| Thur Mar 26 | m: 131, 132, 133 pm: 140, 142 | Exod 7:25-8:19 | 2 Cor 3:7-18 | Mark 10:17-31 |
FIFTH THURSDAY OF LENT – : Saint Macartin, Monk and Bishop, c.505
LITURGICAL THEME FOR THE DAY: As an early disciple and companion of Saint Patrick during the latter’s missions into pagan territory. He is said to have been consecrated bishop of Clogher in Tyrone by Patrick in 454. It is said that Saint Brigid, Macartin’s niece, was present at the founding of the See. Tradition names Macartan as the “strong man” of Saint Patrick, who established the church in Clogher and spread the Gospel in Tyrone and Fermanagh. Macartin is also one of the earliest Irish saints to be known as a miracle-worker.
BIBLICAL MEDITATION OF THE DAY- In the Gospel today from Mark, the rich young ruler arrives desperate for a formula that guarantees salvation. His question mirrors our own Lenten yearning: How can I be transformed? The gospel does not hand him a checklist; instead, Jesus points to the heart‑condition that underlies every action—attachment. Jesus tells the ruler to sell everything, give to the poor, and follow Him. The command is startling because it confronts the security of wealth, status, and identity. In Lent, we, too, are asked to “sell”—to relinquish habits, comforts, or attitudes that keep us bound. Jesus assures that those who give up everything for the gospel “will receive a hundredfold now… and in the age to come inherit eternal life.” The “hundredfold” is not a material multiplier but a spiritual abundance—joy, peace, and communion with God that overflow beyond any earthly loss.
PRAYER OF THE DAY: Compassionate God of life, your kindly pardon give:
for our careless talk, our broken oath, our empty
speech; for all that we have left undone, for all that we have done amiss.
Jesus, only-begotten Son and Lamb of God, forgive us, we pray. Amen
ANCIENT WISDOM/PRESENT GRACE “ The true monk is he who is not bound by any earthly tie, but is a pilgrim for Christ’s sake.” –St. Gall
LENTEN DISCIPLINE – Structure your day to include a moment of intentional prayer, a purposeful work task done “for the Lord,” a brief period of study (a spiritual book, a Church Father, or a Celtic hymn), and a quiet contemplative pause (e.g., a 5-minute breath prayer).