Scripture readings: Jonah 3:1-10; Psalm 51; Luke 11:29-32 Caribbean parents often use the expression, “who don’t hear will feel.” This is said to a child to remind him of the importance of listening and obeying.

Scripture readings: Isaiah 55:10-11; Psalm 34; Matthew 6:7-15 Could we have asked for two more beautiful readings as we enter the first full week of our Lenten season? The prophet Isaiah boldly proclaims that everything our gracious God confirms and sets in place will be accomplished.

Scripture readings: Leviticus 19:1-2, 11-18; Psalm 19; Matthew 25:31-46 The readings today begin with a statement directly from God: “Be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.” We then hear a general summary of the commandments, which call us to be caring, kind, and concerned for others.

Scripture readings: Genesis 2:7-9, 3:1-7; Psalm 51; Romans 5:12-19; Matthew 4:1-11 If you’re trying to eat less for Lent, you may be asking God why pizza tastes so good and why broccoli is not so appetizing.

Scripture readings: Isaiah 58:9-14; Psalm 86; Luke 5:27-32 Suddenly it can make sense to decide fully for God. The grace of God can do that for anyone. Today’s Gospel tells how it happened to Levi, whom we now know as St. Matthew.

Scripture readings: Isaiah 58:1-9; Psalm 51; Matthew 9:14-15 Unlike the consoling voice we hear during Advent, the Isaiah we hear today is a prophet challenging people who do religious things but who have not let their religion change their hearts.

Scripture readings: Deuteronomy 30:15-20; Psalm 1; Luke 9:22-25 When Jesus says in today’s Gospel, “The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised,” He is referring to the Paschal Mystery.

By Father Ruskin Piedra, C.Ss.R. The most recent mission (November 15 through 22, 2013) started very well insofar as there were no problems entering or leaving the United States or Cuba. This time the team left from Florida (my cousin, William, and co-misionera Rosario Bergouignan) and from Toronto, Canada (Neil Bernstein, a Jewish immigration lawyer, and myself).

The people of rural Martí, Cuba, show ‘a hunger to learn more about the faith’ By Father Ruskin Piedra, C.Ss.R. The most recent mission (November 15 through 22, 2013) started very well insofar as there were no problems entering or leaving the United States or Cuba.

Scripture readings: Joel 2:12-18; Psalm 51; 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2; Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18 Ash Wednesday and the three days following are about preparing well for the Lenten season. How do we want to spend our Lent?