Purpose of Lent

Today's Readings:
Is 58:1-9
Ps 51:3-6, 18-19
Mt 9:14-15

Through the discipline and our observance of Lent, it is our hope that we grow closer in our relationship with our Lord. We can only do that however if we take the antiphon of our Responsorial Psalm to heart: "a heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn." Approaching our God with this sort of heart is the only way in which we can expect to grow in our relationship with our Lord. Today let us approach Christ with a humbled and contrite heart and ask that he help us to make this Lent as fruitful as possible. Have a great day and God Bless.
Prayer: Lord, help us this Lent to truly grow in faith, hope, and love.

Saint of the Day - St. Barbatus
Barbatus was born in Benevento, Italy, in 612. He was given a Christian upbringing and was good and devout. He took his faith seriously and especially liked to read the Bible. As soon as he was old enough, he was ordained a priest. Later he was made a pastor. But his life as a pastor was not easy. Some people did not like him to tell them how to live. St. Barbatus was encouraging them to lead better lives. He reminded them to be sorry for their sins. Some of the people were angry. They persecuted him and finally forced him to leave. The young priest felt bad. He went back to Benevento where he had been born. He was received with great joy. There were challenges in that city, too. Many converts to Christianity still kept pagan idols in their homes. They found it hard to destroy their good luck charms. They believed in magic powers. St. Barbatus preached against such superstitions. But the people hung on to their false gods. The saint warned them that because of this sin, their city would be attacked by enemies and it was. Afterward, the people gave up their error and peace returned. St. Barbatus was made bishop. He continued his work to convert his people. He died on February 29, 682, at the age of seventy. Reflection: Each human heart was created by God to be united with him in heaven. What does it feel like to be loved by God?

Saint information comes from: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/february/0219.asp