A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.

Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness;
in the greatness of your compassion wipe out my offense.
Thoroughly wash me from my guilt
and of my sin cleanse me.
R. A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.
A clean heart create for me, O God,
and a steadfast spirit renew within me.
Cast me not out from your presence,
and your Holy Spirit take not from me.
R. A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.
For you are not pleased with sacrifices;
should I offer a burnt offering, you would not accept it.
My sacrifice, O God, is a contrite spirit;
a heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.
R. A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.

How is your Lent going so far?  I have to be careful.  After hearing the Gospel on Sunday and admitting to all about my dependence on food was my falling to the temptations of Satan, I started fasting on Monday morning.  I had consumed an estimated 50 calories through the day (mostly chicken broth and some brown tomatoes) and when I got home, was feeling rather dizzy.  I checked my blood sugar and it was rather low.  I shared that with my brother and he reminded me that those with diabetes really shouldn’t fast, so yesterday, I added a little more to my diet.  The blood sugar this morning was still on the low side, but I am determined to break the chains of food dependency.  Pray for me.

As you pray for me, I offer the names of the following to be lifted in prayer too…

Mark Chibitty who will be at St. Louis University the next three weeks for cancer treatment, during which he can have no visitors.

Phil Blahuth who is recovering from his second hip surgery.

Ed Bell, who lost his wife Pat late last week.  They are both beautiful people who we met when going to  St. Mary Magdalen.  Pat’s funeral Mass will be tomorrow morning.

My son Jerome who will be starting a new career with Edward Jones next month.  This is a job he has been trying to get for quite some time and he received the news that he has been hired earlier this week.

My daughter Cecilia who received a call from her agent and has been cast with a small part in a production in Hollywood.  Not sure of all the details, but she is excited.  Pray for her and her husband Garrett, who has started a new job in LA that offers a lot of promise and security for the both of them.

My daughter Ruth, who graduates in May from UMSL, and was “rejected” by each and everyone of the Universities she applied to for graduate school.  She has since applied for a program here at UMSL and is awaiting acceptance into that program.

Fr. Siefert is receiving a new pump for his diabetes.  He is in the hospital through today after having this pump inserted that I believe mimics a pancreas.  Forgive me if I’m wrong about the organ it mimics, pray that this procedure works and he can be healthy (and remain our Pastor) for years to come.

For my wife’s husband Chris, who was promoted to Lieutenant at his firehouse.  Chris has worked hard to achieve this honor and we are proud of him for it (and for being a great husband and father).  Pray for his safety and the safety of all first responders who put their lives at risk daily for our safety and well being.

There may be others in need of prayer not specifically mentioned here, so offer up a general prayer on their behalf.

I encourage you to read the meditations of Blessed Emmerich (I posted that hyperlink a few days back).  Her visions of the final days of Christ have been a true inspiration these past few days.  Her visions are so clear and detailed in these works that you feel like you are witnessing all that happened those last few days of Christ.  Please try and read them.

Do something great for our Lord today – repent and believe; offer sacrifice and alms for the poor; pray for those in need.

God’s will, not mine, be done.

Be not afraid; just have faith.

Jesus, I trust in You.

He must increase; I must decrease.