# Lenten Reflections on Mercy – Week 4
*2017-02-28*

> Bill Young shares his recent visit to Ave Maria University, introduces the daily Lenten reflections by Pope Francis, and walks through the Monday and Tuesday readings on the works of mercy.

## A Quick Update from the Boat

Good afternoon, I’m Bill Young. I’m recording from a boat where the internet has been spotty, so yesterday’s episode didn’t get saved. I’m glad we can get back on track today.

## Visit to Ave Maria University

On Sunday I visited Ave Maria University in the town of Ave Maria, Florida. The campus and the church are beautiful. I had the privilege of speaking with Fr. Michael Gaitley, the priest who organized the 33‑day “Morning Glory” consecration to Our Lady. We’ll be repeating that devotion with my group, the Lady of Fatima in Davie, Florida, beginning April 10. The 33‑day period will end on May 12, and on May 13 we’ll celebrate a special Mass at St. David’s for the 100th anniversary of the Lady of Fatima apparition.

## Lenten Booklets and Reflections

I’ve been using a few Lenten booklets. One is a condensed version I picked up at St. Mark’s; another I got from St. David’s. Both contain the daily reflections for 2017 titled *Lent: A Time of Grace – Daily Lenten Reflections by Pope Francis*. One of the pamphlets is called “You Did It to Me,” a meditation on the works of mercy.

Pope Francis writes that Lent is an opportune time to listen to God’s Word and practice the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. He reminds us that the corporal works—feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, visiting the sick—touch the flesh of Christ, while the spiritual works—counsel, instruction, forgiveness, consolation, and prayer— bring us face‑to‑face with our own sinfulness. Both must be lived together, for in serving the needy we encounter the crucified Lord.

## Monday’s Reflection (March 27)

The Monday reading comes from Matthew 25:40: “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Pope Francis urges us to ask ourselves, “Which work of mercy can I do for someone today?”

He emphasizes that the mercy we receive from God transforms our hearts, enabling us to become merciful ourselves. By reaching out to the poor, the proud, the rich, and the powerful, we open the doors of our hearts to Christ, who knocks.

## Tuesday’s Reflection (March 28)

Tuesday’s reading is from John 5:8: “Rise, take up your mat and walk.” The focus is on letting mercy shine forth. The Pope writes that we are called to be good stewards of God’s grace, sharing the gifts we have received. He reminds us that the corporal and spiritual works of mercy are concrete expressions of our faith and that through them we encounter the flesh of Christ in the suffering of others.

The daily prayer for today asks God to make us instruments of His healing: “Christ is the healer. May I open myself to your healing presence and become a sign of your healing in the world.”

## Closing Thoughts

As we continue through Lent, let us remember that Christ died for everyone—our friends, our enemies, and those we find difficult to love. May this awareness shape our actions and prayers each day.

*Lent invites us to let God’s mercy flow through us by serving both the physical and spiritual needs of others.*