# Jesus Hidden Among Us – Reflections for Lent
*2023-02-27*

> Bill and John explore the Gospel reading for Lent, reflecting on how Christ is hidden in the faces of those we serve, and lead a Divine Mercy novena and chaplet.

## The Gospel and Its Hidden Christ

We begin with the Gospel reading from Matthew 25, where Jesus tells us that whatever we do for the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the naked, the sick, and the imprisoned, we do for Him. This reminds us that Christ is hidden among us in the needs of our neighbors. Our love for God is inseparable from love for our neighbor; when we feed the hungry or clothe the naked, we encounter Jesus Himself.

## Living the Beatitudes in Daily Life

St. Mother Teresa taught that we cannot see Christ directly, but we can see Him in the faces of those we serve. Faith and love go hand in hand, and our daily actions—whether feeding the hungry or visiting the sick—are the concrete expression of that love. We asked ourselves: “How might I be more attentive to Christ’s presence in others today?”

St. Benedict’s advice also guided us: beyond the ordinary measures of service, we can offer private prayer or abstinence as a free offering to God, joining our works with the joy of the Holy Spirit.

## Divine Mercy Prayer and Chaplet

We opened with the traditional Divine Mercy prayer: “You expired, Jesus, but the source of life flows forth for us. Oh, fountain of life and divine mercy, pour out upon the whole world.” We then recited the Our Father, Hail Mary, and the Apostles’ Creed, followed by the Divine Mercy Chaplet, invoking the blood and water that flowed from the heart of Jesus as a fountain of mercy for us.

We continued with a heartfelt petition for the souls who have separated themselves from the Church, asking the merciful Lord to draw them back into the light of His love.

## Novena for the Divine Mercy Chaplet

We reflected on the origin of the Divine Mercy chaplet, given to St. Faustina by Jesus. She was instructed to pray it especially during a novena nine days before the Feast of Divine Mercy, promising great graces for those who recite it. The chaplet can be prayed individually or together, and it is a powerful means of obtaining mercy at the hour of death.

## Upcoming Event with Dr. Scott Hahn

Finally, we announced that Dr. Scott Hahn will be speaking at St. Rose of Lima in Miami Shores on March 4th. This is a wonderful opportunity to hear one of the leading Catholic scholars in person. The event is organized by the St. Paul Center; more information is available on their website and on Dr. Hahn’s podcast.

*When we serve those in need, we encounter the hidden Christ and share in His divine mercy.*