Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament

February 17, 2026

Preparing for Lent implies we’re also preparing for change.

Today’s gospel ends with Mark writing, “He said to them, ‘Do you still not understand?’”   It implies that the very obvious (to us) is initially missed by the disciples.

And today’s epistle begins with James encouraging people who have embraced the Eucharist in their lives: “Blessed is he who perseveres in temptation, for when he has been proven, he will receive the crown of life that (Jesus) promised to those who love him.”  We have been exposed to these passages repeatedly since we were born. Can we claim “ownership” of them?

“Giving up” something (for Lent) does not necessarily embrace a change in personal behavior or attitude. Priests, brothers, and nuns encourage us to “give up” things, to make sacrifices, to be more attentive to celebrations at Mass, to attempt to be more “Christ-like.”  We go to confession, say more rosaries, and participate in “The Stations of the Cross.”

How does our “attitude” (behavior, perception, intention) develop? How do we embrace more encouragement in our prayer life, more “interacting” with others, or in being an example for each other? Can we be better brothers and sisters? Can we share ideas that create and clarify support for personal and communal needs?

As we read through the different presentations of the Last Supper, let us embrace Jesus’s encouragement to be more supportive of each other, not only in controlling things to accomplish, but also in being guided by the Holy Spirit in our ongoing personal growth. This is a beginning, a key in “making all things new.”  Let this be Lent to us.

Let us pray:

Pour forth we beseech thee, O Lord, thy grace into our hearts, that we, who have received Your baptism, share a desire to offer your gifts and grace to our families, our neighbors, the poor, handicapped, and lonely—all who need to know you live for them and in them.  Help us to spread the joy of your invitation to embrace the Eucharist in our lives, witnessing and sharing life in your hands. Amen.