March 8. My word shall not return to me empty but accomplish that which I intend. ”Graham had made a serious commitment to read the scripture passages for the day during Lent.  He noted that very often in these Old Testament readings it was God speaking, “The Lord says….” He realized that God speaks through people, like the prophet Isaiah and others.  “I think God is speaking to me too to encourage others around me to listen to His word and follow what it is telling us. Now I must pray that they will listen to me.”      Reflect, share and act. Scripture: Thus says the Lord, ”As the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word  not return to me empty but accomplish that which I intend.” Isa 55:10-11. Pope Francis:  The family is called to join in daily prayer, to read the word of God and to share in Eucharistic communion and so to grow in love and become ever more fully a temple in which the Spirit dwells.  AL29.  SA Youth Responsibilities Bill 9:   The right to freedom of religion and conscience  places on me the responsibility to allow others to  choose and practice the religion of their choice and to hold their own beliefs and opinions without fear or prejudice. Choose an act of love and sacrifice from the list, also published at www.marfam.org.za/lent. Offer your act for peace in the world.