Dear Fellow disciples, peace.

As we begin our Lenten journey, today’s Gospel presents Jesus facing temptation in the desert. After fasting for forty days, He is tempted by the devil with food, power, and security. Yet, Jesus does not give in. Instead, He responds with the Word of God, showing us that true strength comes not from earthly desires but from trust in God.

Dear Fellow Disciples, peace.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus uses simple but profound images to teach us about discipleship and integrity. He warns against hypocrisy, asking, “Can a blind person guide a blind person?” and urging us to first remove the “beam” from our own eye before judging others. Jesus reminds us that our words and actions flow from our hearts.

Dear Fellow Disciples, peace.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus gives us one of the most challenging teachings of the Christian life: “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you” (Luke 6:27-28). At first, this may seem impossible. How can we love those who hurt us? Yet, Jesus does not just ask us to do this—He shows us how. On the cross, He prayed for those who crucified Him: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). This is the radical love to which we are called.

Dear Fellow Disciples, Peace,

In today’s Gospel, Jesus gives us the Beatitudes, teaching us a radical truth: true happiness is not found in wealth, power, or human praise, but in God. He says, “Blessed are you who are poor, for the kingdom of God is yours. Blessed are you who hunger, for you will be satisfied.” These words challenge us because they turn worldly values upside down.

Dear Fellow Disciples, peace.

In today’s Gospel, we witness Simon Peter’s life-changing encounter with Jesus. After a long, frustrating night of fishing without success, Jesus tells him to cast his nets again. Despite his doubt, Peter obeys—and the result is an overwhelming catch. Realizing he is in the presence of the Lord, Peter falls to his knees in humility. But Jesus reassures him, calling him to a greater mission: to become a fisher of people.

Dear Fellow Disciples, Peace.

Today, we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, also known as Candlemas, marking when Mary and Joseph brought the infant Jesus to the Temple to present Him to God, as prescribed by Jewish law. This moment is rich in meaning and filled with light and hope.

In the Gospel, we hear about two faithful servants of God, Simeon and Anna. Simeon, filled with the Holy Spirit, recognizes Jesus as the “light to the nations” and the salvation God has promised. Anna, a prophetess, praises God and shares the good news with everyone waiting for redemption. Their faith and perseverance remind us of the importance of recognizing God’s presence in the ordinary moments of life.