whomever knocks, it shall be opened.
What man among you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or, if he seeks fish, will give him a serpent? If you who are evil, give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give good things to those who ask?”

Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder the ones that attract you.)

  1. To encourage you to ask, Jesus teaches that the Father always hears you.
  2. You need not compete for God’s prizes. He provides gifts for all his children.
  3. Everyone who seeks, will find something.
  4. This teaching seems too good to be true. So Jesus uses human examples.
  5. What earthly father would hand his child a stone or a serpent?
  6. Certainly, the heavenly Father will never withhold good things from you.

Affections. (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)

  • You encourage me, Jesus. You urge me to ask.
  • O God, all your gifts are mine. I just need to ask and seek.
  • O heavenly Father, would you give me useless things, like a stone or a serpent?
  • Father, you hear me as if I were your only child.
  • O Father, You gave me Jesus. Will you withhold other blessings?
  • O Father, lavish your good things upon me.

Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)

+ I will fill this day with requests to my heavenly Father.
+ I will think about the Father’s love for me.

Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation.)

How much more will the heavenly Father give you good things.

image Meditations

Ask, Seek, Knock

Today’s Consuming Fire Meditation- – A Daily Dose of the Flame of Love Diary Served Up with Today’s Scriptures


Thursday of the First Week of Lent

Ask, Seek, Knock

Jesus: “Ask for abundant graces. The more you ask, the more you will receive. Ask for others and do not fear that you ask for too much! I am happy when I give more. Even your desires make Me happy. (Jesus) (March 4-7, 1962)

Today’s Readings: Ask and it will be given you. Seek and you shall find. Knock and it shall be opened to you. Whoever asks, will receive. Whoever seeks, will find. To whomever knocks, it shall be opened. (Matthew 7)

Prayer Meditation- Lord, how timid we are so often in prayer. So afraid to ask for what we really need or to seek what we are looking for. Do we pray to You as our real Father, who loves us far more than our own parents even if they were saints? We see in our lives how, despite our faults, we give what is best to our children. How much more so will You Lord, if we just ask with trust. Even if the answer is no You always hear our prayers and give us what we really need. Lord, today, let us repeat three words for ourselves and our loved ones- ask, seek, knock! Let us pray always with faith and trust!

image Consuming Fire