March 11. When the family read the encouraging passage from Isaiah Joy shared she was feeling confused.  “I thought Lent was about sackcloth and ashes, and repentance and being more or less miserable with long faces, and here we are reading about God creating new things.” “That is true,” her mom said,” the passage shows a picture of the time when we have repented and all has been completed according to God’s plan.  Isn’t that what we are hoping for?”  She added, “But about repentance I think we should plan soon for our family Reconciliation time and for going to confession, don’t you agree?”

Reflect, share. Scripture: Read the relevant scripture passages. Thus says the Lord, Behold, I create new heavens and a new earth and the former things shall not be remembered. Be glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create.  Is 65:17-21. Pope Francis:  I invite priests once more to prepare carefully for the ministry of confession.  I ask you to be welcoming to all, witnesses of fatherly love whatever the gravity of the sin involved, attentive in helping penitents to reflect on the evil they have done, clear in presenting moral principles, willing to walk patiently beside the faithful on their penitential journey, far-sighted in discerning individual cases and generous in dispensing God’s forgiveness. MM 10. LSAP 6.   Ecological spirituality.   Pray a Lenten prayer.  God of Mercy, we praise and thank you for your love. Forgive us our failures as we learn to forgive others, so that your Kingdom of love, joy, peace, justice and freedom may come to fulfillment. Holy Spirit by your light guide us on our way.  Choose appropriate action.