# Second Wednesday of Lent: Gospel Reflection and Prayers for Ukraine
*2022-03-16*

> Bill and John reflect on today’s Gospel, pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, and lift up prayers for the suffering in Ukraine and for lukewarm souls.

## Gospel Reflection

We began with today’s Gospel, where Jesus, on the way to Jerusalem, takes the twelve disciples aside and tells them that the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests, mocked, scourged, and crucified, but will rise on the third day. The mother of James and John asks that her sons sit at Jesus’ right and left in his kingdom. Jesus replies, “You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the cup I am about to drink?” The brothers say they can, and Jesus says they will indeed drink his cup, but the places at his right and left are not his to give; they are prepared by the Father.

Jesus then teaches that true greatness comes from serving, not from seeking honor. He warns that those who desire power for its own sake miss the point of the kingdom. The reflection highlighted how many of us, like James and John, seek status, but Christ calls us to humility, suffering, and self‑gift, following the example of the saints.

## Opening Prayer and the Apostles’ Creed

We invoked the Holy Trinity: “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

Our opening prayer asked God’s mercy to flow from the heart of Jesus to the whole world, invoking the blood and water that sprang from the Cross. We then recited the Hail Mary and a penitential prayer, asking forgiveness for our sins and protection from temptation.

We continued with the Apostles’ Creed, professing belief in God the Father, in Jesus Christ, his Passion, death, burial, descent into hell, resurrection, ascension, and the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, forgiveness of sins, and life everlasting.

## Chaplet of Divine Mercy

We prayed the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, recalling that today is the ninth day of the devotion. The prayer focuses on bringing lukewarm souls to the mercy of Christ. Bill expressed personal sorrow for friends and family who have grown spiritually cold, especially in the wake of the pandemic, and asked the Lord to draw them back to the fire of love.

We also dedicated the chaplet to the people of Ukraine, remembering the three million displaced and the many killed or injured. We asked the Divine Mercy of Jesus to pour out upon them and all who suffer.

## Special Prayers

John led a series of prayers:

• A prayer to St. Joseph, asking for his intercession during sleep to grow in obedience to Christ.
• A prayer for the souls in purgatory, especially those who are lukewarm, invoking the blood of Christ.
• The Angelic Prayer, an ancient devotion said at noon, honoring the Incarnation and the Blessed Virgin Mary. After each line we responded with a Hail Mary.

These prayers were offered for the grace of the Holy Mother, for the dying, and for the conversion of hardened sinners.

## Closing Thoughts

We concluded with a prayer for God’s endless mercy, asking that we never despair but trust in His holy will. Bill announced plans for a special rosary tomorrow, possibly honoring St. Patrick, and thanked the Carmelite sisters who shared the podcast on social media. He encouraged listeners to spread the word, reminding them that even the “least of the least” can proclaim the Gospel.

*True greatness in the kingdom of God is found in humble service and in trusting Christ’s mercy for ourselves and for a hurting world.*